7 Best Fall Coffee Drinks: Warm Up Your Autumn!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Spice Obsession: Beyond the Hype

Would it be fall without a pumpkin spice latte? For coffee lovers who have tasted PSL, the answer is no! The pumpkin spice latte (PSL) is a popular coffee flavor, and we are thankful to Starbucks employees who created this amazing coffee drink in 2003. 

So what does this coffee drink contain?  Pumpkin spice contains a blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pumpkin spice later “evolved” to have pumpkin puree bringing the true meaning of fall in this coffee drink. Fortunately, with pumpkin syrup, you can make pumpkin-flavored coffee effortlessly.

Here is a pumpkin spice recipe you should try at home.

Ingredients:

1. 250 ml milk, any type
2. 2 tablespoon of pumpkin syrup
3. 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso or 1 shot of decaf espresso‍
4. Vanilla extract
5. Whipped cream (optional)
6. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until it simmers and not boiling.
2. Prepare a shot of espresso and pour it into a mug
3. Add the pumpkin syrup and vanilla extract into the mug
4. Stir to combine
5. Froth milk for about 30 seconds and pour into a mug with the pumpkin spice mixture
6. Top with whipped cream 
7. Garnish with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
8. Give the latte a gentle stir to incorporate the flavors, and it's ready to be enjoyed!

2. Toasted Marshmallow Mocha

Halloween Flavors: Caramel and Candy

Halloween brings with it an air of spookiness, playful costumes, pumpkin carvings, and delicious treats. For coffee lovers, it's an opportunity to infuse traditional Halloween flavors such as caramel and candy into their beverages. Let's take a look at some coffee drinks that encapsulate the spirit of Halloween:

This coffee drink brings back the fun memories of toasting marshmallows over a bonfire. With hot coffee, chocolate syrup, and a toasted marshmallow flavor, topped with whipped cream and a few mini marshmallows, this drink is sure to make your fall days extra cozy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso or 1 shot of decaf espresso
• 1 cup of milk or coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix or cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of marshmallow syrup
• Marshmallows for toppings
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee or espresso. Make it strong as the rich coffee flavor needs to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat but do not let it boil.
3. Add the hot chocolate mix or cocoa powder and the marshmallow syrup into the heated milk. Whisk until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the coffee or espresso to your mug, then pour in your hot chocolate mixture. Stir well.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Now for the fun part: the marshmallow. You can spread marshmallow on top of the drink.
7. If you have a kitchen torch, carefully toast the marshmallow until it's golden brown and slightly melted. If you don't have a torch, place your mug on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the marshmallow is toasted. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
8. Top with whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired, and serve warm.

3. Salted Caramel Mocha

This indulgent treat combines the rich, bittersweet taste of mocha with the sweet, slightly salty flavor of caramel (or choose an healthier version with a sugar free caramel sauce). This blend of hot coffee, steamed milk, chocolate and caramel syrup, finished with a pinch of sea salt and whipped cream, is like a cozy blanket on a chilly fall day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso or 1 shot of decaf espresso
• 1 cup of milk or coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
• 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Start by brewing your coffee or espresso. You'll want it quite strong to stand up to the rich flavors of the caramel and cocoa.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil.
3. Add the cocoa powder and sugar to the steaming milk. Whisk until the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved.
4. Stir in the caramel sauce until it's well incorporated.
5. Pour the coffee or espresso into a large mug. Then pour your caramel chocolate milk over the coffee, and stir to combine.
6. If you like, top your mocha with whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, and a small pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
7. Serve your Salted Caramel Mocha warm and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in your homemade coffeehouse favorite.

4. Cinnamon Apple Coffee

Apple Delights: Infusing Autumn's Fruit into Coffee

One flavor that perfectly captures the essence of this season is the humble apple. While apple pies and cider often take the spotlight, imagine infusing these delightful autumn fruits into your favorite coffee beverages. The combination of the rich, warm taste of coffee with the sweet and tangy notes of apple creates a comforting and invigorating experience for coffee enthusiasts. 

