Few things are as comforting as fall-flavored espresso drinks when the weather turns cooler. They usually include inviting flavors and aromatic spices reminiscent of popular desserts that align with the season. Plus, they give you the boost you can expect from a robust coffee, making them perfect whenever you need a little extra energy.
Whether you’re looking for a Halloween coffee or another type of delicious autumn coffee treat, you have plenty of options. Here’s a look at some common questions about fall seasonal coffee drinks and an overview of the eight best fall-flavored espresso drinks you can find.
Common Questions About Fall Coffee Drinks
What Coffee Is Best for Fall?
Technically, any type of coffee is excellent for fall, as what matters most is getting the flavor you prefer. However, most fall coffee recipes and drinks contain strong flavours, so using a medium or darker roast is more common if you’re making fall-flavored espresso drinks. A robust coffee is more likely to stand up well to cinnamon, maple, and other flavors of the season.
It’s also critical to go with good-quality coffee beans all year-round. The quality of the beans significantly impacts your overall flavor experience, so investing in a brand with a solid reputation for excellent flavor is always a must.
Otherwise, most people prefer hot espresso drinks when the weather turns cooler. Usually, that’s because warm beverages are classically comforting when it gets chilly, making them the more common approach.
What Is the Most Popular Coffee Drink in the Fall?
Technically, traditional drip coffee is the most widely consumed coffee drink every season. It’s simple to make at home and highly customizable, so it’s the go-to option for most people throughout the year.
If you’re thinking about café drinks, many of them are popular in the fall. Lattes are the go-to option for many, particularly those with fall flavor profiles like pumpkin spice lattes and chai lattes. However, simpler versions featuring additions like salted caramel are also widely ordered, as well as classics like vanilla.
Mochas are another type of espresso drink with broad appeal in the fall. Salted caramel mochas can feel particularly appropriate for the season if you’re looking for that little extra bit of comfort.
How Do You Make Coffee Taste Like Fall?
Autumn is usually associated with specific spices or flavors, so adding those to your coffee drinks can make your coffee taste like fall. Cinnamon is a prime example, as it’s warm, slightly sweet, and has a hint of spice.
Cloves, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg are similarly connected with autumn. Allspice also falls in this category. While allspice is made from unripened myrtle pepper tree berries, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove is a common substitute to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Finally, pumpkin pie spice is a classic during the fall. Also known as pumpkin spice, it’s a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.
Can You Drink Iced Coffee or Cold Brew in the Fall?
Yes, drinking iced coffee or cold brew in the fall is perfectly fine. If you prefer those colder drinks or your outside temperatures aren’t dropping yet, you don’t have to switch to hot versions just because it’s fall. Plus, many iced coffee and other cold brew coffee drinks feature fall flavors, allowing you to enjoy what the season offers without having to go with hot coffee.
8 Best Fall-Flavored Espresso Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Latte
When people think of popular fall coffee drinks, pumpkin spice lattes usually come to mind first. These seasonal cozy coffee drinks bring up memories of pumpkin pie, a quintessential autumn dessert.
First, you’ll need the right spices, which usually include pumpkin pie spice, a blend of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. However, you can also get those spices separately and create your mix if you prefer.
Brew one shot of strong espresso and heat and froth eight ounces of milk. Whisk one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of organic pumpkin pie spice into the milk. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar if you like, and consider trying brown sugar instead of white.
Put the espresso in a mug, and top it with the milk. Finally, add some whipped cream, and you’re all set.
It’s essential to note that some pumpkin spice latte recipes also include pumpkin puree. However, this is an optional addition, as genuine pumpkin isn’t actually what gives pumpkin pie spice its flavor. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can find a recipe that uses it and give it a try.
Cinnamon Roll Coffee
Another one of the cozy coffee drinks that’s perfect for fall is cinnamon roll coffee. It has a flavor profile similar to cinnamon rolls, highly comforting breakfast pastries that are warm, gooey, and absolutely delicious.
