10 Easy Fall and Winter Cocktail Recipes
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to embrace the cozy comforts of the season. With fall gradually giving way to winter, there’s no better way to celebrate the changing weather than by mixing up delicious seasonal cocktails.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a football watch party, or simply relaxing by the fire, these fall and winter cocktails are a festive way to raise your spirits and warm up from the inside out.
This list of 10 easy cocktail recipes will take you from the vibrant flavors of autumn to the warm, indulgent drinks of the winter holidays. From pumpkin spice and caramel apple to gingerbread and eggnog, these drinks capture the essence of the season with minimal effort. They’re perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home with a festive twist.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Fall Cocktails: Apple Cider Cocktail, Jack the Pumpkin, Caramel Apple Martini, Spiced Bourbon Beer and Maple Martini, and Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail.
Winter Cocktails: Winter Citrus Sour, Jingle Juice Holiday Punch, White Christmas Margarita, Gingerbread Martini, and Spiked Eggnog.
Fall Cocktails
Fall is a season filled with warm, inviting flavors that pair perfectly with the cooler weather and festive gatherings. Think apples, pumpkins, cinnamon, and maple—ingredients that bring comforting nostalgia to every sip. Fall cocktails are all about blending these seasonal ingredients into creative drinks that celebrate the best of autumn. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a backyard bonfire, these fall-inspired drinks are sure to impress.
Now, let’s dive into five must-try fall cocktail drinks, starting with the Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail.
1. Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail
Nothing says fall quite like the crisp, refreshing taste of apple cider. This Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail is a simple yet flavorful way to bring autumn to your glass. With a blend of cider, bourbon, and a hint of spice, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy during cool fall evenings or while hosting a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
3 oz apple cider
2 oz bourbon
½ tsp lemon juice
2 oz ginger beer or ginger ale
Cinnamon stick, thyme sprig, and apple slice (for garnish)
Ice cubes
Directions
Add ice to a cocktail shaker.
Add apple cider, bourbon, and lemon juice to the shaker.
Shake until well combined.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Add garnishes for a festive touch.
For the full recipe and more inspiration, visit Tidy Mom.
2. Jack the Pumpkin
This delicious cocktail brings the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin to life in a creative and sophisticated way. The Jack the Pumpkin cocktail blends applejack and pumpkin purée for a drink that’s both festive and comforting. It’s an excellent choice for pumpkin lovers looking to sip on something special this fall.
Ingredients
6 oz applejack
4 oz pumpkin purée
4 oz chilled apple cider
6 oz chilled ginger beer
4 apple slices (for garnish)
Ice cubes
Directions
Add applejack, pumpkin purée, and apple cider into an ice-filled shaker.
Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly combined and chilled.
Stir in the ginger beer, then strain into 4 ice-filled glasses.
Add the apple slices as garnishes for an extra touch of autumn charm.
For the full recipe and details, visit Food Network.
3. Caramel Apple Martini
This Caramel Apple Martini is a sweet, indulgent treat that’s perfect for fall. With the nostalgic flavors of caramel and apple, it’s like your favorite fall dessert in a glass. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening, this drink combines elegance with the warmth of autumn.
Ingredients
2 oz apple cider
2 oz caramel vodka
1 oz butterscotch schnapps
Caramel sauce or cinnamon sugar (for rimming)
Apple slice (for garnish)
Directions
Rim a martini glass with caramel sauce or cinnamon sugar.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the caramel vodka, apple cider, and butterscotch schnapps.
Shake until well combined.
Pour into the prepared martini glass.
Garnish with an apple slice for a stylish finish.
For the full recipe and inspiration, visit Inspired by Charm.
4. Spiced Bourbon, Beer, and Maple Martini
The Spiced Bourbon, Beer, and Maple Martini is a bold and unique cocktail that brings together the deep flavors of bourbon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the subtle fizz of beer. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with complex, layered flavors that capture the essence of autumn. Serve this martini at a fall gathering, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Ingredients
1 cup chilled bourbon
¼ cup chilled maple syrup
¼ cup chilled dark beer
1 nutmeg
Ice cubes
4 small dried red chiles
Directions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the bourbon, beer, and maple syrup.
Cover and shake around 8 times until well combined.
Strain into 4 chilled martini glasses.
Grate ⅛ tsp nutmeg over each drink.
Add chiles to each drink, then stir and serve cold.
For the full recipe and inspiration, visit Food Network.
5. Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
The Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail is a delightful fall twist on a classic drink. Combining the creamy richness of a White Russian with the cozy, spiced flavors of pumpkin, this cocktail is a must-try for autumn enthusiasts. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or celebrating with friends, this drink brings warmth and indulgence to any occasion.
