This is the time of year when fall is in full swing: the leaves are changing colors, and the temperature is beginning to cool off, but not drop to freezing yet. This time of year also marks midterm season for the first semester, and many of us are stressed and exhausted from studying and writing papers all night. The idea of drinking hot chocolate and curling up in bed with a fall movie is a great way to unwind after a stressful day, but some days you need something a little stronger to de-stress. Here is a list of fun fall drink recipes you and your friends can make and drink as a substitute for wine on “Wine Wednesday”, and to celebrate passing your midterm exams!
1. Apple Cider Mimosas
Recipe:
1 bottle champagne
1 cup apple cider
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Directions:
On a small plate, combine sugar and cinnamon, Dip champagne flutes in water to wet the rims, then dip in cinnamon sugar mixture. Full champagne flutes ¼ full with apple cider, then top off with champagne.
2. Kahlua Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Recipe:
1/3 cup Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
4 cups whole milk (divided)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional toppings: whipped cream (marshmallows, shaved chocolate, pumpkin pie spice)
Directions:
- Measure 1/3 cup of Kahlúa and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk in remaining milk until fully combined. Heat mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and very hot, but not boiling.
- Whisk in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Continue to whisk and heat mixture. Turn off and move from heat just before mixture begins to boil (do not let it boil). Immediately whisk in Kahlúa. Pour into glasses and top with optional toppings, if desired. Serve.
3. Autumn Cran-Orange Margarita
Recipe:
1.5 parts Sauza Signature Blue Silver 100& Agave Tequila
.5 parts JDK & Sons 03 Premium Orange Liqueur
1 part cranberry puree
Orange peel for garnish (optional)
Cranberry puree:
.5 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice (about two oranges)
.25 cup of sugar
4oz package of fresh cranberries
Preparation: To make the cranberry puree: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar in the orange juice. Add the cranberries and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Set aside and let it cool. Blend cranberries in a blender, then strain.
Directions: In a shaker add crushed ice, 1.5 part of Sauza Blue silver, half part of JDK & Sons 03 Premium Orange Liqueur, 1 part cranberry puree and shake to mix. Pour drink into glass and garnish with orange peel.
4. Pumpkin Spice Margarita
Recipe:
1.5 parts Sauza Signature Blue Reposado tequila
3 parts cream
.5 part Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup
1 part simple syrup
.5 tsp vanilla extract
.25 tsp cinnamon
.25 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Extra cinnamon for rimming (optional)
Directions:
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with cinnamon.
5. Pumpkin White Russian
Recipe:
1 oz pumpkin spice Kahlua
2 oz vodka
1 oz heavy cream
Fall-colored sprinkles / sugar
Directions:
Rim rocks glass with sprinkles / sugar. Combine Kahlua, vodka, and cream into glass over ice. Stir lightly.
6. Apple Cider Sangria
Recipe:
1 bottle pinot grigio
2 1/2 cup brandy
2 1/2 cups apple cider
1 cup club soda
3 Honeycrisp apples (chopped)
3 pears (chopped)
2 cinnamon sticks