The ultimate fall drink menu you can make at home

From the iced to the cozy, there’s something irresistibly delicious about fall beverages. The air is crisp, you pull on a sweater, and suddenly every corner café is calling your name with promises of pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. 

But here’s the secret: You don’t need a barista or a fancy coffee chain to savor the season. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up café-worthy drinks right in your own kitchen that are more affordable and even healthier if you choose. With cozy classics and creative twists, here’s the ultimate fall drink menu with something for everyone at your table.

1. Apple crisp oatmilk espresso

Inspired by the popular coffeehouse creation, this iced drink captures smoky apple crisp in a cup.

What you’ll need

• 1–2 shots of espresso (cooled)
• ¾ cup oat milk
• 2 tbsp. apple brown sugar syrup (store-bought or homemade: simmer apple juice or cider with brown sugar + cinnamon until thickened)
• Ice cubes
• Dash of ground cinnamon

How to make it

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add the apple brown sugar syrup to the bottom.
3. Pour cooled espresso over the syrup.
4. Top with oat milk and stir gently.
5. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra fancy, throw the entire drink in the blender for a few seconds for the perfect fall frappuccino. 

2. Pumpkin spice latte

Love or hate the hype — this drink has become a fall icon, and when made at home, tastes even better.   

What you’ll need

• 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1–2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup of strong coffee)
• 1 tbsp. maple syrup or brown sugar
• ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice (plus more to sprinkle)
• Whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended)

How to make it

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, syrup, and spices. Warm gently (don’t boil).
2. Brew your espresso or coffee and pour it into a mug.
3. Add the spiced pumpkin milk mixture on top.
4. Finish with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin spice.

Pro tip: Double the pumpkin base and store it in the fridge for instant PSLs all week long.

3. Spiced apple cider 

A classic family-friendly sip of autumn comfort.

What you’ll need:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 star anise (optional)
• 1 orange, sliced

How to make it:

1. Combine cider, spices, and orange slices in a pot.
2. Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes.
3. Strain and serve warm in mugs.

Pro tip: You can swap any of the whole for ground spices, just remember to strain well 

4. Chai latte 

For the tea lovers! Sweet, spicy, and soothing.

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup water
• 2 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose leaf)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp. ground ginger
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground cardamom
• Pinch of cloves and black pepper

How to make it:

1. Simmer water with spices for 5 minutes.
2. Add tea bags and steep for 3–5 minutes.
3. Stir in milk and sweetener.
4. Strain into mugs and enjoy the warmth.

Pro tip: For easier prep, choose a black tea blend that already contains some of the chai spice notes you’re aiming for.

5. Mulled wine 

A drink that feels like a hug in a glass.

What you’ll need:

• 1 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet works well)
• ¼ cup brandy (optional)
• ¼ cup honey or sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise

How to make it:

1. Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
2. Heat gently (do not boil!) for 20 minutes.
3. Serve warm in heatproof glasses with an orange slice garnish.

Pro tip: Use a slow cooker to keep mulled wine warm for holiday gatherings.

6. Mexican hot chocolate 

Rich, velvety, and just a little bit spicy – the perfect dessert drink on a chilly day.

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups milk
• 3 oz. dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

How to make it:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until warm.
2. Whisk in chocolate, cocoa, and sugar until smooth.
3. Stir in cinnamon and cayenne.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Pro tip: Add a splash of vanilla extract and a touch of sea salt for extra richness.