When the humidity drops below 80% and the temps don’t go above 80 degrees, we all know what that means…it’s Fall in the South. Despite corporations selling pumpkin-flavored everything starting in August, I like to wait until at least that first cool day to indulge in the warm fall beverages. Here are a few of my favorites.
For the Family
Hot Chocolate & Peanut Butter: I love a good hot chocolate, but my recent favorite is a dark or double chocolate mix made with vanilla almond milk then I stir in a spoonful of peanut butter. The hot milk melts the peanut butter for a wonderfully decadent drink. I like the Good & Gather double chocolate-flavored hot cocoa mix. For a crowd, you can also make your own hot cocoa in your slow cooker.
Apple Cider: sometimes I have to pretend I live in a cooler climate. I see people picking apples and think wouldn’t that be fun. Instead, I just have a warm apple cider. I cheat and buy a bottle of Trader Joe’s seasonal Spiced Apple Cider. If you’re out and want a warm apple drink, check out Cedar House Roasting’s apple cider. (I also love Trader Joe’s Winter Wassail, check out some other Trader Joe’s faves.)
Caffeinated
Salted Caramel Mocha: Sadly Starbucks discontinued my absolute favorite seasonal drink. However, it is not completely gone. If you’re a fan you can still, kind of, have this drink. You just order a toffee nut mocha with caramel drizzle. It won’t have the salt topping but the drink itself should taste the same.
Cappuccino: Sure it’s a basic, coffee house staple, made with half steamed milk, half foam, and espresso, but there is something about sweater weather that makes this classic a fall favorite. You can always add a flavor of your choice to sweeten it up.
For Adults
Sangria: I love a good sangria, year-round. My favorite is blackberry, but that is more of a summer flavor. For fall a good red wine-based sangria in the fall cranberry-apple sangria can’t be beat.
Basic Recipe: bottle of red wine, 1 cup cranberry juice, 2-3 cups spiced apple cider, triple sec, sparkling water. You can add frozen or fresh fruit, cinnamon sticks or oranges. Make it your own.
I’m not a fan of pumpkin, so the trendy fall beverage won’t make it on a list of my favorites. I hope this list did give you some ideas for some festive fall alternatives. Drink up!
