Graphic by Cali Adams
As you embrace the cozy fall season and power through to the end of the semester, there’s nothing better than a warm seasonal drink to lift your spirits without draining your wallet.
Whether you’re staying up late to finish a paper or need something comforting between classes, these simple, non-alcoholic drinks will satisfy your fall cravings. They are easy to make and perfect for any college student looking to skip the daily coffee shop run to save a few bucks.
The best part? No fancy equipment needed—just simple ingredients you probably already have in your dorm or apartment.
Try out one or a few of these delicious seasonal, budget-friendly drinks this fall.
Fall Lattes
If you’re looking for a quick, go-to coffee before rushing to class, this Vanilla Cinnamon Latte is the perfect choice. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and requires just a few ingredients.
The rich flavor of vanilla paired with the warm spice of cinnamon creates a comforting drink to keep you energized and focused throughout your busy day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strong coffee, single or double espresso shot
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar
To prepare your Vanilla Cinnamon Latte, begin by brewing a fresh cup of coffee or pulling a single or double shot of espresso.
In a separate cup, combine your milk of choice with a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of raw sugar.
Froth the milk mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it transforms into a warm, creamy froth.
Finally, pour the frothy milk over your espresso or strong coffee, finish with a dusting of cinnamon and enjoy your cozy creation!
As the chilly days approach, the Maple Mocha Latte is the ultimate warm drink to have by your side! This comforting drink combines the deep flavors of chocolate with a sweet touch of maple syrup, which is ideal for fueling your studies or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strong coffee, single or double espresso shot
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk of choice or chocolate milk
To make your Maple Mocha Latte, start by adding maple syrup, cocoa powder and cinnamon to your mug.
Next, fill your mug with freshly brewed coffee and add some milk.
Finally, but optional, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a delightful finishing touch!
Seasonal Smoothies
The Apple Pie Smoothie is an ideal choice for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack before heading to class. It combines the delicious flavors of a classic apple pie into a nutritious treat. This drink perfectly embodies the essence of fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 teaspoons honey
To make your smoothie, simply toss all ingredients into a blender and blend until your desired consistency. Taste the mixture and add a drizzle of honey if you’d like it sweeter.
Pour into a tall glass, sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy every sip!
This Pumpkin Banana Smoothie is a nutritious, fiber-rich treat which blends all your favorite fall flavors into one delicious drink. It is a perfect and convenient way to kickstart your day!
Ingredients:
- ½ canned pumpkin
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk of choice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
To make the Pumpkin Banana Smoothie, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You can adjust the thickness by adding more milk or crushed ice if desired.
Once blended, pour the smoothie into a glass, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top and enjoy your fall-inspired treat.
Fall Teas
As college students, pulling an all-nighter can be tough, especially with the chilly weather. This delicious blend of plain tea, delightful vanilla and aromatic spices is the perfect mug to warm you up whenever you need a cozy boost!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 orange tea bag
- 2 tablespoon milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
To prepare your Vanilla Tea, start by pouring boiling water into a mug and steeping a tea bag in the water for three minutes before removing it.
Next, stir in milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon until well combined, creating a deliciously warm beverage.
The Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte is the ultimate cozy drink to embrace the fall season. This delightful blend combines the spiced warmth of chai tea with the rich flavor of pumpkin and a hint of sweetness. Creamy steamed milk brings it all together, making it the perfect drink for those long study sessions or chilly mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1-2 teaspoons canned pumpkin puree
- 1 chai teabag
- 1-2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons milk of choice
To prepare your Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte, start by brewing your chai.
Once brewed, whisk in honey and pumpkin puree until well combined.
Next, warm your milk in the microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat. To create a frothy texture, shake the milk in a jar for a few moments.
Finally, pour the frothy milk into your chai mixture, stir gently and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Incorporating these delicious, budget-friendly fall drinks into your routine is a wonderful way to embrace the season while keeping energized and cozy throughout the semester.
Whether you’re sipping on a calming tea, energizing latte or nutritious smoothie, these drinks will help you during those late-night study sessions or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity in the kitchen and treat yourself to a warm drink to perfectly capture the essence of fall!
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