Now that it is officially fall, it is time to start curling up with hot autumn drinks, blankets, and a good book. There is something so comforting about warm seasonal drinks, after all. And if you are anything like me, you love learning how to whip them up in the comfort of your own home.
One might argue that it is easier to buy ready-made beverages from stores or cafes. I mean, America is known for having a Starbucks or McDonald’s around every corner. It is not difficult to find a pumpkin spice latte when the craving hits. Yet, making your own drinks at home is so rewarding. You can customize the flavors and control the level of sweetness. To top it off, you can alter the recipe to fit a special diet. For example, coconut or soy milk can be used to create a vegan pumpkin spice latte. Yum.
Luckily, you do not have to be Rachael Ray or Martha Stewart to successfully make your own fancy fall drinks. And you definitely do not need to be a barista. All it takes is practice, patience, and a little guidance. To get started, check out this diverse list of 21 hot drink recipes for the beloved autumn season. Get ready to indulge, folks.
1. Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch
Hot apple cider and rum come together in this innovative punch recipe by Brown Eyed Baker. Thanks to the apple, orange, and ginger, you'll be treated to a burst of seasonal flavors in the very first sip.
2. Warm Spicy Apple & Carrot Drink
Get those autumn vibes going with this warm apple and carrot drink by Green Kitchen Stories. This delicious beverage boasts intense flavors such as fresh ginger, rosemary, and cinnamon. It's extremely good for you, too.
3. Mulled Wine
Wine lovers will swoon over this tutorial by How Sweet Eats. The recipe features two different ways to make mulled wine; you can even customize the ingredients to fit your preferences. Get ready for your kitchen to smell ah-mazing.
4. Dirty Chai Latte
This dirty chai latte recipe by Five and Spice is one of those ideas that can double as a Starbucks hack. It uses flavorful ingredients like ginger, cardamom, and honey. Add the espresso and black tea and you've got yourself a mug of caffeinated goodness.
5. Hot Cider Nog
For another cider drink to fill your belly, check out How Sweet Eats' nog recipe. This creative beverage brings together the sweetness of cider and the creaminess of egg nog. It's the best of both seasons in one cup.
6. Thick and Creamy Hot Vanilla
Hot chocolate is high up on the list of traditional fall and winter drinks. For something a little different, try Oatmeal with a Fork's hot vanilla drink. It also happens to be dairy-free, vegan, and paleo.
7. Honey Bee Latte
Did you know that honey can be used as a sweetener in a latte? This natural, healthy option is a total game changer. It also gives you a reason to purchase honey from local orchards and farms. Visit Five and Spice for the lowdown.
8. Tahini Hot Chocolate
I have such a soft spot for unconventional ingredients in traditional beverages. This tahini hot chocolate by My Name is Yeh is no exception. The post explains that the tahini brings in a subtle nutty flavor without adding too much sweetness.
9. Warm Russian Tea
If you've never heard of Russia tea, you're in for a serious treat. Mel's Kitchen Cafe shares how to make this tasty drink with water, orange juice, and lemon juice. Sugar, vanilla, and almond extract are added for even more flavor.
10. Spiced Chai Latte
Looking for a simple go-to fall drink? Try A Beautiful Mess' spiced chai recipe. Don't be afraid to adjust the spice and sweetness levels to fit your liking.
11. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte with Salted Pumpkin Spice Syrup
For a creative take on the PSL, try Oh She Glows' recipe. This one features a homemade salted pumpkin spice syrup that will get your taste buds buzzing.
12. Drinking Caramel
Why eat caramel when you can drink it? A Spicy Perspective breaks down the process for making creamy caramel shots that double as luxurious desserts. I can see these being a hit at a Halloween or Thanksgiving party.
13. Superfood Hot Chocolate with Honey Caramelized Brioche
Thanks to Half Baked Harvest, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a hot fall drink that is healthy and delicious. This ingenious hot chocolate recipe calls for beets (yes, beets), cacao powder, and chia seeds. I'm really loving the idea of topping it off with honey caramelized brioche, too.
14. Maple Bacon Hot Buttered Bourbon
Bacon lovers, listen up. Lick My Spoon figured out how to infuse bourbon with bacon for an incredible boozy beverage. Fans of sweet and salty flavors will love this.
15. Slow Cooker Gingerbread Mocha
Made with ingredients like chocolate milk and ginger, this recipe by Mom On Timeout is all about those festive feels.The best part is all you have to do is pour, mix, and heat.
16. Caramel Vanilla Chai Tea Latte
Take your chai latte up a notch with this caramel vanilla version by Mom On Timeout. It calls for ingredients like peppercorn, ginger, and and nutmeg for an intense combo of flavors.
17. Gingerbread Latte with Salted Caramel Sugar
Gingerbread is a quintessential fall and winter flavor. Use it as an inspiration for your next latte by trying out Half Baked Harvest's tutorial. The post even provides instructions for making salted caramel sugar.
18. Authentic Indian Chai
Take it back to the basics with authentic Indian chai tea. Once you learn how to make this staple, use it as a base for future drink experiments. Visit A Spicy Perspective for the how-to.
19. Hot Buttered Rum Coffee
The first step of this recipe involves mixing butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. Next, the flavored butter is combined with coffee and rum. Basically, this stuff is a dream. Head to A Farm Girl's Dabbles to check it out.
20. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte
Of course, a list of hot fall drinks wouldn't be complete without the one and only PSL. Thanks to A Farm Girl's Dabbles, you can skip the line at Starbucks and make your own at home. Hello, fresh ingredients.
21. Coconut Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you're looking for a dairy-free version, check out Half Baked Harvest's coconut pumpkin spice latte tutorial. The post starts off by explaining how to make coconut coffee. The next few steps demonstrate how to use that coffee in a homemade PSL. Awesome.
Images: Brown Eyed Baker; Green Kitchen Stories; How Sweet Eats; Five and Spice; How Sweet Eats; Oatmeal with a Fork; Five and Spice; My Name is Yeh; Mel's Kitchen Cafe; A Beautiful Mess; Oh She Glows; A Spicy Perspective; Half Baked Harvest; Lick My Spoon; Mom On Timeout; Mom On Time Out; Half Baked Harvest; A Spicy Perspective; A Farm Girl's Dabbles; A Farm Girl's Dabbles; Half Baked Harvest