6 Warm Fall Drinks (Non Alcoholic) to Keep You Cozy

There are few greater comforts than a warm fall drink. Listen, I don’t make the rules – I just count down the days until Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back on the Starbucks menu like it’s my job. Add your favorite book or TV show (Gilmore Girls anyone?), the perfect sweatshirt, and a cozy blanket to the mix, and suddenly the world and all its worries disappear (magic). That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite warm fall drinks (non alcoholic) in preparation for Fall 2024.

1. Spiced Apple Cider

If you want to taste autumn in every sip, there’s no drink quite like spiced apple cider. The combination of warm spices and sweet apple flavors practically screams fall activities. This is one of the best warm fall drinks because it’s non alcoholic and perfect for those brisk evenings when you want to feel enveloped in warmth and coziness!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
2. Bring to a slight boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Strain.
4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup according to your preference.
5. Serve warm in your favorite mug. Add a cinnamon stick for a cute garnish. 

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte

A fall icon, the pumpkin spice latte combines the creamy richness of milk with comforting fall flavors. No matter what anyone says, this drink is far from basic. It’s like a warm hug in a (cute fall-themed) mug, making it ideal for those moments when you want to treat yourself to something special. It’s, without a doubt, my favorite of the warm, non alcoholic fall drinks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup strong coffee or 1 shot of espresso
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, sugar (or honey), pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until everything is mixed.
2. Heat until hot but not boiling. Stir frequently.
3. Remove from heat and add coffee or espresso.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream (optional).
5. Sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top for a festive touch.

3. Golden Milk (Adaptogenic)

With its vibrant color and warm spices, golden milk is as soothing as it is beneficial for your health. The combination of turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon creates a grounding yet comforting drink that’s great for unwinding after a long day. Sipping golden milk will rejuvenate you as much as it relaxes you. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of white or black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, combine milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper.
2. Heat over medium heat until thoroughly warm, stirring constantly to avoid scalding the milk.
3. Remove from heat and add honey or maple syrup along with the vanilla extract.
4. Whisk thoroughly and vigorously to combine.
5. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.

4. Chai Latte

A spicy, aromatic drink, chai lattes can instantly warm you from the inside out. The blend of chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves creates a rich, invigorating experience. It’s perfect for giving you a boost of energy as well as a wave of calm. Plus, it’s another personal favorite, because it reminds me of my time in London and Edinburgh.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2 chai bags
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1-2 tablespoons honey, sugar, or sweetener of choice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Boil water in a small pot, then add the chai bags. 
2. Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes (or longer, if desired).
3. Remove the tea bags and add milk, honey or sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Heat over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy the spicy, aromatic flavors.

(If you’re in a pinch, this pre-made chai from Tazo is fantastic! Just add milk – or even coffee if you’re in need of a boost.)

5. Rose Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is more often associated with winter, but rose hot chocolate gives it a delicious, herbal twist that earns it a spot on my list of favorite warm fall drinks (non alcoholic). The floral notes of the rose add a unique and grounding element to the rich, creamy chocolate. This beverage is for those who enjoy indulging in something luxurious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• Rose-flavored syrup to taste
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions: 

1. In a small pot, combine milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
2. Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring frequently to ensure cocoa dissolves completely.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add rose syrup and stir well.
5. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream if desired.

6. Chamomile Honey Tea

This one is for the Celestial Seasonings sleepytime tea bear in all of us. The gentle floral notes of chamomile paired with the natural sweetness of honey create a truly soothing beverage. This is what I make when I want to wind down at the end of a long day. It’s a simple yet effective way to embrace peace and tranquility. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup water
• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil water and pour over the chamomile tea bag in a mug. 
2. Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes (or longer if desired).
3. Remove the tea bag and stir in honey.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice.
5. Sip and unwind with this calming, naturally sweet tea.

Let’s Savor the Season

As fall settles in, these warm, non alcoholic fall drinks offer a real chance to embrace the season. Even if celebrating fall isn’t a big priority for you, these beverages are a great way to indulge in some comfort as we enter the final stretch of the year. 

I hope you find joy in these recipes. And if you’re looking for more ways to enhance your fall experience, check out some of my other blog posts. 

Happy Fall!