Best autumn drinks

Here’s the list of the best autumn drinks:

• Pumpkin spice latte
• Mulled cider
• Hazelnut hot chocolate
• Hot toddy
• Bramble cocktail
• Spiced apple tea

Now let’s find out all about them...

Pumpkin spice latte

What is a pumpkin spice latte?

A pumpkin spice (or sometimes “pumpkin spiced”) latte is a coffee drink that has become synonymous with the beginning of the autumn season, known as “Fall” in the US. It takes its name from the blend of spices used to flavour pumpkin pie in traditional American cuisine, and also contains other coffee drink staples espresso and milk. The pumpkin spiced latte was invented by the Seattle coffee chain Starbucks, and first sold in late 2003. Their version remains the most famous, but there are now many different varieties and recipes available globally.

What are pumpkin spice latte ingredients?

According to Starbucks, the ingredients of their original pumpkin spice latte are a shot of espresso, whole milk, their own brand of Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup, whipped cream, and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to garnish. Pumpkin spice typically includes a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Some recipes also include pumpkin purée among the ingredients, or swap out the whole milk for a plant milk such as almond or oat milk.

Top tip

Those with a sweet tooth can add a tablespoon of maple syrup to their pumpkin spice latte - it will compliment the spice mix but also add a natural dose of sugar that some people can;t drink coffee without.

Allergy alert!

Lattes are traditionally made with (cow) Milk, one of the 14 major food allergens - this gives them their creaminess and velvety texture, and topped with whipped cream - also a Milk product. You can make a pumpkin spice latte allergen-free by using a plant milk made from a non-allergen food such as coconut or pea protein.

Mulled cider

What is mulled cider?

Mulled cider is a hot, or warm, drink made from cider and spices (and sometimes herbs). To “mull” means to sweeten and simmer a beverage, as well as add flavour with the addition of spices, the effect of which deepens due to the heat. Whilst in the UK cider is usually alcoholic - with an ABV of between 1.2% and 8% for very strong varieties, the heating process removes some of the potency, and it can also be made with non-alcoholic apple cider.

What are mulled cider ingredients?

The ingredients in mulled cider are cider and spices (and possibly herbs). The cider can be alcoholic or non alcoholic, dry or sweet, though some recipes use dry cider and additional apple juice for sweetness.

The herbs and spices used for the mulling are usually allspice, cinnamon (ground or in stick form) and cloves. The drinks is often garnished with slices of orange or apple.

Top tip

To really infuse the cider with the flavour from the spices, simmer the drink in a slow cooker on a low heat for at least 2 hours.

Allergy alert!

The cider in mulled cider will contain trace amounts of Sulphur Dioxide, but it should not be enough to trigger an allergic reaction - particularly after the cider has been heated - unless the allergy is severe.

Hazelnut hot chocolate

What is a hazelnut hot chocolate?

Hazelnut hot chocolate is a sweet, hot beverage which includes cocoa or cacao and ground hazelnuts or hazelnut syrup among its ingredients - some people have likened it to drinking Nutella. Hot chocolate, which can also be known as cocoa, is made by adding shaved dark chocolate, cocoa powder or ground cacao to milk or water and heating until the ingredients have combined.

Hazelnuts or hazelnut syrup are a popular addition to coffee, and likewise pair well with the richness of chocolate.

What are hazelnut hot chocolate ingredients?

Whole milk, cocoa/cacao/chopped or shaved dark or milk chocolate and either ground hazelnuts, hazelnut syrup or hazelnut liqueur are the main ingredients in a hazelnut hot chocolate. Other ingredients might include hazelnut spread (such as Nutella), cocoa butter, cream, sugar and fresh chopped hazelnuts. If using a powdered hot chocolate there may be other additives such as milk solids and flavourings, and emulsifiers such as soy lecithin.

Top tip

Instead of the traditional hot chocolate garnish of mini marshmallows, dip the mug rim in chocolate syrup and then crushed hazelnuts or pumpkin spices for a seasonal twist.

Allergy alert!

Hazelnut hot chocolate is made with both hazelnuts (either fresh, ground or a hazelnut liqueur or syrup), a (Tree) Nut, and milk and cream - both Milk products. Nuts and Milk are both among the 14 major food allergens.

Some powdered hazelnut hot chocolate mixes may also be thickened with Soya, another allergen ingredient - so it is important to check the label.

Hot toddy

What is a hot toddy?

A hot toddy is a whisky-based mixed drink, usually containing lemon and honey in addition to whisky and hot water. A hot toddy is often drunk to relieve cold symptoms. Honey is thought to soothe a sore throat and lemon is rich in immunity-boosting vitamin C, whilst some people find that the heat of whisky helps clear sinuses.

It is thought the hot toddy was invented in colonial-rule India in the 17th century, taking its name from the Hindu word “taddy”, which relayed to a domestic drink made with fermented palm sap.

What are hot toddy ingredients?

The traditional hot toddy ingredients are whisky (or whiskey), boiling water, honey and lemon juice. Some recipes might include additional ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, cloves and nutmeg.

Top tip

Though the classic hot toddy is a whisky-based drink, any dark alcohol will work alongside the other ingredients and give a similar smoky, spicy flavour and a dash of heat.

Try experimenting with dark rum or brandy.

Allergy alert!

There are no allergen ingredients in a traditional hot toddy.

Bramble cocktail

What is a Bramble cocktail?

A Bramble cocktail is a mixed drink made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mûre, and crushed ice. It was created and named by London bartender Dick Bradsell in 1984, at Fred’s Club in Soho, and was inspired by his memories of going blackberrying in his childhood.

The cocktail is garnished with fresh blackberries , which are in season between the end of August and October - peak autumn.

What are Bramble cocktail ingredients?

The base ingredients in a Bramble cocktail are dry gin, sugar syrup and fresh or concentrated lemon juice. After they are mixed together in a cocktail shaker they are poured over crushed ice and then topped with the blackberry liqueur crème de mûre.

The drink is garnished with fresh blackberries and sometimes lemon zest or juniper berries too.

Top tip

For a tangier, sharper flavour - opt for the liqueur crème de cassis, which is made from blackcurrants rather than blackberries, rather than the soft, rich crème de mûre.

Allergy alert!

There are no allergen ingredients in a classic Bramble.

Spiced apple tea

What is spiced apple tea?

Spiced apple tea is a type of flavoured hot water infusion made with apples or apple flavouring and various spices - such as vanilla and cinnamon.

It can be drunk hot, warm or even cold with ice, and if made with real apples, can also reap their health benefits - such as lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

What are spiced apple tea ingredients?

The main ingredient in spiced apple tea is apples - this can be fresh apple slices, dried apple, apple cider, fresh pressed apple juice or apple extract. Boiling water is another main component, as are spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, star anise, hibiscus and vanilla. The tea is sometimes sweetened with stevia or maple syrup.

Top tip

If using fresh apples for your spiced apple tea, opt for Granny Smith or Jonanthan varieties - these have a robust, tangy flavour that works well alongside spices for a refreshing taste.

Allergy alert!

There are generally no allergen ingredients in spiced apple tea, though apple cider vinegar does contain small amounts of Sulphur Dioxide if used.