Everyone loves a good pumpkin spice latte or cup of apple cider to get into an autumn state of mind. If you’re interested in something with a bit more kick, check out a few of The Diamondback staff’s favorite fun festive drinks.
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, watching a football game with friends, or just want to enjoy a fall-themed drink, from coffee to cocktails, you’ll be sure to feel the fall vibes with these recipes.
Pumpkin butter latte – Abby Olear, video editor
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin butter
- Cinnamon
- Milk of choice
Directions:
Coffee drinkers, this one’s for you. Olear recommends a pumpkin butter latte, putting a unique twist on the pumpkin spice classic. This latte is the perfect way to start a day, especially while walking to class in cooler weather and under changing leaves.
Begin by brewing two shots of espresso and pouring them over a heaping tablespoon of Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter. In a separate cup, pour however much milk you prefer over ice before adding in the espresso and pumpkin butter mix. Stir and top with cinnamon. The pumpkin butter is a smooth, rich addition to your typical fall latte.
[For some UMD students, trick-or-treating remains an essential Halloween tradition]
Apple cider spritz – Caroline Pecora, search engine optimization editor
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces apple cider
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces prosecco
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Splash of aperol (optional)
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
Directions:
This combination of sweetness of apple cider with the classic taste of an aperol spritz is a must-make from Pecora. You can serve it at a Halloween party or a Thanksgiving dinner.
To make this drink, pour apple cider, vodka and prosecco (if over 21) over ice. Top it off with a splash of vanilla extract and an optional splash of aperol if you have it. Pecora recommends garnishing it with a cinnamon stick to add an extra fall touch.
Apple cider mimosa – Caroline Pecora
Ingredients:
- One part apple cider
- One part prosecco
Directions:
If you’re looking for an easy cocktail with a fall twist, this drink is for you. This apple cider mimosa is perfect for a fall or Halloween-themed breakfast or brunch.
Instead of a typical mimosa with orange juice, use apple cider and top it with an equal amount of prosecco. Feel free to serve it with or without ice.
[Renowned chef Peter Chang brings Szechuan restaurant to College Park]
Lemon drop of horrors – Stella Garner, tabloids editor
Ingredients:
- One part lemonade
- One part sprite
- Lavender or rose syrup
Directions:
Throwing a Halloween party this weekend? This “lemon drop of horrors” is the perfect spooky mocktail to serve.
Garner’s drink is served with equal parts lemonade and sprite and topped with either lavender or rose syrup. Use rose syrup for a sweeter flavor, lavender for floral notes. After trying it with rose syrup, the final mocktail was the perfect mix of sweet and tart.
