Pumpkin isn’t the only flavor of the season.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but when I think of fall, pumpkin is not what comes to mind. While PSLs can certainly be a nice treat (and who doesn’t love a pumpkin loaf?), I firmly believe that apples should be the star of the season. After all, you can incorporate them into an even greater variety of recipes than pumpkins, especially cocktail recipes.
When I look for a cocktail to sip on with dinner, or make in a batch for friends, I want something crisp and refreshing with a hint of autumnal spice — not the thick weight of pumpkin made sweet as pie (literally).
Try any of these eight apple cocktail recipes and I’m sure you’ll be on my side of this fall flavor debate in just one sip.
If any cocktail already lends itself to apple, it’s a Moscow Mule. Ginger beer brings its own spice that’s just waiting for that addition of apple. This recipe from A Couple Cooks recommends an even amount of vodka and apple cider to hit the right flavor balance, plus a fresh apple slice and a sprig of thyme to make that copper mug even more stunning.
If you’re having a group of friends over, a batched cocktail, especially one that’s wine-based, is the easiest way to go. Shake up your usual sangria recipe by following this one from Sally’s Baking Addiction. The author may be known for her desserts, but this recipe — which combines red wine, brandy, apple cider, and fresh citrus — proves that she knows her way around a bar, too.
The Spruce Eats is a great place to find tons of apple drink recipes, but this one really stands out with the addition of homemade apple cinnamon tequila. Follow the surprisingly simple steps to infuse the tequila of your choice and create the fall marg of your dreams.
Save your oranges for the wintertime and turn to this apple cider mimosa recipe from Well Plated By Erin to kick off cozy days this fall. It’s as simple to make as the classic brunch cocktail, and if you’re feeling fancy you can rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar to impress any guests (or just treat yourself).
If you want to skip the alcohol and still go beyond the basic apple cider, check out this sparkling mocktail from What’s Gaby Cooking. It adds pomegranate juice and some super cute garnish to really elevate the zero-proof drink.
If you’re not quite ready to leave summer behind, get your fix of both seasons with this apple cider slushie recipe from The Cozy Plum. By blending frozen apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon, sugar, and the liquor of your choice (or none, if you want to keep it booze-free), you get all the flavors of fall in a refreshing, frozen combination.
You don’t need to follow a recipe to make boozy apple cider — or spend a lot of money, either. If it’s a drink you make regularly, you can grab a bottle of premade mulling syrup (I like this one from Wood Stove Kitchen available at Target for $16) to have on hand whenever the mood strikes. Just mix it with some apple cider and the booze of your choice on the stove and voilà!