Ingredients
3 oz vodka
1.5 oz coffee liqueur
3 oz pumpkin spice creamer
Whipped cream (for garnish)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp crushed graham crackers
Directions
On a plate, mix the pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs together, then wet the edges of two glasses with water and dip them into the mixture.
Pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and creamer into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake until well combined and chilled.
Pour the mixture into the glasses with ice.
If desired, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice.
For the full recipe and more details, visit The Cookie Rookie.
Winter Cocktails
As the temperatures drop and the holidays approach, winter cocktails offer a warm and festive way to celebrate the season. These drinks are filled with rich, comforting flavors like citrus, gingerbread, and eggnog, making them perfect for cozy nights by the fire or festive holiday gatherings.
Let’s begin with the first winter recipe: Winter Citrus Sour Cocktail.
6. Winter Citrus Sour Cocktail
The Winter Citrus Sour Cocktail is a refreshing and tangy drink that balances the brightness of citrus with a refreshing twist. Its vibrant flavors make it a versatile option, whether you’re sipping it during a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a pre-dinner treat.
Ingredients
2 oz gin
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz Cointreau
½ oz simple syrup
Lemon rind rose (for garnish)
Directions
Add the gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, Cointreau, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
Shake for a quick 5 seconds, then strain into two glasses.
Add the lemon rind rose as a garnish if desired.
For the full recipe and more inspiration, visit Elle Talk.
7. Jingle Juice Holiday Punch
Jingle Juice Holiday Punch is the ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail for winter festivities. Bursting with bright, fruity flavors and a festive flair, this punch is perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. It’s easy to make in large batches, ensuring everyone can enjoy a glass of holiday cheer.
Ingredients
1 bottle whipped vodka
1 bottle pink champagne or sparkling rose
1 bottle cherry 7-up (2-liter)
Ice cubes
Cranberries (for garnish)
Directions
In a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients.
Stir until well combined and serve over ice.
Garnish with cranberries if desired.
For the full recipe and more ideas, visit Inspired by Charm.
8. White Christmas Margarita
Who says margaritas are just for summer? The White Christmas Margarita is a tropical-inspired winter cocktail that brings a festive twist to a classic favorite. With creamy coconut and a hint of lime, this drink is as refreshing as it is elegant.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz tequila
1 oz Cointreau
¾ oz cream of coconut
½ oz lime juice
1 oz white cranberry juice
Ice cubes
Sugar (for rimming)
Rosemary or cranberries (for garnish)
Directions
Rim a glass with cream of coconut and sugar.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the tequila, Cointreau, white cranberry juice, lime juice, and cream of coconut.
Shake well until the mixture is well combined and chilled.
Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
Garnish with rosemary or cranberries for a festive finish.
For the full recipe and inspiration, visit The Feed Feed.
9. Gingerbread Martini
The Gingerbread Martini is a delightful dessert cocktail that combines the cozy, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the smoothness of cream liqueur. It’s perfect for winter gatherings or as a festive treat to cap off a holiday meal. This drink will bring the nostalgic taste of gingerbread cookies straight to your glass.
Ingredients
1 oz vodka
1 oz Irish cream liqueur
½ oz coffee liqueur
1 oz gingerbread syrup
½ scoop softened vanilla ice cream
Ice cubes
Whipped cream (for garnish)
Directions
In a shaker, combine all ingredients.
Shake until well combined and chilled, then pour into a glass.
Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
For the full recipe and more details, visit Nutmeg Nanny.
10. Spiked Eggnog
Nothing says winter holidays quite like a glass of creamy eggnog. This Spiked Eggnog recipe takes the traditional favorite to the next level by adding a splash of rum and spices. Perfect for sipping by the fire or toasting during holiday gatherings, this classic drink is a cozy treat for the season.
Ingredients
7 oz eggnog (homemade or store-bought)
1 ½ oz spiced rum
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Directions
In a glass, stir together the eggnog and rum.
Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the mixture.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.
For more details and the original recipe, visit Buns In My Oven.
Cheers to a Festive Season
With these 10 easy fall and winter cocktail recipes, you’re ready to make the season more festive and flavorful. From the crisp, autumn-inspired Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail to the creamy, indulgent Spiked Eggnog, these drinks capture the essence of the cooler months and bring a touch of celebration to any gathering.
At Traditions Wine and Spirits, we’re here to help you craft the perfect drink. Our store in Madison, Mississippi, offers a wide selection of premium wine and spirits, so you can find everything you need to make these recipes come to life. Not in the area? You can also browse our inventory and shop online to stock up on your favorite ingredients.
Visit us at 123 Grandview Blvd # O, Madison, MS 39110 today, and let us help you celebrate the season with unforgettable cocktails. For added convenience, you can also order online and have everything delivered straight to your door. Cheers to a cozy and festive season ahead!