12 Warm Drink Recipes Perfect For Chilly Autumn Weather
There is nothing better than cozying up on a chilly autumn day with a warm cup of something. And, in light of our craving for fall weather (is it too soon?), we decided to throw together some of our favorite warm drink recipes for chilly autumn weather. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple latte in the morning or an alcoholic beverage worth sipping in front of a bonfire, you’re going to want to check them out.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
It seems only fitting to start off this list of warm drink recipes with a classic warm drink. The PSL is a fall staple, especially for Starbucks patrons who can’t seem to get enough of it. But if you’re looking to save a few bucks, making your very own PSL rendition at home might be both a cost effective and tastier choice. Believe it or not, Starbucks’ version doesn’t include pumpkin. Weird, right? Luckily, this tasty recipe by Kitchn does, and it’s definitely worth trying out. Here’s what you’ll need.
For equipment:
- Whisk
- Blender
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Espresso maker or coffee maker
For ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée
- 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 to 2 shots of espresso (about 1/4 cup), or 1/3 to 1/2 cup strong coffee
- 1/4 cup of cold heavy cream, whipped into firm peaks
First, place the pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and black pepper into a saucepan, and stir over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Then, add the sugar and continue to stir until the mixture thickens. Next, whisk in the milk and vanilla extract and, you guessed it, continue to stir. After you’ve successfully incorporated the ingredients into the heated mixture, place it in a blender until it becomes frothy. After you’ve done this, make the espresso (or coffee), and add it into the frothed concoction. To finish it off, crown the drink with toppings of your choice, like whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
Hot Mulled Cider
The PSL is a fall staple, yes, but so is a warm cup of apple cider. This drink, which can be enjoyed at any age, is not just any ordinary cider. In fact, it’s one of our favorite warm drink recipes. The slow cooking technique it requires and mulling spices it comprises make it stand out among its counterparts. And if you’re not going to drink it, we recommend making it anyway. The aroma it produces is one you’re going to want your entire home to smell like. Just keep it in a pot, and simmer it throughout the day. Before you know it, your home will smell like an autumn wonderland. Whatever reason you decide to make it for, we recommend following this Kitchn recipe. Here’s what you’ll need.
For equipment:
- Large slow cooker (holds about 5 quarts)
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheesecloth or paper coffee filter and kitchen twine, or a tea ball (optional)
For ingredients:
- 1 gallon of fresh apple cider (substitute: unfiltered apple juice)
- 1 medium orange
- 1 piece fresh ginger (about 1 1/2-inches long)
- 5 cinnamon sticks (each about 3 inches long)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- Orange slices for garnish (optional)
Start off by pouring the apple cider into the slow cooker. Then, cut the orange and ginger into ¼ inch-thick slices. Now, add the spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, and any other mulling spices you prefer) and wait for your mouth to water. For simpler serving, be sure to place the cloves and spices in a double-layered coffee filter or cheesecloth (or tea ball) and wrap it shut with kitchen twine. Now, let it cook on low for four hours. This might seem like the simplest step, but resisting the bouquet that arises from the pot might not be as easy as you think. Garnish with oranges and enjoy.
Classic Hot Chocolate
Who said hot chocolate had to come in the form of powder? We for sure did not. With this recipe from Celebrating Sweets, you’re guaranteed to never fall back on instant hot chocolate ever again. So, say goodbye to water and powder, and say hello to a rich, creamy, chocolatey goodness. We deserve that at least, right?
For equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
For ingredients:
- Milk of choice
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
If you manage not to eat the ingredients before throwing them together, here’s what you should do: First, add the milk to a saucepan and warm over medium heat. Then, whisk in cocoa powder and sugar. Now, toss in as many chocolate chips as you’d like. Just remember: the more, the merrier. Whisk the mixture until the chocolate melts, and then add a dash of vanilla extract. To finish it off, decorate the beverage with toppings of your choice. But if you need guidance, you can’t go wrong with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes and additional chocolate chips.
Chai Tea Latte
If coffee isn’t your M-O, perhaps a spicy chai tea latte will be. This recipe by Live Simply offers a tasty kick to the traditional spiced tea. Aside from being absolutely delicious, chai tea has a multitude of positive benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels. A cup of this on a brisk morning is sure to flip the switch from summer to fall in no time. If you’re interested (why wouldn’t you be??), here’s what you’ll need.
For equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Fine mesh strainer
For ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 black tea bags
- 2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon of ground allspice
- ¾ cup of whole milk
- 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
To combine these ingredients into a flavorful warm drink, start out by placing the water on a burner and whisk in the spices. After bringing the mixture to a boil, allow the spices to steep for five minutes. Then, turn the heat back on and incorporate the black tea bags and maple syrup. Repeat the same process as before (allow mixture to steep for five minutes after bringing it to a boil). Be sure to strain the tea afterwards. Now, onto the latte part. First, combine the milk, maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon in a saucepan, and stir regularly. Then, bring it to a slight boil so that bubbles begin to form. Remove the boiled milk from the burner and blend it until a frothy consistency is formed. Once you’ve blended the milk, pour yourself a cup of chai tea and slowly add in the milk mixture. Decorate the latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon or whatever other spices you desire.
