When the air turns crisp and sweaters finally make their way out of storage, the best thing to have in your hand is something delicious and cozy.
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Whether you’re planning a fall dinner party, hosting friends around a firepit, or simply want to make your evenings a little more fun, having a lineup of fall drinks ready is a seasonal must.
You may also love my Aperol sprtiz ice cubes or bloody mary bar recipes
These drinks for the fall aren’t just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the mood. Think flickering candles, warm spices, clinking ice cubes, and that magical balance between comfort and celebration.
Whether you prefer fall alcohol drinks that mix bourbon and apple cider or fall non alcoholic drinks that lean on spiced teas and creamy coffee ice cubes, this guide has ideas you’ll want to try all season.
What this recipe is so festive
❤️ Fall is that short, golden moment between summer chaos and holiday rush. It’s when we slow down, gather, and start craving cozy rituals. Drinks are part of that rhythm.
But what makes these fall drinks extra special is how simple it is to turn an everyday beverage into something stunning. The trick? Cocktail ice cubes.
These little frozen gems are your secret weapon for drinks for the fall. They look fancy, add flavor, and keep your drink cold without watering it down too quickly. And yes—you can make them with or without alcohol.They work for fall alcohol drinks and fall non alcoholic drinks alike.
Imagine this: a glass of sparkling apple cider with a cinnamon stick and a sparkly fall ice cube, or an old-fashioned with a cube glistening with edible gold. The visual is stunning, the flavor deepens as it melts, and your guests will think you spent hours on the presentation.
🗒 What You'll Need
- Making festive cocktail or coffee ice cubes is ridiculously easy. Here’s everything you’ll need to set yourself up for success:
- 1. Silicone Mold
- Choose flexible molds for easy release. Large cubes work best for slower melting in fall alcohol drinks, while smaller ones are great for iced coffees or mocktails.
- Tip: Use sphere molds or fun seasonal shapes (like pumpkins or leaves) for a little flair.
- 2. Water (or Base Liquid)
- Use filtered or boiled water for clearer cubes—cloudy ones can look dull. For coffee ice cubes, brew strong coffee first so the flavor stays rich even after freezing.
- 3. Edible Glitter or Garnishes
- A touch of edible glitter or a sprinkle of gold dust adds a festive sparkle. For garnish options, use tiny herbs, dried citrus wheels, or pomegranate seeds.
- 4. Alcoholic Cocktail or Non-Alcoholic Drink of Choice
- This is where it gets fun. You can make cubes that pair with fall alcohol drinks like bourbon cocktails, or keep it wholesome with fall non alcoholic drinks such as chai lattes or spiced cider mocktails.
- You can even freeze a mix of spiced syrup, fruit juice, or wine into cubes to pop into sparkling water or punch.
- Make multiple variations and keep them ready to go. A freezer drawer of cocktail cubes feels like having a mini bar at your fingertips.
Ideas for Drinks for Fall
Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
- 2 oz bourbon
- 2 oz apple cider
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig
- Add a cocktail ice cube made with apple cider and cinnamon for flavor that deepens as you sip.
- Place your silicone mold on a tray for stability.
- Add your edible glitter.
- Fill each section halfway with water
- Top off with more liquid to fill completely.
- Freeze until solid (usually overnight).
- Pop out and use immediately, or store in a sealed bag.
Cranberry Mule
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- Top with ginger beer
Try a cocktail ice cube with frozen cranberries and a pinch of edible glitter.
Maple Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes bitters
Add a large ice sphere with a cinnamon stick inside—it slowly infuses as it melts, turning each sip into a cozy fall moment.
Pumpkin White Russian
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer or half-and-half
Drop in coffee ice cubes to keep it cool and flavorful.
🤔 Ideas for Fall Non Alcoholic Drinks
Not every fall drink needs booze to be beautiful. These fall non alcoholic drinks are flavorful, festive, and easy to prep.
Spiced Apple Mocktail
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup sparkling water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Use cocktail cubes made with apple juice and a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter for sparkle.
Maple Cranberry Spritz
- ¾ cup cranberry juice
- Splash of maple syrup
- Top with sparkling water
Add a cocktail cube made with orange slices and rosemary for a subtle herbal touch.
Tips for Freezing Success
- Clearer Cubes: Boil your water first, then cool before freezing. It helps remove air bubbles. (not necessary with glitter cubes, I find)
- Storage: Keep cubes in freezer-safe bags to prevent flavor transfer.
- Batch It: Make extra—once you start using them, you’ll want them daily.
Fall Drink Add-On's
Make your fall drinks unforgettable with a few creative touches:
- Rim Sugar: Mix cinnamon and brown sugar for a spiced rim- Or just colored sugar.
- Caramel Drizzle: Perfect for coffee or cider drinks.
- Whipped Cream + Garnish: A little whipped cream, nutmeg, or a star anise on top goes a long way.
Try these festive fall drinks this week and tag me @LaurenLaneCulinarian if you make your own cocktail or coffee ice cubes—I love seeing your creative combos!
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