5 Simple Fall Cocktails to Try: From Fall Margaritas to Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martinis

1. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Pumpkin spice and espresso—two fall favorites combined into one unforgettable cocktail. The Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini delivers warmth, a hint of sweetness, and that much-needed caffeine boost for cooler evenings. This simple fall cocktail is a cozy spin on the classic martini, ideal for after-dinner drinks or your next fall gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (Arabica beans for a sweeter, less bitter profile)
• 0.75 oz coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
• 1.5 oz vodka (vanilla or spiced vodka for added flavor)
• 0.5 oz pumpkin spice syrup (recipe below)
• 0.25 oz maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 2 dashes chocolate bitters (for added complexity)
• Ice (for shaking)

How to Make The Cocktail

1. Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. In a shaker, combine vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice syrup, and maple syrup (if using).
3. Add chocolate bitters and a generous scoop of ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin spice blend on top.
7. Optionally, garnish with three roasted coffee beans or a cinnamon stick.

Syrup Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger)

How to Make the Syrup

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice blend, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain through a fine sieve. Store in the fridge.

WHY IT WORKS

The combination of rich espresso with sweet pumpkin spice creates a balanced drink that isn’t overly sweet. The chocolate bitters add depth, making this cocktail a true fall favorite. Plus, it’s an easy cocktail recipe you can whip up in minutes, perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

2. Forest Floor Gin Cocktail

Looking for a fall gin cocktail that goes beyond the typical flavors of the season? The Forest Floor Gin Cocktail combines earthy beet juice, fresh rosemary and thyme, and a hint of smoked sea salt to create an adventurous, complex drink. It’s perfect for gin lovers who want to explore new flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin (earthy gin like The Botanist or a pine-forward gin for a forest-like flavor)
• 0.5 oz fresh beet juice (adds earthiness and a touch of sweetness)
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth (adds complexity with a herbal note)
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice (for brightness)
• 0.5 oz rosemary and thyme syrup (recipe below)
• 2 dashes black walnut bitters (for nutty depth)
• Pinch of smoked sea salt (enhances the earthiness)
• Ice (for shaking)

How to Make The Cocktail

1. In a shaker, combine gin, fresh beet juice, dry vermouth, lemon juice, rosemary & thyme syrup, black walnut bitters, and a pinch of smoked sea salt.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain into a coupe glass or serve over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
4. Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme and a thin beet slice.

Syrup Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

How to Make the Syrup

1. Combine sugar, water, rosemary, and thyme in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain out the herbs. Store in the fridge.

WHY IT WORKS

This cocktail pairs the herbaceous notes of gin with the earthiness of beet juice and smoked sea salt. The rosemary and thyme syrup adds depth, making this a cocktail for those who appreciate bold, layered flavors. It’s a simple fall cocktail perfect for those evenings when you want to enjoy something a little different.

3. Spiced Pear & Maple Margarita

A fall margarita recipe that perfectly captures the fall season. The Spiced Pear & Maple Margarita combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with the richness of maple syrup and the warmth of allspice. Finished with a cinnamon sugar rim, this is a simple fall cocktail that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz reposado tequila (adds depth with a slightly oaky flavor)
• 1 oz fresh pear juice (ripe Bartlett pears for natural sweetness)
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice (for acidity)
• 0.5 oz maple syrup (a nod to autumn sweetness)
• 0.25 oz allspice dram (adds warmth and complexity)
• 1 dash of cinnamon bitters (enhances the fall spice theme)
• Ice (for shaking)
• Cinnamon sugar rim (for a seasonal touch)
• Thin pear slice or dehydrated pear wheel

How to Make The Cocktail

1. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
2. In a shaker, combine reposado tequila, fresh pear juice, lime juice, maple syrup, allspice dram, and cinnamon bitters.
3. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or serve straight up.
5. Garnish with a pear slice or dehydrated pear wheel.

WHY IT WORKS

The natural sweetness of the pear juice pairs beautifully with the oaky depth of the tequila, while the cinnamon sugar rim adds a fun fall twist. This cocktail is simple to make but delivers a rich, layered flavor profile. It’s the ultimate fall margarita recipe.

4. Autumn Harvest Bourbon Sangria

When fall sangria is done right, it’s a celebration of bold, warming flavors. The Autumn Harvest Bourbon Sangria combines red wine, bourbon, and apple cider with seasonal fruits like pears and apples, all tied together with a hint of maple syrup and warm spices.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle dry red wine (Tempranillo or Zinfandel for bold, fruit-forward flavors)
• 3 oz bourbon (adds warmth and complexity)
• 1 cup fresh apple cider (for seasonal sweetness)
• 0.5 cup pear brandy (for enhanced fruit flavors)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (for rich sweetness)
• 1 cinnamon stick (adds warmth)
• 2 star anise pods (for aromatic depth)
• 1 apple (thinly sliced)
• 1 pear (thinly sliced)
• 1 orange (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for texture)
• Ice (for serving)
• Optional: Club soda for added fizz
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

How to Make The Cocktail

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, bourbon, pear brandy, apple cider, and maple syrup. Stir well until the maple syrup dissolves.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and fruit slices (apple, pear, and orange).
3. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (overnight for best results).
4. Stir in pomegranate seeds before serving.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. Add a splash of club soda if desired.
6. Garnish with a rosemary sprig for an aromatic touch.

WHY IT WORKS

This fall sangria brings together the richness of bourbon and the fruitiness of red wine with classic autumn flavors like apple and pear. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great make-ahead option for fall gatherings.

5. Apple & Ginger Sparkling Mocktail

Looking for a cocktail recipe without alcohol? The Apple & Ginger Sparkling Mocktail is a refreshing, celebratory drink that highlights the best non-alcoholic wine for cocktails, paired with seasonal apple cider and warm ginger syrup. This simple fall cocktail offers all the flavor without the alcohol, perfect for any fall occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine (or sparkling water)
• 2 oz fresh apple cider (unfiltered for deeper flavor)
• 0.5 oz ginger syrup (recipe below)
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (for brightness)
• 2 dashes non-alcoholic bitters (optional)
• Ice (for serving)

How to Make The Mocktail

1. In a shaker, combine the apple cider, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and bitters (if using).
2. Add ice and shake gently.
3. Strain into a wine glass or flute and top with non-alcoholic sparkling wine (or sparkling water).
4. Garnish with a thin apple slice or candied ginger.

Syrup Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh ginger (sliced)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

How to Make the Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine sliced ginger, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Strain the ginger and cool. Store in the fridge.

WHY IT WORKS

This mocktail highlights the natural sweetness of the apple cider while the ginger syrup brings a warming kick. Using a non-alcoholic wine as a base, it offers a celebratory feel with seasonal flavors.