In the words of the iconic Richard Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, "I am an autumn." Basically, this time of year is when I, and many other young 20-somethings, absolutely thrive. Not only do we get to pull out our favorite cozy sweaters from their storage boxes, but we also get to indulge in Halloween decorating, pumpkin patch-ing, and apple picking. If you're like me, you might also be simply delighted whenever August rolls around because it means pumpkin spice, maple, and crisp apple latte season is right around the corner. Frankly, autumnal coffee beverages are to die for and definitely outdo the holiday mocha peppermint flavors that follow them. However, the fall flavors don't have to end at the PSL, there are myriad ways to adult-ify your pumpkin spice and apple cider by transforming them into cocktails, perfect for morning tailgating all the way to a nightcap. However, if you and your friends are sober-curious or simply not of cocktail age, there are a myriad of exquisite seasonal mocktails to make that will definitely impress your roomies. Here are a handful of easy fall mocktails to make for your upcoming harvest brunch and Friendsgiving parties. 

Caramel Apple Mocktail

As a kid, the most exciting trick-or-treat candy was definitely the caramel apple pops wrapped in green. Frankly, I still like to buy my annual bag as an adult. But what if you could get that nostalgic flavor in your fancy glass? You can make a big batch of user @ebdetails's Caramel Apple Punch in a pitcher, or you can make a few glasses by mixing three parts apple cider with one part ginger ale. Add in caramel sauce and pumpkin pie spice to taste. Then, add in a few fresh chopped apples and pumpkin-shaped ice if you're going the extra mile. 

Apple Cranberry Mocktail

Some may save cranberry scents and flavors for winter, but realistically, cranberry *is* for fall lovers and should be respected as such. For this fall mocktail, you can make a large batch, or simply fill each glass with equal parts cranberry juice, apple cider, and lemon-lime soda. You can rim your cups with caramel, cinnamon, and sugar, add a cinnamon stick and apple slice, and you'll be ready for a delicious nonalcoholic toast to the season. 

Honey Apple Crisp Mocktail

TikTok creator @mocktailgirlie always has the best recipes for those who love working with alcohol-free spirits. Get your bar set out because you need your shaker for this one. Mix one ounce of nonalcoholic tequila, orange bitters, four ounces of apple cider/juice, fresh lime juice, and a dash of maple syrup with ice, then shake. Pour these easy fall mocktails over ice, add a cinnamon rim, and cheers to you and your autumn mock-a-rita.  

Pumpkin Spice Mocktail

You've had pumpkin spice lattes and PSL cocktails, but what about a pumpkin spice mocktail? This is a great way to use your pumpkin puree if you have any leftovers after making your pumpkin bread and cookies. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, 1/4 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, a dash of pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla, and shake until smooth. Pour your mixture over ice and fill up the remainder of your glass with ginger beer. It'll have a delicious ginger bite with the sweetness of a bold cider. What else could you ask for in a mocktail?

Cinnamon "Whiskey" Chai

TikTok user @mocktail.mom is also a whiz when it comes to using nonalcoholic spirits. Here, she showcases the flavor of Beckett's '27 Non-Alcoholic Cinnamon Whiskey, akin to Fireball.  In a glass filled with ice, pour in one ounce of chai (this user used the Spiced Chai concentrate from Trader Joe's), one ounce of lemon juice, 2.5 ounces of cinnamon "whiskey," and a few drops of orange bitters. These easy fall mocktails will definitely warm your chest with the fiery cinnamon notes.