Healthy, Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Let’s face it, we don’t just crave eggnog around the holidays. With this healthy recipe from A Sweet Pea Chef, this tasty, rich seasonal drink can be enjoyed whenever your heart (stomach) desires. And now you can drink as much as you want of it without fearing excessive weight gain or a hangover the next day. Creamy, rich, spicy and warm? That sounds like everything we want in a fall drink and more. We recommend trying this holiday beverage as soon as the temperatures start to drop. Here’s what you’ll need.
For equipment:
- Blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- Saucepan
For ingredients:
- 4 cups of unsweetened almond milk
- 6 egg yolks
- ⅔ cup of raw honey
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
To begin, combine all ingredients into a blender, leaving out the cloves. Once adequately blended (about one minute), pour the mixture into a saucepan and add in the cloves. Allow this to sit over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until properly thickened and frothed. Afterwards, stir in the vanilla extract and remove from the heat. Lastly, strain the mixture to remove cloves. If you plan on storing the eggnog, be sure to do so in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Sprinkle on spices of your choice for good measure. If you’re planning on bringing this drink to a holiday party, we recommend adding in the brown liquor of your choice. But even if you decided to enjoy the alcoholic version at home, we won’t judge.
Superfood Hot Chocolate
Continuing on with the healthy take on must have seasonal beverages, we can’t stop drooling over this superfood hot chocolate recipe by Half Baked Harvest. While it’s easy to be convinced that a small cup of the traditional chocolate overload isn’t too bad, we also know there are healthier alternatives. So, here’s a healthier take on this chocolatey goodness. This recipe is slightly more time consuming than the rest, but we assure you it’s well worth it. And do yourself a favor: ditch the guilt when drinking it!
For equipment:
- Deep pot
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
For ingredients:
- 1 cooked medium red beet (with skin removed)
- 4 tablespoons of cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 2-3 tablespoons of coconut sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 4 teaspoons of maca powder
- 2 teaspoons of chia seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 3 cups of milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Coconut whipped cream (or whipped cream)
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh brewed coffee (optional)
If you are interested in adding honey caramelized brioche, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 2 slices of thick cut brioche bread
- 2 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup)
- Sea salt
The list of ingredients is long, but we promise the instructions list will not be. First, blend the beet with ⅓ cup of water until smooth. You will need about ¼-½ cup of this mixture, so blend more water if necessary. Then, combine the cacao powder, sugar, chia seeds, coffee, pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon, pinch of ginger (optional) and pinch of cayenne (optional) into a mixing bowl to create a dry mixture. After that, add the milk to the pot and warm over medium heat until it begins to steam. Mix this into the dry mixture. Then, add in the beet puree. After fully combined, sprinkle in the vanilla extract. After this, transfer the mixture to the blender and process until smooth. Finally, bring the mixture back to the burner and warm.
If you’re interested in the brioche, heat your skillet over medium heat and pour in the coconut oil. Next, add the brioche to the skillet and cook until it toasts (2 minutes per side, according to Tieghan, recipe founder). After the pieces are toasted, drizzle honey over them and cook again until they are caramelized. Finally, feel free to dip the pieces in your hot chocolate concoction. A sprinkle of sea salt is optional, but highly recommended.
Hot Buttered Rum
You didn’t think we’d forget this one, did you? This classic is not only über delicious, but super simple to make. In fact, we’d bet you can make this warm fall beverage faster than you can throw on a movie and get cuddled up on a couch. If you’re in the mood for a warm, tasty, and adult-only fall drink, we highly recommend trying this Food Network recipe out. Here’s what you’ll need.
For ingredients:
- 1 shot of butterscotch schnapps
- 1 shot of vanilla rum
- ½ shot of Irish cream
- Coffee
- Whipped cream
The steps are simple and the results are delicious. First, brew your morning coffee. Then, add in the butterscotch schnapps, rum and Irish cream. Top it with a dollop (or two) of whipped cream and voila, you’re done! The only step left is to sip and enjoy.
Maple Bacon Hot Buttered Bourbon
If the basic hot buttered rum recipe was too bland for your liking, perhaps this Lick My Spoon maple bacon bourbon take on it will liven your taste buds. Maybe you’re a maple bacon flavor fanatic, or maybe you simply prefer bourbon. Either way, we’re positive this warm fall beverage will make your fall kick off to a tasty start.
