These Fall Drinks Might Be Better Than a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Start with strong coffee, add cinnamon, a bit of ginger, some vanilla, a cup of milk, and top it off with molasses and you’ll have a delicious gingerbread latte. It’s a tasty option for those who need a bit less sugar and heavy cream first thing in the morning. Yet, with its healthy dose of caffeine, it provides just the right amount of wake-up motivation.

When considering favorite fall foods, caramel apples make the top of the list. Many coffee shops offer their own versions of caramel apple spice drinks, but you can also make this caffeine-free delight at home. With apple juice, caramel sauce, cinnamon, and some brown sugar added for extra sweetness, this fall delight is the perfect companion for chilly autumn weather, and it's an option for when you're curled up by the fire before bed.

Touted for its many health benefits, matcha is a powdered green tea that has become a staple in tea and coffee shops. One popular version calls for steamed orange peel and ground cloves in milk; this is added to the matcha, and the drink is topped with a drizzle of honey and expressed orange peel. It’s an ideal beverage to ward off the jitters after a caffeine-filled morning.

When it comes to morning brews, simple flavors can lead to the most delightful wake-up calls. Freshly ground coffee combined with orange zest, cinnamon, and crystallized ginger is one way to add some spice to your morning routine. Top off the creation with whipped cream, a tad of orange zest, and some cinnamon to treat yourself.

Nothing says warm and comforting like a steaming cup of hot chocolate. But combining hazelnut butter, chopped hazelnuts, fresh vanilla beans, brown and granulated sugar, and bittersweet chocolate with heavy whipping cream takes this cool-weather staple to new heights of decadent flavor. Add some hazelnut liqueur to give your creation an adult beverage twist.

If you’re seeking a drink that’s a bit lighter and less sweet than the beloved pumpkin spice latte, there are a variety of options that start with a foamy, creamy, nitro cold brew. Instead of the heavier layers of spicy pumpkin and apple, try ordering a nitro cold brew with cream, a tad of vanilla sweetener, and a few teaspoons of cinnamon or orange syrup. The lighter, citrusy beverage merges seasonal flavors with a caffeine boost. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream if you need more sweetness.

This warm, vegan latte option is a tasty PSL alternative. It features a tablespoon of grated turmeric, a spice that could also add some health benefits to your morning cup. There’s no caffeine in this beverage. Instead, its primary ingredient is unsweetened nut or coconut milk, combined with maple syrup, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground pepper. The ingredients in this concoction merge to create a delicious and flavorful autumn beverage that’s sure to become a staple on your fall beverage menus.

Long before pumpkin spice lattes became a symbol of autumn, there was apple cider, and for good reason. Though time-consuming, a homemade version usually beats out store-bought ones when it comes to rich, full flavors. As they simmer together, the ingredients fill your home with nostalgic scents of fall. Enjoy this versatile beverage plain, spiced, or spiked with rum, bourbon, or vodka.

If you’re craving something sweet, cold, and creamy, try mixing up some canned pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a blender. Add a cup of orange juice to brighten the flavors. This festive beverage is an autumn shoo-in that rivals the rich, tasty textures of a pumpkin spice latte. Create a grown-up version by adding a shot of your favorite vodka.

For centuries, Europeans have created a delicious libation from red wine, brandy, cognac, vodka, or rum infused with spices. Home cooks, pubs, and inns prepare spiced mulled wine according to their diverse family traditions. Most recipes call for bitter orange, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and anise. Some add fig, ginger, or raisins. For an alcohol-free version, try using fruit juice or cider instead.