10 Fall Vodka Cocktails

These fun fall vodka cocktails feature seasonal flavors like apple, pumpkin, pear, and cranberry! From the Apple Cider Martini to Cranberry Moscow Mule, these are my favorite easy drinks for the season.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons for drinks, with flavors like apple, pomegranate, and pear. When it comes to mixing cocktails, I’ve found that vodka is a perfect pairing that lets these cozy flavors shine! Unlike bourbon or rum, which can sometimes overpower, vodka makes a clean base for whatever you mix with it.

I’ve tried and tested dozens of vodka cocktails and these are my top fall vodka cocktails for the season. From the Pumpkin Martini to the Apple Cider Mule, vodka highlights the seasonal ingredients to make fall drinks that always go over well!

My top fall vodka cocktails

Apple Cider Martini

This is my go-to fall vodka cocktail that perfectly captures the season with fresh apple cider, orange liqueur, and a hint of cinnamon. The tangy-sweet balance is irresistible, and it takes less than five minutes to shake together for an impressive presentation.

Cranberry Moscow Mule

The Cranberry Moscow Mule combines the classic spicy ginger beer with tart cranberry juice for a festive twist on the classic. Served ice-cold in a copper mug, the deep red color looks stunning and is simple to whip up for guests.

Pumpkin Martini

Made with real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, this creamy Pumpkin Martini is surprisingly sophisticated. I love rimming the glass with crushed graham crackers for a hint of sweet crunch that makes each sip taste like dessert

Apple Cider Mule

The Apple Cider Mule is my casual crowd-pleaser that's incredibly easy to make for parties because you can build it right in the glass. The combination of apple cider and ginger beer creates a bubbly, sweet-meets-spicy drink.

Pear Martini

This Pear Martini impresses everyone with its delicate flavor from muddled fresh pear and pear vodka balanced with lemon and orange bitters. The key is using a ripe pear for the juiciest fruity flavor.

Pomegranate Cosmo

This seasonal twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail swaps cranberry for pomegranate juice, which makes a sweeter, more complex flavor profile. The gorgeous ruby color and tart-sweet balance make it perfect for fall entertaining.

Vodka Sour

The classic Vodka Sour becomes a proper fall drink when you swap simple syrup for maple syrup and garnish with a cinnamon stick. It's beautifully balanced and sweet tart, with rich vanilla notes from the maple syrup.

Baileys White Russian

The Baileys White Russian is creamy, coffee-spiked comfort in a glass! The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and Baileys creates a dessert-like drink that's perfect for sipping by the fire on a chilly fall evening.

Vodka Collins

The Vodka Collins might seem simple, but great for fall when you swap plain simple syrup for Rosemary Simple Syrup or Ginger Simple Syrup. Think of it as sparkling vodka lemonade that feels festive but not heavy.

Pomegranate Martini

The Pomegranate Martini features jewel-toned pomegranate juice and is closer to a Cosmo than the classic martini! I like to add a few pomegranate arils to the glass for a fun presentation and textural element.

Serving fall vodka cocktails for a crowd

I appreciate vodka’s versatility when I’m hosting. Not everyone loves whiskey-forward drinks! When I’m hosting fall parties, I’ve found that offering a signature vodka cocktail plus a few alternatives keeps things simple.

For example, I like to make an Apple Cider Mule bar where guests can help themselves: this way I can actually enjoy the party instead of playing bartender all night.

For larger parties, I often set out two or three options: something light and refreshing like the Vodka Collins with rosemary simple syrup, something classic like the Cranberry Moscow Mule, and something creamy like the Baileys White Russian.

I also like to prep garnishes in advance. Cinnamon sticks, fresh herbs, and cranberries can all be prepped the morning of the party. I usually slice fruit right before serving.

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Fall Vodka Cocktails: Apple Cider Martini & More!

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Meet the best fall cocktail….the Apple Cider Martini! It’s deliciously balanced: sweet tart with a hint of cinnamon on the finish.

• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 drnk
• Category: Drink
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: Cocktails
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 ounces apple cider
• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• ½ ounce Cointreau or triple sec
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or simple syrup
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• Apple slices, for the garnish

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Instructions

1. Add the apple cider, vodka, Cointreau or Triple Sec, lemon juice, syrup and cinnamon to a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice and shake until cold.
2. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with apple slices if desired.

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More fall drink ideas to try

Looking for inspiration beyond these fall vodka cocktails? There are lots more seasonal drinks using bourbon, rum, tequila, and more! Here are all our top fall drink ideas:

• Go for the best of the best: 15 Fall Cocktails for the Season
• Try 12 Fantastic Fall Drinks (includes non-alcoholic!)
• Take the chill off with Hot Alcoholic Drinks to Keep You Warm or 15 Hot Drinks to Take the Chill Off
• Opt for the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

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How to Make a Classic Mudslide

Here’s how to make a mudslide cocktail with vodka, Kahlua, and Irish cream! This creamy mudslide recipe can be served shaken as the classic drink or frozen: both versions are absolutely delicious.

