If fall were a drink, this Autumn Thyme Cocktail would be it — crisp apple cider meets the citrusy glow of Aperol and the cozy herbal warmth of fresh thyme. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of cozy for chilly evenings, dinner parties, or your next girls’ night in.
This easy fall cocktail brings together everything we love about the season: orchard-fresh flavor, a touch of citrus, and that hint of golden honey sweetness that makes every sip feel like sweater weather in a glass.
Ingredients
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1 oz Aperol or Chareau Aloe Liqueur
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½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
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½ oz honey syrup or maple syrup (make honey syrup 1:1 with warm water)
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1–2 sprigs fresh thyme, gently muddled
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1 oz bourbon or gin for a little kick
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Ice
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Garnish: thyme sprig or thin apple slice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Syrup
To make honey syrup, combine 1 part honey with 1 part warm water (for example, 2 tablespoons each). Stir until fully blended and smooth.
💡 Pro tip: This keeps honey from clumping and helps it mix perfectly into cocktails.
Step 2: Muddle the Thyme
In a cocktail shaker, add your honey syrup (or maple syrup) and fresh thyme sprigs.
Gently muddle to release the thyme’s aromatic oils — this creates the herbal base for your cocktail.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Pour in the apple cider, Aperol or Aloe liqueur, lime juice, and your optional spirit (bourbon for warmth or gin for brightness).
Step 4: Shake it Up
Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled — about 15 seconds.
The mix should turn a beautiful warm blush color and smell like cozy fall evenings.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Strain into a coupe glass or pour over ice in a rocks glass.
Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig or a thin apple slice for that signature fall presentation.
✨ Flavor Profile
This Autumn Thyme Cocktail tastes like the perfect blend of:
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Warm apple orchard sweetness
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Herbal thyme aroma
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Citrusy balance from Aperol and lime
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A smooth, golden honey finish
It’s cozy, citrusy, herbal, and subtly sweet — like a fall Aperol spritz with an orchard twist.
🍁 Kendra’s Tips
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Swap Aperol for Campari if you prefer a more bitter cocktail.
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Add a cinnamon stick garnish for a festive touch.
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Use sparkling apple cider for a bubbly, lighter version.
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Multiply ingredients by 6 for an easy pitcher cocktail at gatherings.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Fall Cocktail
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Made in under 5 minutes
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Naturally sweetened with honey
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Gorgeous and cozy for fall entertaining
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Doubles as a mocktail (just skip Aperol and liquor!)
