I’m going to be real with you guys: when it comes to booze, I’m not the world’s most knowledgeable person. In fact, I can only tell you a few things: I like wine (a lot), I like bubbly drinks, and I’m a big fan of putting greenery in my drinks, if only because it’s pretty. Having said all of that, I’m also a big fan of holiday cocktails in the autumn and winter because hello? I was born in Louisiana and have spent most of my life in the South, and I get cold really, really easily. If I’m visiting friends or family and my kid is safely occupied, I’m totally okay with pouring a boozy, cold-weather appropriate drink in an inconspicuous mug and settling down to watch the sunset while wearing my comfy wool socks.
Each of these drinks could be served at a wedding or in your living room, which means they’re all perfect. I tried to not skew too heavily on sangria (see also: my aforementioned love of wine), but guys, what can I say? When it’s autumn, it’s autumn, and few things speak to me like a glass or mug of something feisty and red. There’s something for Halloween, something for Christmas, and most definitely something for all the days in between.
Autumn Sangria with Apples, Pomegranates, and Figs via Heather Cristo
Sangria is one of my all-time faves, and the ingredients—apple wedges, figs, pomegranate seeds, chilled Prosecco, brandy and pomegranate juice—make this one is perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving (and all the days in between).
Apple, Cranberry, and Ginger Vodka Cocktail via Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily
Fizzy drinks FTW, right? Maybe so, maybe no, but if you’re into fizz you’ll love this delightful mix of apple and cranberry juices and vodka. Plus, clearly you can accessorize with cute straws.
Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer via A House in the Hills
This drink is beautiful to behold and sounds equally beautiful to experience, considering it brings together glitz and glam (aka Prosecco, aka the champagne I can afford, and some of autumn’s best offerings (pomegranates, heeeeey).
Apple Cider Sangria via The Kitchn
Oh look: more sangria! This one is ideal for Thanksgiving or for kicking off the holiday season right, and I totally encourage you to indulge. I picture myself drinking this around 8PM on a wintery night, wrapped in a blanket on my porch. It’s worth noting that I live in the South, so my “wintery night” is New England’s brisk autumn afternoon.
Apple Cider Moscow Mules via Sugar and Charm
Full disclosure: prior to writing this post, I had no idea what a Moscow Mule was, but I really love the bronze cups these seem to always be served in so I’m down for this drink. If you’ve been apple picking and still have a ton of cider left, this is the drink for you—but store-bought cider will work just as well.
Hot Rasapple-Rum Cider via HGTV
Ladies and gents, welcome to the drink that will keep you toasty when the outside world is trying to do the opposite! This cocktail combines apple cider, rum, Chambord, orange zest, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Mmmm.
Pumpkin Punch via Honestly Yum
Before you get all “Pumpkin Punch?! But October is almost over” let me remind you: pumpkins are basically a late September through late November staple, and you can drink pumpkin anything whenever you want (see also: pumpkin juice over breakfast, a la Harry Potter). Speaking of, I like to call this one grown-up pumpkin juice, and I’ll be making it several times this year.
Apple Cider Mimosas via The Cookie Rookie
Mimosas are my all-time favorite drink ever, because anything with champagne and juice is an instant win for me. I’m easy! It’s never occurred to me to blend apple cider and champagne, but I like the sound of it.
Harvest Sparkle via Fed and Fit
This drink is allegedly on the healthier side of things, which is cool, and includes cider spice-infused honey (did you know that’s a thing? Because I didn’t), smoky whiskey, and (surprise!) champagne or Prosecco, because… obviously.
Tullamore DEW Hot Toddy via Chilled Magazine
This is your standard hot toddy, made with Tullamore DEW, aka blended Irish whiskey that’ll keep your toes hopping even when the rest of you just wants to be tucked under as many layers as humanly possible. Promise!
La Llorona Martini via Muy Bueno Cookbook
This cocktail is another kind of Halloween themed (especially if you retell the creepy story that comes with the recipe), kind of anytime themed drink that I would actually love to try while hanging out near a Christmas tree.
The Grinch-Tini via The Cookie Rookie
Ho ho ho-ly moly, this drink a) is green, b) has sprinkles, and c) is named after The Grinch! This is easily the most festive cocktail of the bunch, and if you’re into all that is minty and bright (and a little sweet), it’s your jam.
Coco Snowball Cocktail via Food.com
What happens when you mix vodka, rum, and blue curacao? You get an icy blue dream of a drink that will keep the chills away. At least, those caused by the weather.
Mr. Hyde Potion via HGTV
Vodka + Lavender syrup + Blackberries? I’m sold! This drink sounds delish, and it’s also extra beautiful.
Sex on a Snowbank via Nellie Bellie
If rolling around in the snow naked doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, maybe drinking this icy rum and coconut concoction does. Or hey: you could try to the former after downing one or two (or five) of the latter, if you want to.
