As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm mug or cooling off with a seasonal sip. Fall drinks bring comfort and celebration to the changing season, but they often come with disposable cups, plastic straws, and single-use packaging.
This year, let's embrace the flavors of autumn while keeping sustainability in mind. These five cozy drink recipes are designed to be enjoyed with reusable accessories and seasonal, whole ingredients that minimize waste while maximizing flavor.
1. Spiced Apple Cider Simmer
Ingredients:
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8 cups fresh apple cider
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2 oranges, sliced
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4 cinnamon sticks
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1 tsp whole cloves
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1 star anise
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½ tsp whole allspice
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavors become. Serve in mugs or heat-resistant glasses, and consider adding a reusable metal straw for easy sipping. The beauty of this recipe is that the spices can be composted after use, and any leftover cider can be stored in glass containers.
2. Maple Pumpkin Cold Foam Cold Brew
Ingredients:
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1 cup cold brew coffee
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2 tbsp pumpkin puree
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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¼ cup oat milk
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Pinch of pumpkin pie spice
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Ice
Preparation:
Shake pumpkin puree, maple syrup, oat milk, and spice until frothy. Pour over ice and cold brew. Top with the pumpkin foam. This autumn twist on cold coffee is perfect with a wide metal straw that handles the creamy texture beautifully.
3. Honeycrisp Apple Sparkler
Ingredients:
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2 oz fresh apple juice
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Sparkling water
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Honeycrisp apple slices for garnish
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Ice
Preparation:
Fill a glass with ice and apple slices. Add apple and lemon juice, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently and enjoy immediately. The natural sweetness of Honeycrisp apples means you won't need added sugar, and the stainless steel straws make this fizzy drink even more refreshing.
4. Mulled Wine with Local Reds
Ingredients:
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1 bottle local red wine
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¼ cup honey or maple syrup
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1 orange, sliced
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5 whole cloves
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2 cinnamon sticks
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1 star anise
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a pot and heat gently until steaming but not boiling. Let steep for 15 minutes before serving. Using local wine reduces transportation emissions, and the whole spices can be composted after use.
5. Vanilla Pear Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
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2 cups milk of choice
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3 tbsp cocoa powder
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ ripe pear, pureed
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of sea salt
Preparation:
Whisk all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming and smooth. The pear puree adds natural sweetness and depth without needing processed sugars. Serve in your favorite mug for a completely waste-free treat.
Sustainable Sipping Tips
Choose Reusable Accessories
Invest in quality metal straws that come with cleaning brushes. They're perfect for both hot and cold drinks and eliminate the need for disposable alternatives.
Buy Local Ingredients
Visit farmers markets for apples, pears, and local honey. Not only will your drinks taste fresher, but you'll also be supporting local agriculture and reducing transportation waste.
Compost Your Scraps
Apple cores, citrus peels, and spent spices can all be composted rather than tossed in the trash.
Batch Prepare
Making larger quantities of drinks reduces energy use and packaging waste compared to individual servings.
These autumn drinks prove that sustainability and seasonal indulgence can go hand-in-hand. By choosing reusable accessories and whole ingredients, we can enjoy the flavors of fall while respecting the environment.
What's your favorite fall drink? Share your recipes and traditions in the comments below!