Here’s a mouthwatering apple-inspired coffee recipe that will elevate your fall coffee game to new heights.

Ingredients:

1. Half a cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso or 2 shot of decaf espresso‍
2. 60 ml (2 oz) cup of apple cider
3. 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
4. 1/4 cup of your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy)
5. Whipped cream (optional)‍
6. Caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Combine apple cider, milk, cinnamon, and caramel sauce in a saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture on medium heat, and stir until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Brew espresso using your preferred espresso maker. Pour your freshly brewed espresso into a large mug.
4. Add the apple caramel mixture on top and stir to incorporate the flavors.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon
6. Enjoy your cinnamon apple coffee!

This unexpected but delightful combination brings together two fall staples: apple cider and coffee. It's a unique blend of strong coffee, apple cider, and a hint of cinnamon, making it a warming and energizing drink for those crisp fall mornings.

5. Chai Coffee

This drink merges the flavors of a spiced chai tea with the strength of coffee. Combining coffee, chai concentrate, and a splash of milk, this drink offers a wonderful blend of flavors, including cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon - a perfect symphony for your taste buds on a fall day. A Chai Coffee, often referred to as a "Dirty Chai," blends the spiciness of chai with the robust flavor of coffee. Here's a simple recipe for you to try at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso or 1 shot of decaf espresso
• 1/2 cup of milk (or milk alternative)
• 1 chai tea bag (or 1 tablespoon of loose chai tea)
• 1 cup of water
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)
• A sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by brewing your coffee or espresso and set it aside.
2. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the chai tea bag (or loose chai tea if you're using it) and let it steep for about 4-5 minutes.
3. After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bag or strain out the loose tea. Add the honey or sugar to the tea and stir until it's completely dissolved.
4. In another saucepan, heat your milk over medium heat until it's steaming. If you have a frother, you can froth the milk to create a creamy texture.
5. Now, it's time to assemble your Chai Coffee. Pour the coffee or espresso into a large mug. Add your sweetened chai tea to the coffee.
6. Top off your mug with the heated milk. If you frothed the milk, spoon the froth on top.
7. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top for garnish if desired.
8. Stir gently to combine all the flavors and enjoy!

Spiced Warmth: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and More

Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom are comforting and soothing to our taste buds. Not only that, but they also add warmth, richness, and a touch of sweetness to our sometimes boring coffee, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. 

These spices give us a nostalgic experience since we associate them with traditional fall desserts like apple pie, pumpkin bread, and gingerbread. 

But how can you make your cuppa interesting with these flavors? Here are some spices you can combine for a spicey fall coffee drink or chai:

• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Cloves
• Allspice

6. Maple Pecan Latte

Maple Magic: Sweetness from Nature's Bounty

Using maple syrup in coffee drinks adds a delightful mouthful of sweetness and unique flavor. It makes a great coffee drink, especially when you use dark roast coffee beans. You can create maple magic by pouring freshly brewed espresso over maple syrup and top with foamy milk. Don’t forget to garnish with fall spices of your liking for a special fall coffee drink!

Another fall favorite, the Maple Pecan Latte is a tasty mix of espresso and steamed milk, enhanced by notes of maple syrup and pecan. It's a wonderful tribute to the traditional fall flavors, and the addition of a little sea salt balances out the sweetness.

Here's a recipe to make a delicious Maple Pecan Latte at home. This sweet and nutty drink is perfect for a cozy autumn morning.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso or 1 shot of decaf espresso
• 1 cup of milk (or milk alternative)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (depending on your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of butter pecan extract (if unavailable, you can use more vanilla)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for garnish

Instructions:

1. Start by brewing your coffee or espresso. You want it strong to balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup and the creaminess of the milk.
2. While your coffee is brewing, heat your milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil.
3. Remove the milk from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and butter pecan extract until well combined.
4. Pour the coffee or espresso into a large mug. Then pour in your flavored milk and stir well.
5. If desired, top your latte with whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet, crunchy garnish.
6. Serve your Maple Pecan Latte warm and savor the sweet and nutty flavors of fall.