The word “Mudslide” might make you think of milkshake-style boozy cocktails at chain restaurants. But the classic Mudslide drink couldn’t be more sophisticated or delicious!

As a cocktail expert, I’ve tried hundreds of cocktail recipes and this is one of my favorite sweet alcoholic drinks. You can make a Mudslide recipe two ways: the classic drink is shaken with coffee liqueur and Irish cream, served up in a cocktail glass. It tastes creamy and irresistibly chocolaty! Or you can make it frozen, blended up with vanilla ice cream. Here’s how to make a Mudslide: two ways!

Mudslide ingredients

The Mudslide cocktail is a dessert cocktail made with Kahlua and Irish cream that’s a variation on the White Russian. It was invented in the 1970’s on Grand Cayman Island at a bar called Wreck Bar. The story goes that a customer ordered a White Russian, but the bar didn’t have heavy cream. They did happen to be stocked with Irish cream, so they used that instead and the Mudslide was born!

This drink later evolved to be blended with ice cream and became popular at chain restaurants, where it’s more like a boozy milkshake. This style of the cocktail is referred to as a “frozen Mudslide.” The Mudslide ingredients are:

• Vodka
• Coffee liqueur
• Irish cream
• Heavy cream (classic) or vanilla ice cream and ice (frozen)

How to make a Mudslide: two ways

As an expert in cocktail recipes, I’m partial to the classic Mudslide! But if you want to make a frozen Mudslide (aka a boozy milkshake), it does have a certain charm. Here’s what you’ll need to do for each variation:

• Classic Mudslide (my favorite): Place vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker. Shake until cold, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate.
• Frozen Mudslide (indulgent version): Place vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, vanilla ice cream, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a glass. If you’d like, decorate the inside of your glass with chocolate syrup.

Understanding coffee liqueur (Kahlua)

You can use any type of coffee liqueur for a Mudslide. The most popular is Kahlua, a coffee liqueur made in Mexico. It’s made with rum, sugar, and coffee (and no dairy, despite its appearance!). It contains caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee.

Kahlua costs about $15 to $20 for a large 750 ml bottle, so it’s an affordable addition to your home bar. Beyond mudslides, you can use it to make other Kahlua drinks like a White Russian, Black Russian, B-52, Mind Eraser, Colorado Bulldog or the popular Espresso Martini.

If you can’t find Kahlua, Tia Maria or Sheridan’s are good alternatives with similar flavor profiles.

All about Irish cream

The other required ingredient in a Mudslide is Irish cream, a liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream, and Baileys Irish Cream is by far the most popular brand.

I stock a bottle year round and use it in Irish Cream cocktails like the Chocolate Martini, Coffee Martini, or a Baileys White Russian.

And that’s it: how to make a Mudslide! Let us know if you make the classic or frozen version in the comments below.

Storage and make-ahead tips

While mudslides are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep certain elements ahead:

• Classic version: Mix the vodka, Kahlua, and Irish cream together and store refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Add the heavy cream and shake before serving. You can shake up to 2 drinks at a time (pour in 10 oz of the liquid, shake, then strain divided between 2 glasses).
• Frozen version: You can pre-measure all the liquid ingredients and keep them chilled, then blend with ice cream when ready to serve. This also works well as a batched drink.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of vodka should I use for a mudslide?

Any good quality vodka will work. You can use plain vodka or a flavored one like vanilla for an extra twist.

Can I make a mudslide without coffee liqueur?

While coffee liqueur is a key ingredient in a traditional mudslide, you can substitute it with chocolate liqueur or even a shot of espresso for a similar flavor profile.

What kind of glass should I serve a mudslide in?

There are lots of variations! Try a stemmed cocktail glass, an Old Fashioned glass, or a rocks glass.

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Mudslide Recipe

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Here’s how to make a mudslide: the real way! This mudslide recipe makes the classic drink starring vodka, Kahlua, and Irish cream.

• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 drink
• Category: Drink
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: Cocktails
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 ounce* vodka
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
• 1 ½ ounces Irish cream (like Baileys)
• 1 ½ ounces heavy cream (or 2 scoops vanilla ice cream and ½ cup ice*)
• For the garnish: Shaved chocolate (optional), chocolate sauce for the rim (optional)

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Instructions

1. Classic Mudslide: If desired, spread the chocolate sauce on a plate and carefully dip in the cocktail glass rim. Place the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and heavy cream in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 handfuls of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired. 
2. Frozen Mudslide: Place the vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, vanilla ice cream and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass. 

Notes

*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

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More vodka cocktails

There are so many more tasty vodka cocktails to try! Here are a few more ideas for using up a bottle of vodka…as if you needed any!

