**Jump to Recipe**
As the warmth of summer fades into the brisk embrace of autumn, there’s something undeniably comforting about cozy, warm drinks. Pair that with a walk in the crisp fall air amidst colorful, crunchy leaves, and it’s pure bliss! Now, let’s talk about those fall beverages…
While many people eagerly anticipate the return of pumpkin spice everything, most conventional pumpkin spice drinks and lattes are more complex than just a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Surprisingly, some don’t even contain real pumpkin pie spice, save for the decorative dash on top—quite a shock, right? The “pumpkin” flavor you detect is usually from a “Pumpkin Spice Sauce” made with sugar, condensed skim milk, pumpkin puree, color-enhancing juice, natural flavors, salt, and potassium sorbate.
But honestly, pumpkin spice lattes don’t need all that! Take my Joyous Pumpkin Spice Latte, for example—it uses only six ingredients, all sourced from whole foods like pureed pumpkin, real spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), and plant-based milk.
Recognizing that cozy drinks are an autumn essential, the Joyous Team and I have gathered our favorite fall beverages to offer you some healthier alternatives!
**Joy’s Favorite Fall Drink: Lazy Lady Turmeric Latte**
Why: I admit I’m a bit predictable here, as I often switch between my Lazy Lady Latte and my Rise and Shine Latte. Both are fantastic! This particular drink has a quintessential fall vibe—it’s simultaneously sweet, spicy, and warming. Its sunny color cheers me up on dreary, cloudy days. You can’t help but smile while sipping on this burst of sunshine. Plus, with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger, it’s a healthy choice too. It’s super simple to make, hence the name “lazy.”
*Recipe:*
* Serves 1
* Be cautious when sealing the jar. If the liquid is too hot, steam might build up and cause the lid to pop open, spilling everywhere. You definitely don’t want turmeric stains all over your kitchen!
**Walker’s Favorite Fall Drink: Ginger Fireball from Village Juicery**
Why: Much like my wardrobe, my drink preferences are consistent. Instead of big seasonal changes, I make small tweaks. For instance, I switch from a Negroni in the spring and summer to a Boulevardier in the fall. One is bright and citrusy, the other cozy and warming. One whispers summer, the other tastes, according to Joy, like licking an old boot.
Since you’re here on Joyous Health, I should mention some non-alcoholic favorites too. One standout fall/winter drink is the Ginger Fireball from Village Juicery (a Joyous Health Approved choice!). It’s warm and comforting with bold ginger, lemon, and turmeric flavors. Its name is a fair warning—this potent concoction is just the thing to ward off any sniffles or sore throats, and I love it!
*Recipe Tip:* If there’s no Village Juicery near you, try Joy’s Daily Detox Zinger Elixir on page 135 of Joyous Detox for a similar experience.
**Carol’s Favorite Fall Drink: Rise and Shine Tea & Soma’s Gianduja Hot Chocolate**
Why: Ah, autumn—a favorite season of cozy sweaters, lovely scarves, and steaming herbal teas in hip ceramic mugs.
As an all-year tea aficionado, I lean towards earthy, warm flavors as soon as September begins. I often enjoy our own Rise and Shine Tea, anything with licorice, or Stash’s Rooibos Chai Herbal Tea. Alongside tea, I can never resist Soma’s Gianduja (fancy for “ground hazelnuts”) Hot Chocolate—it’s a heavenly mix of all things wonderful.
**Annalie’s Favorite Fall Drink: Hot Chocolate**
Why: My ultimate fall drink is a large mug of hot chocolate—but not just any kind! I make a hot chocolate elixir filled with high-quality ingredients like coconut butter, coconut oil, real dark chocolate, adaptogenic herbs, and maple syrup.
One beloved recipe is Joyous Health Maca Hot Chocolate. The nutty Maca pairs beautifully with chocolate, and the coconut butter adds a creamy, delicious touch. If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’ll want to try this ASAP!
*Recipe:*
* Serves 1 generously or 2.
* Swap coconut oil or coconut flakes in; the flakes might not fully blend, but it’ll taste great!
**Rachel’s Favorite Fall Drink: MANY Options**
Being an intuitive eater, I don’t have a signature fall drink—I just follow my cravings. Some days, it’s an Oat Milk Flat. Other times, I fancy a Matcha Latte, Turmeric Latte, or Roasted Dandelion Root Tea (a coffee alternative that’s fantastic for the liver!). The choice depends on my mood: Joyous Detox Tea for digestion or Rise and Shine Tea for cozy comfort.
I’m also on a quest for a healthy Chai Tea Latte recipe or café recommendation. If you have any, let me know!
For more fall drink inspiration, I invite you to join our Time For Tea Challenge! This 7-day challenge is completely FREE and encourages self-care. Learn how specific teas can boost your energy, metabolism, and immune system. Join here!
Do you have a favorite fall drink we haven’t covered? Share it in the comments below!
For more cozy beverage ideas, check out our blog:
Enjoy and happy fall, friends!