7. Hazelnutty Mocha

The Hazelnutty Mocha begins with a base of freshly brewed espresso, which provides a robust and aromatic foundation for the drink. The espresso is then combined with a generous portion of rich, velvety chocolate syrup, adding a decadent sweetness to the beverage. The combination of the bitter notes from the espresso and the sweetness of the chocolate creates a harmonious balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 1 shot of espresso or 1 shot of decaf espresso
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup
• 1 tablespoon of hazelnut syrup
• 1 cup of milk (or milk alternative)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Finely chopped hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew a shot of espresso using an espresso machine. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee instead.
2. In a microwave-safe mug or a small saucepan, combine the espresso or coffee with the chocolate syrup and hazelnut syrup or creamer. Stir well to ensure the syrups are fully incorporated.
3. Heat the milk in a separate saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also heat the milk in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Froth the heated milk using a frother or whisk vigorously until it becomes creamy and frothy.
5. Pour the frothed milk into the mug with the espresso mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
6. If desired, top the Hazelnutty Mocha with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some finely chopped hazelnuts on top for added flavor and presentation.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Hazelnutty Mocha!

Non-Coffee Alternatives: Fall Flavors for All

What if you crave non-coffee alternatives? Given that you love your cup of joe, at times, you want a coffee-less drink. Fortunately, you can still make non-coffee alternatives with fall seasonings.

While coffee might be a staple for many, there are plenty of delicious, caffeine-free alternatives that can provide warmth and comfort during the fall season. Some of these substitutes can offer health benefits, and many can be enjoyed by both coffee-lovers and those who prefer to avoid coffee. Here are a few options:

1. Mushroom Coffee: Don't be deterred by the name! Mushroom coffee doesn't taste like mushrooms but instead offers a rich, earthy flavor. It's a blend of mushroom extracts (like Lion's Mane, Chaga, or Reishi) and coffee or, for a completely caffeine-free option, a grain like barley or chicory. Not only is this a warm, cozy drink for fall, but the mushrooms also offer potential health benefits, like boosting the immune system and reducing stress.
2. Maca Coffee: Maca, a root native to Peru, is often dried and used in powder form. It has a mild, nutty flavor and is known for its potential health benefits like enhancing energy, stamina, and mood. A maca latte can be made by blending maca powder with warm milk (or a dairy-free alternative) and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a quintessential fall flavor.
3. Decaf: Decaffeinated coffee, commonly known as "decaf," is coffee that has had at least 97% of its caffeine removed. It provides an alternative for those who enjoy the taste of coffee but are sensitive to caffeine or wish to consume it in reduced amounts. Despite being lower in caffeine, decaf still offers many of the flavors and potential health benefits associated with regular coffee. Decaf coffee concentrate can help you make all those fall coffee drinks recipes from above so you won't be left out.
4. Golden Milk: This is a traditional Indian drink known for its health benefits. It combines warming spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of black pepper with milk (or a dairy-free alternative) for a warm, soothing beverage. The vibrant golden color makes it a festive choice for the fall season.
5. Chai Tea: Chai is a spiced tea blend that originates from India. It's a blend of black tea and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, steeped with milk and sweetened to taste. It's a wonderful coffee alternative with a beautiful balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors.
6. Apple Cider: A classic fall favorite, warm apple cider is both sweet and slightly tart. Heat it with a stick of cinnamon, a few cloves, and an orange slice for a comforting, caffeine-free drink that embraces fall flavors.
7. Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Latte: Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal tea with a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavor. Make a latte by steeping rooibos with fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, then adding warm milk and a touch of sweetener. It's like a Pumpkin Spice Latte, minus the coffee!
8. Hot Chocolate: A classic comforting beverage, hot chocolate is always a delightful choice. Make it fall-ready by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin spice blend.

Conclusion

The best way to enjoy the seasons is by incorporating seasonal ingredients into your coffee drink. From pumpkin spice to apple delights and even non-coffee fall alternatives, you can enjoy nature's gift and fully immerse yourselves in the season. So, as autumn knocks, remember to enjoy warm and aromatic spices in fall coffee drinks.