• Go for classics like the Vodka Gimlet, Moscow Mule, or Cosmo
• Opt for a refreshing Vodka Tonic, Vodka Cranberry, or Vodka Spritzer
• Make a fancy brunch with a Classic Bloody Mary
• Try martinis like the Lemon Drop Martini, Pomegranate Martini, Cranberry Martini, or French Martini

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Cottage Cheese Dip

This creamy cottage cheese dip tastes like ranch but is protein-packed and takes only 5 minutes to make with pantry spices! It’s perfect for parties, snacking, or healthy lunch ideas.

Cottage cheese can be polarizing, but here’s a recipe that proves its versatility: this creamy cottage cheese dip! It tastes like that good old ranch dip: you know, the kind with sour cream and a seasoning packet? But it’s made with this low-calorie, high protein cheese!

I’ll be honest: the first time I suggested blending cottage cheese into a dip, Alex gave me the side-eye. But after one taste straight from the food processor, he blurted out, “Wait, this is incredible!” All you need are a few pantry ingredients to whip up this easy party dip.

Essential ingredients

This cottage cheese dip is ready in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients: all you need is a large food processor! You can also make this in a blender if you like (see below), though the food processor is the best tool for the job. All you have to do is blend the following ingredients until fluffy and smooth. You’ll be amazed at the amount of flavor that come out of these simple ingredients:

• Cottage cheese: You can use any type of cottage cheese, including small or large curd. Many brands have different flavor profiles (some can taste more sour than others), so experiment to find a brand you love.
• Onion powder, garlic powder, and dried dill: These simply pantry spices make the traditional ranch flavor.
• Kosher salt: Using just enough salt makes the flavor pop.

The best equipment for making cottage cheese dip

A food processor is hands-down the best tool for this job. The wide blade gives you that perfectly smooth texture in about a minute. I use my 11-cup food processor, but even a smaller 7-cup model works great. With a blender the cheese can sometimes get stuck at the bottom depending on the power level of your blender.

A blender can work, though: just scrape down often and keep blending until smooth. If necessary, you can add about 1 tablespoon milk or water to try to get it to blend (just don’t add too much or it will become too liquid).

Creative ways to serve cottage cheese dip

This dip is incredibly versatile, which is why it’s become a staple for me and my family! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Fresh vegetable sticks: carrots, celery, bell peppers, and snap peas are my go-to’s
• Pita chips or store-bought pita crisps
• Sliced kohlrabi or jicama if you want something different
• Any kind of crackers: I especially love it with seeded or gluten-free crackers
• Spread it on homemade crostini as an appetizer base
• Use it as a sandwich spread in place of mayo
• Dollop it over baked potatoes or baked sweet potatoes
• Pair it with easy edamame for a protein-packed snack plate

For parties, this dip fits well into spreads for party food or alongside other dip recipes like whipped feta dip or French onion dip. I like to set out a variety of textures: this creamy option, something chunky like salsa, and maybe a warm spinach artichoke dip.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Store this cottage cheese dip in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Often I make this a day ahead when I’m planning healthy snack recipes for the week.

You might notice a little liquid separation on top after refrigeration: just give it a quick stir before serving. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as the texture can become grainy when thawed.

What makes cottage cheese a healthy choice

Is cottage cheese that much better than a sour cream in a dip? What makes cottage cheese a healthy cheese? According to Healthline, here are some of the benefits of cottage cheese:

• It’s a low calorie cheese. A 1-cup serving has just 163 calories.
• It’s high in protein. 1 cup has a whopping 28 grams protein, over half your daily need. Protein accounts for over 70% of the calories.
• It’s packed with nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

While you’re only eating small quantities as a dip, the amount of protein you get with lower calories does make a difference. It also makes it a nice idea for healthy lunches!

Dietary notes

This cottage cheese dip is vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Cottage Cheese Dip (5 Ingredients!)

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This creamy cottage cheese dip tastes like ranch but is protein-packed and takes only 5 minutes to make with pantry spices! It’s perfect for parties, snacking, or healthy lunch ideas.

• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups
• Category: Dip
• Method: Whipped
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups (1 pound) cottage cheese
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried dill
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper, optional

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Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor* until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down the bowl once. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

Notes

*A food processor is best, but you can also try in a blender. Stop and scrape down the bowl, and if necessary add about 1 tablespoon milk or water to get it to blend. Resist the urge to add too much or it will become too liquid in texture.

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More ways to use cottage cheese

There are lots of ways to use cottage cheese outside of simply eating it with a spoon! Here are some of our favorite cottage cheese recipes:

• Make tasty Cottage Cheese Pancakes, a high-protein pancake that tastes like French toast.
• Try Whipped Cottage Cheese on toast or as a dip.
• Make pasta like Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese.
• Go for this Crustless Quiche with Cottage Cheese or mix up Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese.

01

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

02

Whipped Cottage Cheese

03

Soft Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

04

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

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