13 Warm Fall Drinks That Feel Like a Hug in a Mug (No Coffee Needed)

When the air turns crisp, nothing beats wrapping your hands around a hot mug. These warm fall drinks skip the coffee but keep all the cozy, from spicy homemade chai to creamy golden milk and a pot of apple cider that makes the whole house smell amazing. Grab a blanket, pick a mug and tell us which one you will sip first tonight..

Spiced Chai Latte, the King of Warm Fall Drinks

Is there anything better than the smell of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger simmering on the stove? A homemade chai latte tastes richer than any cafe version, and you control the sugar. Black tea gives it a gentle lift without the jolt of coffee, which is why it tops our list of warm fall drinks. Make a big pot on Sunday and reheat a cup whenever the afternoon feels gray. Quick poll: do you like your chai A) extra spicy, B) extra creamy, C) extra sweet, or D) all three?

You will need: 2 cups water, 2 black tea bags, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 crushed cardamom pods, 3 slices fresh ginger, 2 whole cloves, 1 star anise, 1 1/2 cups milk of choice, 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar.

How to make it: 1. Simmer the water with all the spices for 8 minutes. 2. Add the tea bags and steep 4 minutes off the heat. 3. Stir in the milk and honey and warm gently. 4. Strain into mugs and froth the top if you like.

Golden Milk Turmeric Latte

This bright yellow mug has been a bedtime ritual in Indian homes for generations, long before cafes made it trendy. Turmeric gives it an earthy, gentle flavor, and a pinch of black pepper is the traditional partner. It is naturally caffeine free, so it is one of the best warm fall drinks to sip after dinner. Have you ever tried it, or does that sunny color make you curious?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups milk of choice, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, pinch of black pepper, 1 to 2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the milk and spices in a small pot. 2. Heat until steaming but not boiling, about 5 minutes. 3. Take off the heat and stir in honey and vanilla. 4. Pour through a fine strainer and dust with cinnamon.

Hot Apple Cider, the Classic of Warm Fall Drinks

If autumn had an official smell, this would be it. Fresh apple cider simmered with orange slices and whole spices fills every corner of the house and makes guests feel welcome the moment they walk in. Keep it hot in a slow cooker during parties and let everyone ladle their own. Would you add a cinnamon stick straw or a slice of fresh apple on top?

You will need: 8 cups fresh apple cider, 1 orange sliced, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 4 allspice berries, 2 star anise, 1 small piece fresh ginger.

How to make it: 1. Add everything to a large pot or slow cooker. 2. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, or 2 hours in a slow cooker. 3. Strain out the spices. 4. Serve hot with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.

Creamy Matcha Latte

Matcha is finely ground green tea, so you drink the whole leaf instead of steeping it. The flavor is grassy, smooth and a little sweet once you add frothy milk. Many people love it as a calmer morning ritual than coffee. The secret is sifting the powder and using water that is hot but not boiling, so it never tastes bitter. Team matcha or team chai? Tell us in the comments.

You will need: 1 tsp matcha powder, 2 tbsp hot water (about 175 F), 1 cup milk of choice, 1 to 2 tsp maple syrup or honey.

How to make it: 1. Sift the matcha into a mug or bowl. 2. Add the hot water and whisk in a zigzag until foamy. 3. Heat and froth the milk with the sweetener. 4. Pour the milk over the matcha and enjoy right away.

Mexican Hot Chocolate With Cinnamon

Chocolate and cinnamon were made for each other. This version adds a tiny pinch of chili that you barely notice until a gentle heat follows each sip. It is thicker and more spiced than regular cocoa, and it is one of those warm fall drinks that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Would you be brave enough to add the chili, or keep it classic?

You will need: 2 cups milk, 2 oz dark chocolate chopped, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, tiny pinch of cayenne, 1/2 tsp vanilla, whipped cream to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat the milk in a pot over medium heat. 2. Whisk in the chocolate, cocoa, sugar and spices until melted and smooth. 3. Stir in the vanilla. 4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Lighter Hot Cocoa Made With Real Cocoa

Packet cocoa is mostly sugar, but real cocoa powder gives you deep chocolate flavor with far less. Sweeten it with a little maple syrup, use any milk you like, and save the marshmallows for a small handful on top. Kids love it, and grown ups will not miss the packet at all. Quick poll: marshmallows A) mini, B) giant, C) toasted, or D) no thanks?

You will need: 1 cup milk of choice, 1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 to 3 tsp maple syrup, pinch of salt, 1/4 tsp vanilla, a few mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the cocoa, maple syrup, salt and a splash of milk into a paste. 2. Add the rest of the milk and heat until steaming. 3. Stir in the vanilla. 4. Top with a few marshmallows and serve.

