Living by Design… Sip Into Fall Bliss with These Fun Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it’s time to welcome the flavors of fall with open arms (and glasses). What better way to do that than with some delightful fall cocktail recipes? Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply want to enjoy a quiet evening by the fireplace, these fun fall cocktails will elevate your autumn experience.

1. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine (try Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
• 2 cups of apple cider
• 1/2 cup of brandy
• 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (e.g., Triple Sec)
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 cloves
• Sparkling water (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, combine the wine, apple cider, brandy, and orange liqueur.
2. Add the sliced apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice, and top with a splash of sparkling water for some fizz.

2. Pumpkin Spice Moscow Mule:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz pumpkin puree
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (mix equal parts sugar and water)
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Ginger beer
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine the vodka, pumpkin puree, lime juice, simple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Shake vigorously until well combined.
3. Fill a copper mug with ice and pour the mixture over the ice.
4. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with a cinnamon stick or lime wheel.

3. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
4. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a quick twist. Then, drop the peel into the glass.

4. Cranberry Apple Mule:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry vodka
• 2 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries and apple slices for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add the cranberry vodka, apple cider, and lime juice.
3. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and apple slices.

5. Autumn Spice Mocktail:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise (optional)
• Orange slices and cranberries for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise (if using) to the mixture.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through (but not boiling).
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise from the mixture.
5. Fill a glass with ice and pour the warm spiced juice over the ice.
6. Garnish with orange slices and a few cranberries for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve your refreshing Autumn Spice Mocktail and savor the cozy fall vibes without the alcohol.

This delightful mocktail captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and fruity notes, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a festive beverage without the alcohol. Cheers to a wonderful fall season!