As soon as the weather starts to cool down (OK, maybe even before that), I go straight into fall mode. I waste no time in lighting pumpkin-scented candles, pulling out my coziest blankets, and rewatching all my favorite fall movies. For me, it’s not really spooky season without Halloweentown or Hocus Pocus playing in the background. And since everything feels more festive with a drink in hand, why not make yourself a fun beverage to enjoy along with your favorite cozy fall film? I’ve got your fall movie cocktail pairings covered. Read on for the fall cocktails you should make to sip along with this season’s best classic movies.
When Harry Met Sally
No movie captures autumn in New York quite like When Harry Met Sally. I mean, what could be better than strolling through the leaf-strewn pathways of Central Park, or perusing the halls of the Met in your coziest knitwear? Manhattan is basically a starring character in the film, which makes this drink the ultimate pairing. Based on the classic Manhattan cocktail, this recipe also includes a splash of apple cider for a cozy fall twist.
Practical Magic
You may not be able to cast spells like the Owens sisters, but you can absolutely dance barefoot in the kitchen while making midnight margaritas this fall. This spicy blood orange margarita is the perfect drink to capture the magic and spirit of that scene. It’s sweet, fiery, and a little mysterious, just like the movie itself.
Little Women
Little Women is one of the coziest movies to watch this fall. From scenes of the March sisters gathered around the fire to the picturesque New England setting, the whole film is filled with warm, autumnal vibes. You can just imagine a mug of this mulled wine being poured at one of the March family’s holiday dinners.
Hocus Pocus
From classic ’90s outfits to scary stories and trick-or-treaters, Hocus Pocus is pure autumn nostalgia. It’s the right amount of spooky, full of fun, and a little over the top, just like this Witches Brew cocktail. Mix up a batch to share with friends while you enjoy this Halloween classic.
You’ve Got Mail
“Don’t you love New York in the fall?” If the answer is yes, You’ve Got Mail is a must-see movie this time of year. And since so many of the film’s scenes involve Meg Ryan with a cup of coffee in hand, you’ll want to make an espresso martini to sip on while you watch. What better way to spend a fall night than curled up on the couch with a cozy cocktail and a rom-com?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
There’s no drink more appropriate to enjoy while watching Harry Potter than pumpkin juice (except maybe butterbeer). This classic beverage is widely enjoyed throughout the wizarding world, and it’s easy enough to make at home with some apple cider and a bit of pumpkin purée. This cozy, lightly spiced drink is the ideal pairing for the film’s scenes of feasts, floating candles, and pumpkin centerpieces. And if you want to turn it into a cocktail, just add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon.
The Addams Family
It wouldn’t be spooky season without the Addams Family. If you love their gothic mansion and creepy charm, you’re sure to love this cocktail, too. It’s dark and mysterious, just like Morticia and Gomez, and it looks like it’d fit right in at one of their delightfully eerie family dinners.
Twilight
Few movies embody gloomy autumn days quite like Twilight. The film’s misty, rainy setting will instantly get you in a fall state of mind (even if it’s still 80 degrees out). With its deep crimson hue, this red sangria mirrors the broody romance of Bella and Edward while also giving a nod to… well, blood. It’s a moody, dramatic fall staple, just like the movie.
Pride & Prejudice
If you’re looking to embrace the Regency Era, a night watching Pride & Prejudice with a cocktail in hand should be on your fall bucket list. An Earl Grey French 75 ties directly into the movie’s time period with its tea infusion, and the splash of champagne makes it fit for a candlelit ball alongside Mr. Darcy.
Beetlejuice
A Beetlejuice-themed cocktail has to be a little out of the ordinary, right? This quirky film deserves an equally quirky drink, and these Bloody Mary shooters are the perfect fit as an ode to the dinner party scene where the Deetz family serves shrimp cocktail. They’re a little creepy, clever, and fun, just like this iconic fall movie.
Halloweentown
Halloweentown was my favorite fall movie as a kid, and it still is today—only now I can enjoy it along with an adult beverage. This festive, pumpkin-flavored drink is a nod to the town square’s giant jack o’lantern and Marnie’s love for all things spooky. Because, as we all know, “Halloween is cool.”
The Witches of Eastwick
Set in a small New England town where the air is crisp and the leaves are changing, The Witches of Eastwick starts out picture-perfect before taking a devilish turn. This pomegranate spice martini is as bold and sultry as the film’s trio of leading ladies, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Whichever side you’re on, I think we can all agree it’s a must-watch this time of year, and this spiced white Russian cocktail makes an appropriately festive pairing. It’s sweet, lightly spiced, and festive enough to carry you all the way through December.
Christine Winder, Contributing Writer
Christine is a long-time reader turned contributing writer for the Everygirl. She has a BA in Communications from Roanoke College and lives with her two cats in Richmond, Virginia, where she writes for several local publications.