London Fog Latte, Warm Fall Drinks With a Twist

Earl Grey tea, steamed milk and a splash of vanilla. That is all it takes to make this cafe favorite at home. The bergamot in the tea gives it a soft citrus perfume that feels fancy without any effort. It is lovely on rainy afternoons with a good book. Have you ever ordered one at a coffee shop, or is this your first time hearing about it?

You will need: 1 cup water, 2 Earl Grey tea bags, 3/4 cup milk, 1 to 2 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of dried lavender (optional).

How to make it: 1. Steep the tea bags in just boiled water for 5 minutes. 2. Heat and froth the milk with the vanilla. 3. Stir the honey into the tea. 4. Pour the frothy milk on top and spoon the foam over.

Pumpkin Spice Steamer (No Coffee)

Love pumpkin spice but not the caffeine late in the day? A steamer is simply hot, frothy milk flavored like a latte, minus the espresso. Real pumpkin puree makes it creamy and adds a little fiber and vitamin A. It is a sweet treat for kids too. Be honest: are you a pumpkin spice fan, or do you think the craze has gone too far?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups milk, 3 tbsp pumpkin puree, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp vanilla, whipped cream (optional).

How to make it: 1. Whisk the milk, pumpkin, maple syrup and spice in a pot. 2. Heat until steaming. 3. Stir in the vanilla and froth with a whisk or frother. 4. Pour into a mug and dust with more spice.

Ginger Lemon Honey Tea

This is the mug grandmas hand you when you feel run down. Fresh ginger brings a spicy kick, lemon adds brightness, and honey makes it soothing. It will not cure a cold, but it sure feels good on a scratchy throat and helps you stay hydrated. Make a jar of the ginger base and keep it in the fridge all week. What is your family go to comfort mug?

You will need: 2 cups water, 2 inch piece fresh ginger thinly sliced, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 to 2 tsp honey, lemon slices to serve.

How to make it: 1. Simmer the ginger in the water for 10 minutes. 2. Take off the heat and let it cool for a minute. 3. Stir in the lemon juice and honey. 4. Strain into a mug and add a fresh lemon slice.

Moroccan Style Mint Tea

In Morocco, mint tea is a sign of welcome, poured from high above the glass to make a light foam. Green tea and a big handful of fresh mint create a cup that is both refreshing and cozy. It is a nice choice after a heavy meal. Traditionally it is quite sweet, but you can use as much or as little sugar as you like. Have you ever seen it poured the traditional way?

You will need: 4 cups water, 1 tbsp loose green tea (or 3 tea bags), 1 large bunch fresh mint, 2 to 4 tbsp sugar or honey.

How to make it: 1. Rinse the tea with a splash of hot water and pour it off. 2. Add boiling water, mint and sugar to the pot. 3. Steep for 4 minutes. 4. Pour into small glasses from a height to create foam.

Cinnamon Orange Spice Tea

Think of this as the lighter cousin of mulled cider, made with black tea, orange peel and cinnamon. Of all the warm fall drinks here, it is one of the fastest, ready in about 10 minutes. Brew a big pot when friends come over for a movie night, and set out a little bowl of honey so everyone can sweeten their own. A slice of orange on the rim makes it look extra pretty.

You will need: 4 cups water, 3 black tea bags, 2 cinnamon sticks, peel of 1 orange, 4 cloves, 2 tbsp honey, orange slices to serve.

How to make it: 1. Simmer the water, cinnamon, orange peel and cloves for 6 minutes. 2. Turn off the heat and add the tea bags for 4 minutes. 3. Remove the tea and spices. 4. Stir in the honey and serve with orange slices.

Rooibos Vanilla Latte

Rooibos comes from South Africa and is naturally caffeine free, with a sweet, nutty flavor and a beautiful red color. It makes a great base for warm fall drinks you can enjoy any time, even right before bed. Add vanilla and a little honey and it almost tastes like dessert. Quick poll: when do you most want a hot mug? A) morning, B) afternoon, C) after dinner, or D) all day long?

You will need: 1 cup water, 2 rooibos tea bags, 1/2 cup milk of choice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp vanilla, pinch of cinnamon.

How to make it: 1. Steep the rooibos in boiling water for 6 minutes. 2. Heat and froth the milk with the vanilla. 3. Stir the honey into the tea. 4. Top with the frothy milk and a pinch of cinnamon.

Vanilla Cinnamon Steamer, Easy Warm Fall Drinks for Bedtime

Sometimes the simplest warm fall drinks are the best. Hot milk with vanilla and cinnamon is pure childhood comfort and a lovely wind down ritual before bed. It takes five minutes and uses things you already have. Craving something cold instead? Try our green smoothie recipes. Which mug from this list are you making first? Tell us your pick below.

You will need: 1 cup milk of choice, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg.

How to make it: 1. Heat the milk in a small pot until steaming. 2. Whisk in the honey, vanilla and cinnamon. 3. Froth until foamy. 4. Pour into a mug and finish with a pinch of nutmeg.