30 Best Fall Cocktails and Drinks for a Happy Hour

If you’re looking for a cocktail that isn’t overly sweet and syrupy, try this margarita! It’s still full of apple cider flavor with just the right amount of sweetness thanks to the sugared rim.

Get the Apple Cider Margarita recipe.

SHOP GLASSES

Ree makes a version of this spicy coffee cocktail at The Merc. If you can’t take a trip to Pawhuska, try shaking up your own at home. It’s like an expresso martini with a kick.

Get Ree’s Spicy Cowgirl Martini recipe.

The combination of apple cider, butterscotch schnapps, and caramel syrup will make this your new favorite drink. It’s like a grown-up twist on the caramel apples of your childhood.

Get the Caramel Apple Martini recipe.

This classic drink is often referred to as an “apertivo,” or a drink to have before dinner, but you can mix one up any time you please! The slightly bitter flavor and a bright orange color make it perfect for fall.

Get the Negroni recipe.

This drink is just like a bloody Mary, but made with tequila instead. A big pitcher of the stuff will be a hit at any day game tailgate party. Garnish it however you’d like!

Get the Bloody Maria recipe.

SHOP PITCHERS

When temperatures begin to drop, make a batch of wassail to warm up. This crowd-friendly punch recipe is full of so many cozy spices, it’ll put you in the autumnal spirit immediately.

Get the Wassail recipe.

If you’re a fan of sweet treats, you’ll love this martini that tastes just like a pumpkin pie! In fact, some people might even consider it equal parts cocktail and fall dessert.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.

This cozy treat is technically a milkshake, but with a splash of vanilla vodka (or even bourbon), it becomes the ultimate fall dessert cocktail. Whip it up for a grown-up twist on a classic autumn dessert.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe.

Traditionally made with lemon juice, it’s easy to give this citrusy cocktail a fall-friendly twist when you swap in apple cider. It’s smooth, a little tart, and would be perfect on those cooler nights!

Get the Sidecar Cocktail recipe.

We all know and love the PSL—but if you’re feeling festive, try adding a shot of coffee liqueur or spiced rum. It’s a sweet and slightly boozy take on everyone’s favorite fall drink!

Get the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.

This seasonal spin on a Moscow mule is packed with cozy flavor. The apple cider and pomegranate are perfect together, and the ginger beer gives it just enough zing. A festive garnish is optional but encouraged!

Get the Spiced Apple Cider Pomegranate Moscow Mules recipe.

Give the classic Cosmo gets a fall upgrade with a splash of cranberry or blood orange juice in place of plain citrus. It’ll taste vibrant, refreshing, and fancy—which makes it perfect for any autumn gathering.

Get the Cosmopolitan Cocktail recipe.

Any chocolate fan will adore this indulgent cocktail. Made with Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, and vodka, it backs a punch. Don’t forget chocolate syrup for drizzling around the glass.

Get the Chocolate Martini recipe.

This fruity sipper is so easy to shake up for a happy hour. Since pomegranates are in season during fall, top each martini with a few of the fruit’s juicy, sweet seeds.

Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.

Homemade Irish cream is so darn good. It’s delicious simply served over ice for a cozy after dinner cocktail, but it’s also scrumptious shaken into an espresso martini.

Get Ree’s Homemade Irish Cream recipe.

This cocktail is on the lighter side of the fall drinks, but that just makes it all the most perfect for pairing with comfort foods. Try the big batch at your next tailgate and everyone will be asking for a glass.

Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that works just as well for football season as it does for taco night, then this michelada is for you! Choose a light beer to mix with the combination of tomato and lime juices, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

Get the Michelada recipe.

Just like the changing colors of the leaves outside, this classic cocktail has a change in color thanks to the addition of cranberry juice. A few frozen cranberries and an orange twist to garnish make it the perfect drink of a fall brunch.

Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe.

Lighter and less sweet than your typical mulled cider, this warm cocktail is just the thing to sip on after a heavy fall dinner. Plus, it comes together in just five minutes!

Get the Hot Toddy recipe.

SHOP MUGS