I love putting together seasonal cocktail roundups. Fall is especially fun because I love Halloween themed anything and Friendsgiving is such a huge part of 20s/30s culture. Especially in a place like Seattle where there are a ton of transplants. We’re all still young-ish but kinda past the kegger stage, so throwing a potluck for Thanksgiving and inviting a bunch of friends is super trendy. Which makes sense because Friendsgiving is more fun than traditional Thanksgiving. Case in point, where wine may be a natural Thanksgiving dinner choice, the party vibe of Friendsgiving leads to more of a cocktail environment.
Last year I put together a whiskey cocktail roundup and the year before I found some must-try fall cocktails. But this year is all about refreshing fall cocktails. Things that sound good to drink when you’re about to gorge on a bunch of turkey and heavy, fatty, delicious sides. You’ll find no toddys of any kind here, but a lot of apple and ginger. Sweet, tart, and lip-smacking good.
8 Refreshing Fall Cocktails
Rosemary Ginger Margaritas | Wicked Spatula
Who said you could only drink margaritas in warm months? Everyone always goes for the whiskey drinks in fall but tequila is my friend and wants to party too. Especially with a hint of heat from the ginger. This rosemary ginger margarita is the perfect fall margarita.
Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule | Heather Christo
This seems like the perfect Christmas cocktail but screw it, Thanksgiving needs a festive cocktail like this too! A Moscow mule is very good choice for a refreshing Thanksgiving cocktail but the addition of apple and cranberry makes it seasonally appropriate.
Pumpkin Ale Spiked Cider | The Sweetest Occasion
This pumpkin ale spiked cider is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It has two of the most beloved fall flavors! Apple cider plus pumpkin. I’d never expect this to sound so delicious but I’m all for a tasty mix of pumpkin ale, apple cider, bourbon, bitters, and lemon.
Blanco Cocktail | Style Me Pretty Living
This cocktail sounds delicious any time of year. Blackberries, lime juice, agave syrup, and tequila. The balance of sweet and tart. A great choice for those who want a bright tasting cocktail but don’t mind that it isn’t super “fall” flavored.
Spiced Orange & Rosemary Bourbon Cocktail | Waiting on Martha
Citrus paired with any kind of whiskey is smoky, sweet, and refreshing all at once. Though bourbon is bound to give you that warm sensation, the spiced orange and herbal rosemary flavor gives it a fresh kick.
Pitcher Cocktail Recipe- Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria | The Kitchn
Gotta love a good pitcher cocktail. Friendsgiving, anyone? This brings the lovers of apple cider and devotees of sangria together. The vanilla and caramel from the cognac pairs wonderfully with the apples. And picking a sparkling wine or cava on the drier side will keep things from becoming overly sweet.
Gin Cup | Healthfully Ever After
I’m a gin and tonic gal so this is the kind of fresh cocktail that sings to my soul. Gin, ginger simple syrup, seltzer and a flurry of garnishes; slice of lemon, sprig of thyme, cucumber spear, slice of ginger. This drink will definitely balance all those heavy Thanksgiving sides.
Maple Whiskey Sour | Gimme Some Oven
Because this cocktail is sour, it qualifies as fresh tasting. A little shock to your mouth if you will, but a tasty one. And instead of simple syrup, this cocktail uses maple syrup which is much quicker and gives it a fall feeling.
