Festive Fall Drink Recipes

Sweet cherries, cherry-infused whiskey, cocoa, and vanilla mingle in this dessert-like concoction.

Fresh-sliced plums garnish a blend of apple-cranberry juice and sweet white wine.

Best for: Low-key backyard parties
Prep: 20 minutes
Chill: Four hours

Tip: To make this recipe kid-friendly, substitute ginger ale for the white wine.

Blended warm apple cider, cranberry juice, and spices offer a sweet taste of fall.

Best for: Dinner parties on chilly nights
Start to finish: 15 minutes

Tip: Slices of fresh lime or kumquats make a beautiful, edible garnish.

This light and fruity drink of orange-flavored herb tea, ground cinnamon, and cranberry and pineapple juices ends a heavy meal on a light but sweet note.

Best for: A unique dessert
Prep: 15 minutes
Freeze: At least four hours

Tip: For a holiday twist, garnish this drink with a sprig of fresh mint.

A blend of chilled bubbly and cranberry juice, garnished with fresh berries, is festive and fun -- and takes just two minutes to make.

Best for: Evening cocktail parties
Start to finish: 2 minutes

Tip: To make this drink kid-friendly, add sparkling cider instead of wine.

Freshly picked apple slices top off this warm drink of herbal tea, fruit juices, cinnamon, and cloves.

Best for: Weeknight dinner parties
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes

Tip: To serve, ladle the wassail in a heatproof punch bowl.

This fresh twist on the traditional Cosmopolitan -- it's frozen -- has a yummy hint of vanilla.

Best for: Saturday night dinner parties or desserts
Prep: 20 minutes
Cool: 30 minutes
Freeze: 3 days
Stand: 30 minutes

Tip: For an extra festive touch, spear fresh cranberries with a toothpick for your garnish.

A fizzy blend of sugar cubes, cranberry juice, and rose wine makes a delightful pre-dinner cocktail.

Best for: Last-minute weekend get-togethers
Start to finish: 10 minutes

Tip: For an eye-catching garnish, place a wooden skewer of fresh cranberries in each glass.

Sangria isn't just for summer. This recipe gets harvest flavors from apricots, cranberries, figs, and raisins -- and makes a delightful accompaniment to tapas. Club soda adds a touch of fizz.

Best for: Friday night potluck dinners
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: Up to 24 hours

Tip: For best results, make this recipe with Rioja or Merlot.

A refreshing blend of cold apple cider, orange juice, and sparkling white grape juice makes a sweet treat for trick-or-treat night or for a fall birthday party.

Best for: Family get-togethers, children's parties
Start to finish: 5 minutes

Tip: To give this punch a grown-up twist, add sparkling wine instead of grape juice.

These sugar-rimmed vodka drinks are pretty enough for dessert; garnish with orange peel or a fresh apple slice.

Best for: Holiday cocktail parties
Start to finish: 10 minutes

Tip: To mix things up, you can make orange martinis using the same recipe. Simply substitute 6 tablespoons of frozen orange juice (thawed) for the apple juice.

Sugar-coated cranberries garnish a decadent blend of cream cheese, milk, ice cream, and berries.

Best for: Kids' parties or a grown-up dessert
Start to finish: 10 minutes

Tip: To make the cranberry garnish, freeze whole fresh cranberries, then roll them in sugar until they're coated.

Jazz up white or green tea with thinly sliced ginger and sweet cranberry sauce.

Best for: An afternoon potluck
Start to finish: 15 minutes

Tip: Freeze whole cranberries in ice cubes for a beautifully festive touch.