Fall is here, and that means it’s time to cozy up with some delicious seasonal drinks. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual Starbucks offerings, we’ve got you covered. Check out these 10 better than Starbucks fall drinks you need to try that pack a punch of flavor and offer a delightful twist for your taste buds.
1. Cinnamon Maple Cold Brew
Looking for a cozy drink to enjoy this fall? The Cinnamon Maple Cold Brew is a delightful twist on your usual coffee routine. With its rich flavors of cinnamon and maple, it’s a perfect way to embrace the season!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold brew coffee
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk or milk alternative
- Ice cubes
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- In a large glass, combine cold brew coffee, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to mix.
- Add ice cubes to the glass and pour in the milk. Stir again to combine all the flavors.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy your refreshing drink!
2. Maple Pecan Milkshake
This Maple Pecan Milkshake is a delightful twist on your typical fall flavors. Creamy, sweet, and nutty, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or a fun treat with friends. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- Whipped cream for topping
- Extra pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Blend the ice cream, milk, maple syrup, and chopped pecans in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the milkshake into glasses and top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with extra pecans and enjoy your homemade fall treat!
3. Cranberry Orange Sparkler
This Cranberry Orange Sparkler is a fun and refreshing drink for fall gatherings. The mix of tart cranberry and sweet orange creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it looks stunning with a sparkler on top!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for rimming)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glasses: If desired, rim your glasses with sugar by wetting the edges with a slice of orange and dipping them in sugar.
- Mix the Juices: In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir well.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill each glass with ice, pour the juice mixture until halfway full, and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish: Add fresh cranberries and an orange slice to each glass for a festive touch.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, and feel free to add a sparkler for a fun presentation!
4. Gingerbread Latte
Skip the coffee shop and whip up a cozy gingerbread latte at home! This drink combines rich espresso with warm spices, making it perfect for chilly days. Top it off with whipped cream and a cute gingerbread cookie for a festive touch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
- Gingerbread cookies for decoration
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming, but not boiling.
- In a mug, combine the espresso or coffee with the gingerbread syrup.
- Pour the steamed milk over the coffee mixture and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Add a gingerbread cookie on the side for a delightful finish.
5. Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
Warm up your fall with a cozy hazelnut hot chocolate that beats any coffee shop drink. This rich and creamy treat combines the comforting flavors of chocolate and hazelnut, making it perfect for chilly days. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa for a delightful finish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup hazelnut chocolate spread
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
- Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
- Whisk in the hazelnut chocolate spread and cocoa powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and heat for another minute.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings before serving.
6. Chai-Spiced Apple Smoothie
This Chai-Spiced Apple Smoothie is a cozy twist on your usual fall drinks. It blends the warmth of chai spices with the crispness of fresh apples, making it a perfect treat for chilly days. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious drink at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 medium apple, cored and chopped
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chai spice blend
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Blend the almond milk, apple, banana, honey, chai spice, and vanilla in a blender until smooth.
- Add the ice cubes and blend again until frosty.
- Pour into a glass and sprinkle a little extra chai spice on top before serving.
7. Caramel Apple Cider
Caramel apple cider is a cozy drink that captures the essence of fall. It’s warm, sweet, and perfect for those chilly evenings. Plus, making it at home is super easy and way more fun than waiting in line at a coffee shop!
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a pot, heat the apple cider over medium heat until warm.
- Stir in the caramel sauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream if desired. Garnish with apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
8. Spiced Pumpkin Chai Latte
Warm up your fall with a spiced pumpkin chai latte that’s easy to make at home. This cozy drink combines the rich flavors of pumpkin, chai spices, and creamy milk for a delightful treat. Say goodbye to the coffee shop and enjoy this homemade version!
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed chai tea
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Brew the chai tea according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium until warm, stirring frequently.
- Once heated, froth the milk mixture if desired, then pour it into a mug with the brewed chai tea. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
9. Honey Lavender Lemonade
Honey Lavender Lemonade is a refreshing twist on a classic drink. The floral notes of lavender blend perfectly with the tartness of lemon, creating a delightful sip for fall. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
- Lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, honey, and dried lavender. Heat over medium until the honey dissolves, then let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the lavender mixture into a pitcher, discarding the lavender. Add the fresh lemon juice and remaining 3 cups of water. Stir well.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.
10. Warm Mulled Wine
Warm mulled wine is the perfect drink to cozy up with on a chilly fall evening. This spiced beverage fills your home with delightful aromas and warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to make and even better to share with friends!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat.
- Stir gently until the honey or sugar dissolves, then reduce heat to low.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Strain the mixture into mugs and enjoy warm!
