Love the idea of booking an Airbnb or vacation home this fall and whipping up some seasonal cocktails during your stay? That makes two of us. But before you stock up at the liquor store in preparation for your fall getaway, consider these easy cocktails. They’re not just delicious—they’re also perfect for travel because they don’t require many ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Alcohol: Red and white wine, Champagne, brandy, triple sec.
Fruit: Apples, lemons, oranges.
Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, honey (or sugar), nutmeg.
Juice: Apple cider (homemade or store-bought).
And if you want to step up your bartending game, this 24-piece bartending kit is a great item to take on the go. It comes with a shaker, a jigger (for measuring), a corkscrew and bottle opener, a strainer, stirrer, ice scoop, knife, and even a cutting board. Now, onto the drinks!
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Apple Cider Punch
This sweet and spritz-y punch is super easy to make and serve. And did I mention it's delicious? Just cut up the fruit and combine your ingredients into a punch bowl. Squeeze the orange and lemon for more citrus. (Serves 4-6 people.)
Ingredients:
- 1 chilled bottle champagne (dry)
- 1 cup triple sec
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 apple
- 1 orange
- 1/2 lemon
For a more natural apple taste, swap out the store-bought cider and make your own. Dice up the apples and put them in a pot. Pour enough water to cover the apples, then stir in your spices and boil uncovered for one hour. Cover the pot, reduce your heat, and simmer for two hours. Let it cool before adding to the punch. (Serves 4-6 people.)
Ingredients:
- water
- 4 apples
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup honey or sugar
- 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp. nutmeg
Apple Cider Punch
This sweet and spritz-y punch is super easy to make and serve. And did I mention it's delicious? Just cut up the fruit and combine your ingredients into a punch bowl. Squeeze the orange and lemon for more citrus. (Serves 4-6 people.)
Ingredients:
- 1 chilled bottle champagne (dry)
- 1 cup triple sec
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 apple
- 1 orange
- 1/2 lemon
For a more natural apple taste, swap out the store-bought cider and make your own. Dice up the apples and put them in a pot. Pour enough water to cover the apples, then stir in your spices and boil uncovered for one hour. Cover the pot, reduce your heat, and simmer for two hours. Let it cool before adding to the punch. (Serves 4-6 people.)
Ingredients:
- water
- 4 apples
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup honey or sugar
- 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp. nutmeg
Mulled Wine
The flavors of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon make mulled wine taste like fall in a glass, and served up warm, it's the perfect drink to make on a cold night. While it's commonly made with red wine, white works well, too. Place your ingredients into a pot and boil over medium-high heat. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat and let the wine simmer for 20 minutes before serving. If you want more of a punch (you know you do), just add brandy. (Serves 4-6 people.)
Ingredients:
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red or white wine
- 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
- 8 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 tbsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 cup honey or sugar
- 1 orange
Apple Cidercar
Although it's served chilled, you won't feel chilly after trying this variation on the traditional Sidecar. The Apple Cidercar calls for just four ingredients that you can shake up and enjoy in a matter of seconds. Just add cider. (Serves 1 person.)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. brandy
- 1 oz. triple sec
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- honey or sugar (to taste)
- dash of water (optional)
Cinnamon Orange Sangria
One of the best things about making sangria is that you can improvise. This recipe works with red or white wine, sweet or dry, and you can use more or less fruit depending on how sweetened you want it. The key to making good sangria is planning ahead—the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful it will become. Slice up the apples and oranges and combine all of your ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving. (Serves 4-6 people.)
Ingredients:
- 1 (750 ml) bottle red or white wine
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1 apple
- 2 oranges
- 3 cinnamon sticks
Hot Toddy
Say goodbye to the common cold after sipping on one of these. Hot Toddies are known for clearing up your sinuses, and if nothing else, they'll warm you right up during the cooler months. Start by combining the water and spices into a pot and bring to a boil, then stir until the flavors have developed. At the very end, add the lemon and brandy, and serve. (Serves 1 person.)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 oz. brandy
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole cloves
- honey or sugar (to taste)
Olivia Briggs has worked in the hospitality, tourism and online travel industries for more than a decade. She has lived in Ireland, traveled throughout Europe, and has been a passionate writer from a very young age. Follow her on Twitter @OliviaOlileibri.
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