Take Fall Full Circle with Apple Cider Cocktails and Mocktails

Autumn.

There’s a chill in the air. Bridesmaids are sporting long sleeves and wraps. While groomsmen trade pastel bowties and cumberbunds for deeper, richer hues. Fall foliage graces celebration tables. And menus turn from salads to soups.

Don’t stop now. Why not take the season full circle with fall cocktails and mocktails?

We love apple cider as a base. It’s flexible -- playing well with a variety of flavors and mixers. And its fresh, crisp notes are equally delicious hot or cold, with or without alcohol.

We found plenty of beverage inspiration online. Following are some of our favorite autumn wedding beverages. Perfect for a signature cocktail (or cocktails).

The Moscow Mule has made a big comeback recently. Its key ingredient -- ginger beer -- is a perfect foil for apple cidery goodness. We love this simple recipe from Pretty Plain Janes. Extra points for serving in copper mugs.

The Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail from Style Me Pretty is, in fact, pretty … and also packs a punch. Dip rim glasses in cider and then cinnamon and sugar and garnish with a sprig of rosemary for extra flavor and pizazz. (Your Lily & Lime wedding photographer will thank you.) Feeling ambitious? Check out the included recipe for making your own apple cider. 

This recipe from Jo Lynne Shane lets you bring your beloved mojito into autumn with the additions of white rum, Applejack, and cinnamon simple syrup.

For the designated drivers in the crowd, we like Mulled Tart Apple Cherry Cider from Love and Zest and Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Sangria from SoFabFood.   So good … your guests won’t even miss the booze.

Or consider handing over the reigns with a self-serve apple-cider bar complete with cinnamon sticks, caramel, cranberries, mixers and a few choice alcohols.

Whatever beverage inspiration you choose on your wedding day, just be sure you make time to share one with the apple of your eye.