For equipment:
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
For ingredients:
- ½ pound of butter
- 4 cinnamon sticks (each 3 inches long)
- 30 whole allspice berries (about 2 grams)
- 2 star anise pods
- 35 whole cloves (about 2 grams)
- 1 ½ inch piece of fresh ginger (thinly sliced)
- 5 cups of water
- ½ cup of dark brown sugar (packed tightly)
- ½ cup of maple syrup
- 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 2 ounces of bacon-infused bourbon (recipe here)
- 5 ounces of brown buttered broth
- Whipped cream
The list seems long and complicated here, too. But we’re guessing a long list of ingredients is simply protocol for a delicious outcome. To make this dreamy fall beverage, we’re going to start out with the brown buttered broth featured on the ingredients list. First, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, and add in the spices (cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, anise pods, cloves) and ginger to fry. Then, pour in the water, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla bean scrapings, and salt, and stir until the contents dissolve. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes before transferring it into a bowl. Wait for the mixture to cool to room temperature, and then place it in the refrigerator to firm up the butter. After this, strain out the solids found in the cooled mixture and keep it stored in the refrigerator until it’s ready to be used.
Now, onto the hot buttered bourbon. First, warm the brown buttered broth mixture from above and mix it with the bacon-infused bourbon. Pour the mixture into a glass and spice it up with a healthy serving of whipped cream.
Gingerbread Latte
Let’s be real, we couldn’t just include one latte recipe on this list. So, here’s another one you can recreate at home without throwing away all your money at Starbucks. This holiday-themed recipe is so delicious it might as well be labeled a dessert. Not to mention, it’s so famous it has its own holiday. That’s right. Get ready to sip this cozy drink until National Gingerbread Latte Day on December 15. Or, just sip it all year long. That’s fine too. Here’s what you’ll need:
For equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Frother
For ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of molasses
- ½ cup of espresso (or strong coffee of choice)
- Whipped cream
- Shaved white chocolate (or chips)
The instructions for this recipe are fairly simple. There is, however, one additional requirement: to enjoy a cup of this tasty goodness on a comfy couch with a movie on. We’re pretty sure it tastes better if enjoyed that way, anyway. To start, combine ¼ cup of milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar and molasses into a saucepan, and place over medium heat (or microwave for 30 seconds, according to Life Made Sweeter) until the components dissolve. Then, steam the milk that’s left over (using a frother) and combine it with the espresso. Top it off with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Mulled Wine
There’s nothing that will put you in a cozy mood better than a warm glass of mulled, holiday-spiced wine. Whether you’re sipping this wrapped up in a blanket or bringing it to a holiday gathering, we’re positive that this Kitchn recipe is a winner. Don’t believe us? Try it out for yourself.
For equipment:
- Corkscrew
- Measuring cup
- Slow cooker (holds 3-4 quarts)
- Vegetable peeler
- Ladle
- Knife
- Cutting board
For ingredients:
- 2 bottles of red wine of choice (750 milliliters each)
- ½ cup of brandy
- ½ cup of maple syrup
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches long each)
- Peel of ½ orange (pith removed)
- Cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, orange peel, orange slices, cranberries (optional)
Here’s what you’ll need to do: First, throw all of the ingredients into the slow cooker and stir until well combined. Allow the mixture to cook on low for an hour. Then, serve it up and cheers to simple and delicious fall beverages.
Vegan Drinking Chocolate
The list wouldn’t be complete without yet another hot chocolate recipe. And, thanks to this recipe by the Minimalist Baker, we now know that hot chocolate can be free of animal products and taste just as heavenly. Whether you follow a vegan diet or are craving a tasty drink without the added guilt, we’re sure that you’ll be whipping up this warm drink every chance you get.
For equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
For ingredients:
- 2 cups of non-dairy milk
- 5 ounces of dairy-free dark chocolate
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
- 1-2 tablespoons raw cane or coconut sugar
- Coconut whipped cream (recipe here)
To whip up this liquid gold, add the milk to the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Then, whisk in the dark chocolate and stir in the spices. Once the chocolate is fully melted, remove the mixture from the burner and add the vanilla extract. If necessary, add in sugar and cayenne to taste. To finish it off, top it with the coconut cream.
Drinking Caramel
Now that we’ve covered drinking chocolate, it’s only right that we continue with drinking caramel, AKA dessert in a cup. Besides, who doesn’t love caramel foods in the fall anyway? We recommend whipping up this festive drink and patting yourself on the back for making something so delicious. Here’s what you’ll need.
For equipment:
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Ladle
For ingredients:
- 1 cup of light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 3 cups of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
To start, sauté the brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Drizzle in the water and bring the mixture to a low boil. Cook the mixture until the sugar darkens and gives off a toasted aroma (5-7 minutes, according to recipe founder Sommer Collier). Then, whisk in the heavy cream and allow the sugar to boil, then firm, then blend with the cream. After that, add the salt and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. To finish it off, ladle the drink into a cup and enjoy to your heart’s content!
