Fall Harvest Cocktail

Name: Fall Harvest Cocktail recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: Rimming sugar for rim (we like Cinnamon Vanilla Rimming Sugar); 2 oz pear flavored vodka; 4 oz apple cider; 2 oz cranberry juice; splash of lemon-lime soda

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Your new go-to fall vodka cocktail: crisp apple cider, tart cranberry juice, and smooth vodka with a cinnamon sugar rim. Festive, refreshing, and ready in 5 minutes.

red cocktails in mason jars with red striped straws

The perfect fall vodka cocktail

This Fall Harvest Cocktail captures everything we love about autumn in one glass. Crisp apple cider and tart cranberry give this vodka cocktail its seasonal flair, while a cinnamon sugar rim makes every sip feel festive. We love mixing these up for a cozy night in or serving them with pretzels and Beer Cheese when friends stop by. If you're building a cocktail spread, pair it with something sparkling like our Negroni Spritz for a colorful mix of flavors.

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The perfect fall vodka cocktail
Ingredients
🍂 Why you'll love this fall cocktail
Instructions
Tools you need
🔪Top tip
Variations
🍹 More fall cocktails
FAQ
Related recipes
Fall Harvest Cocktail recipe

Ingredients

RIMMING SUGAR: cinnamon vanilla rimming sugar makes the glass festive and adds sweetness.
VODKA: pear vodka for fruity notes, or plain vodka if you prefer
APPLE CIDER: fresh cider for the best fall flavor
CRANBERRY JUICE: sweetened for balance, tart if you like it sharper
LEMON-LIME SODA OR SELTZER: adds fizz, ginger beer is another great option.

*see recipe card for quantities.

🍂 Why you'll love this fall cocktail

Seasonal flavors: crisp apple cider and tart cranberry
Quick & easy: just 4 ingredients, ready in 5 minutes
Party-friendly: batch for gatherings or mix a single drink
Festive touch: cinnamon-sugar rim makes it special
Versatile: mocktail option or swap with plain vodka

Instructions

Rim the glass: coat with cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
Shake: combine vodka and apple cider in a cocktail shaker.
Pour: strain over ice in a tall glass.
Top & finish: add cranberry juice and soda, then garnish.

two red pear vodka cocktails in mason jars with striped straws and sugared rims

Tools you need

Cocktail shaker: for mixing vodka and cider smoothly
Mason jars (or cocktail glasses): festive and easy for serving
Rimming sugar: cinnamon vanilla sugar adds a cozy touch
Striped straws or garnish: optional, but makes it party ready

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🔪Top tip

Batch it: mix the vodka and apple cider ahead of time and chill in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just add soda and cranberry juice. This keeps the cocktail fresh, fizzy, and party-ready.

Variations

Make it a mocktail: swap vodka for more fresh apple cider.
Go classic: use plain vodka and add a splash of pear juice for flavor.
Add ginger: substitute ginger beer or ginger ale for lemon-lime soda.
Batch it: scale up the recipe and mix in a pitcher for parties.

🍹 More fall cocktails

two red pear vodka cocktails with red striped straws wooden table

FAQ

What makes this a fall cocktail?

Seasonal ingredients like apple cider, cranberry juice, and warm spice notes (cinnamon sugar rim) make it perfect for autumn. Try pairing it with a cozy dessert like our Apple Dumplings.

Can I make this fall cocktail ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the vodka and apple cider a few hours in advance and chill. Add soda and cranberry juice just before serving to keep it fizzy.

What's the best alcohol for fall cocktails?

Vodka is light and versatile, but bourbon, rum, or gin can also pair well with apple cider and cranberry for cozy seasonal drinks.

How do I make the cinnamon sugar rim stick?

Rub a lemon or orange wedge around the glass rim, then dip cinnamon sugar for an easy festive finish.

Can I make this a mocktail?

Absolutely. Just swap out the vodka for extra apple cider or sparkling water.

🍅 Making this recipe?

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