5 Fun Autumn Cocktails to Warm You Up This Season

Autumn is here, and it’s time to snuggle up with some cosy, feel-good drinks! Whether you're planning a night in with friends or just want to unwind by the fire, these easy-to-make autumn cocktails will add warmth to any occasion. Made with UK spirits and ingredients from your local supermarket, these drinks will make you love autumn even more.

Let’s dive into these five fun recipes to spice up your autumn evenings!

1. Classic Hot Toddy with a Twist

Serves 2

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky

  • 3 tsp honey

  • 1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half

  • 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced

  • Cinnamon stick and a lemon slice for garnish

Method:

1. Whisk the Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky and honey together and split between 2 heatproof glasses.

2. Add half of the cinnamon stick to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water.

3. Add a splash of lemon juice to each, then taste and add more to your preference.

4. Finish each with a slice of lemon, and half a cinnamon stick.

5. Serve immediately.

   
   

   Enjoy your cosy evening with this simple yet heartwarming drink.

2. Spiced Apple Cider Punch

Serves 6

• Ingredients:

  • 1.5 litres dry apple cider

  • 100g light brown sugar

  • 3 cinnamon sticks

  • Sliced fresh ginger

  • 10 whole cloves

  • 150ml Captain Morgan's spiced rum

  • 1 apple, thinly sliced

Method:

1. Put the cider, sugar, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cloves in a large pan. Warm over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

2. Add the rum and apple slices and let the mixture warm through until it's hot but not boiling.

3. Strain through a sieve into a warmed jug to make it easier to serve, adding the apple slices and cinnamon sticks back in but discarding the ginger and cloves.

4. Pour into heatproof glasses to serve.

   
   

   This punch is ideal for serving at gatherings, filling the air with the spicy fragrance of autumn.

3. Maple Whiskey Sour

Serves 1

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Glenlivet

  • 25ml lemon juice

  • 15ml maple syrup

  • Cubed ice

  • 1 egg white/20ml aquafaba (optional)

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice.

2. Shake vigorously to emulsify.

3. Open the shaker, add ice and shake again.

4. Double strain into a glass.

5. Garnish with a zest of lemon.

6. Serve.

   
   

   The hint of maple gives this whiskey sour a delightful seasonal twist.

4. Blackberry, Gooseberry & Sage Gin Fizz

Serves 1

• Ingredients:

  • 50ml Ben Lomond Blackberry & Gooseberry Gin

  • 25ml lemon juice, plus lemon slices to serve

  • 2 tsp sugar syrup

  • 1 small egg white

  • Ice

  • Sparkling water

  • Fresh blackberries

  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Tip the gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and egg white into a cocktail shaker.

2. Shake well until frothy. then add a large handful of ice and shake again until the outside of the shaker feels cold.

3. Double strain into a tall glass filled with some more ice, then top up with the sparkling water.

4. Thread a blackberry onto a cocktail stick to use as a garnish and top with sage leaves.

   
   

   This fruity yet earthy drink will be refreshing at any autumn gathering.

5. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Serves 1

• Ingredients:

  • 45ml Absolut vodka

  • 25ml Kahlúa

  • 30ml single cream

  • 15ml Monin pumpkin spice syrup

  • 1 pinch grated nutmeg

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine the vodka, Kahlúa, pumpkin spice syrup and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker.

2. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled short tumbler.

3. Lightly beat the single cream until just frothy and pour onto the drink over the back of a spoon, to help make it float.

4. Top with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.

   
   

   This creamy, spiced version of a White Russian will bring a taste of the season to your lips.

There you have it! Five fun and easy-to-make autumn drinks that’ll help you make the most of the cosiest season.