With October rolling in, everyone is getting ready for the most beautiful season there is. With the shift from hot weather to slightly cooler temperatures comes a change of seasonal snacks. Gone are the mangos, lemonades and popsicles, and on their way are pumpkin spice lattes, cider and Halloween-themed Oreos. Some of the world’s most beloved drinks come to coffee shops and stores during fall, but instead of paying a ridiculous amount of money to enjoy them, I’m going to tell you how to make your own.
This fall drink is often forgotten behind the shine of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but it’s much easier to make. Apple cider is a drink that has a simple but easily customizable recipe. It calls for:
10 apples (quartered)
¾ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground allspice
The instructions for this recipe are quite simple. You add all the ingredients and boil it (uncovered) for one hour. Then you reduce the heat and cover the pot, letting it simmer for two hours. This particular recipe is simplistic but traditional. There are other spices and fruits you can add to make your cider unique. The aroma of the cinnamon and apples will have you feeling like fall is right inside your home.
If you prefer to buy apple cider, you can pick it up at any grocer near you. Trader Joe’s has a Honey Crisp Apple Cider that is wonderful.
This is easily the most popular fall drink. People all over the world await its arrival patiently. Although it was made popular by Starbucks, you can make your own PSL at home (much cheaper). Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin purée
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade, see directions below)
2 cups milk (whole or 2% or any unsweetened nondairy milk)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 shots espresso or 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
Extra 2% milk (optional)
In a small pan, you’ll whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice mix, milk, syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk the material over medium heat until it starts to steam. Then remove it and put the mixture into a blender until it is frothy. Next, you’ll want to make the coffee or espresso in another container, shake it for 60 seconds and then microwave it. Then combine the two mixtures together and add extra milk or whip cream on top.
You can also buy the original PSL at Starbucks locations everywhere.
This drink is a wonderful option for those who are of legal age. It combines the savory fall flavors with classic wine to create the perfect end to a fall night. Here are the ingredients:
Wine (red or white)
Citrus (preferably oranges)
Cinnamon (sticks or ground)
Sweetener
Extra liquor (depending on your tastes, this is also optional)
For this recipe, all you need to do is simmer all the ingredients in a pot for at least 15 minutes. For a strong taste, the recommendation is three to four hours so the flavors really have a chance to meld together. Serve warm!
You can find various mulled wine recipes at grocers or liquor stores.
This recipe might be jumping the gun a little early because it’s traditionally associated with winter and Christmastime. With the right spices, however, you can give it a fall twist:
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup bourbon or rum (optional)
Whipped cream, for serving
To make this drink at home, all you need to do is combine the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla together in a pan and bring it to a low boil (on low heat). In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and when the hot milk mixture is done, combine the two and continue to whip. Then return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat until it’s thick, but not boiling. Once it is done, you can add in optional liquor or cream. Chill until it’s time to serve and add fall spices like cinnamon on top to give it a kick.
At the end of the day, it’s up to consumers whether or not they want to buy drinks from shops or make them by themselves. Be sure to let us know how your holiday brewing goes in the comments or on any of our Chrony social media accounts. Happy Fall, everyone!