Getting flavors similar to cinnamon rolls in coffee is relatively simple. Combine two shots of espresso, eight ounces of milk, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one tablespoon of light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla or maple extract in a pan. Heat it all together, stirring consistently. Then, pour it into mugs and top it off with whipped cream for a lovely fall treat.
Maple Pecan Latte
For pecan pie fans, you can’t go wrong with a maple pecan latte. It’s warm, decadent, and slightly buttery, making it one of the more comforting and cozy fall espresso drinks.
Begin with two espresso shots, and mix it with two tablespoons of real maple syrup and a tablespoon of pecan butter. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or brown sugar if you’d like. Once it’s blended, add eight ounces of steamed milk and top with whipped cream.
Campfire S’mores Latte
A campfire s’mores latte has all the flavors of the classic fireside treat, and it’s one of the more whimsical fall coffee drink ideas you can try. You’ll need two ounces of strong espresso, and mix that with two tablespoons of good chocolate syrup. Also, heat and froth eight ounces of milk.
Next, take your mug and lightly dab honey around the rim. Next, dip the mug end into some graham cracker crumbs. Pour in the chocolatey espresso, add your milk, and top the drink with a toasted marshmallow, some extra graham cracker crumbs, and a chocolate syrup drizzle.
Caramel Apple Cider Latte
A caramel apple cider latte is one of the best fall coffee drinks for anyone who adores apples. You’ll need eight ounces of apple cider, with non-alcoholic or alcoholic versions both working well. Simmer it on the stove for about 20 minutes, reducing it slightly. Then, increase the heat to a boil for around three minutes, making sure you stir constantly until it becomes syrupy.
Take six ounces of heated milk and froth it. Brew two ounces of espresso, then combine the milk, espresso, and apple cider syrup in a mug. Top it all off with some caramel sauce, and enjoy.
For a little something extra, try salted caramel instead of regular. The salt contrasts the sweetness of the caramel syrup and other ingredients, taking the flavor to another level.
Maple Spice Iced Coffee
Going with a maple spice iced coffee is an excellent option if you live in an area where the falls are warmer. Begin by brewing strong coffee and freezing it in an ice cube tray. That way, you can cool your drink without watering it down.
Next, brew two shots of espresso, and put them in a cup. Add one ounce of pure maple syrup and pinches of cinnamon and nutmeg, with a tiny dash of clove. Stir everything until it’s combined. Then, put in some coffee ice cubes and add six ounces of cold foamed milk.
You can also make this delicious autumn coffee treat hot if you prefer, too. Simply add the same flavors to the drink, and go with steamed milk instead of cold.
Dirty Chai Latte
With a chai latte, you get coffee flavor combinations similar to what you find in chai tea. It’s slightly spicy, a bit sweet, and highly aromatic.
Begin with eight ounces of milk poured into a saucepan and start heating it. Place one black tea bag in the milk once it starts to simmer. Let the tea bag steep for about 4 minutes, then remove it with a slotted spoon.
Next, add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, a pinch of ground clove, and a dash of ground cardamom. Then, add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and two teaspoons of maple syrup. Whisk it all together until well combined.
Finally, brew a shot of espresso and put it in a mug. Top with the milk mixture, top with milk foam, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy.
Irish Cream Affogato
If you’re looking for fall-themed coffee drinks that can work as a dessert, try an Irish Cream Affogato. Put two scoops of French vanilla ice cream in a bowl. Then, add one ounce of Irish cream (versions with or without alcohol both work). Finally, pour two ounces of hot espresso over the top and enjoy this coffee treat with a spoon.
Alternatively, you can put all of the ingredients in a blender and whip them together. With that, you get close to a milkshake, but you may want to add a little milk to thin it if you want it to be easier to sip.
Looking for some trendy summertime coffee drinks? Check out our Top 11 Summer Coffee Drinks to keep you refreshed.
