Fall camping beverages—the season when drinks are warm, and nature decides to shed its old leaves like a cat shedding fur on your favorite black sweater. It’s the time of year when the air turns crisp, the nights grow longer, and the idea of sleeping outdoors becomes a romantic notion rather than a survivalist endeavor.
After countless trips, interesting culinary experiments, and one too many arguments over who forgot to pack the marshmallows, we’ve compiled a list of our top seven fall camping beverages.
If you’re huddled around the fire with friends or enjoying a moment of solitude under the stars, these drinks are the perfect companions for your autumnal adventures.
1. Classic Hot Chocolate—The Hug in a Mug
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Marshmallows or whipped cream (optional, but who are we kidding?)
Let’s start with the undisputed champion of cozy drinks—the classic hot chocolate. It’s the beverage equivalent of a warm blanket, a childhood memory, and an indulgent treat all rolled into one. We like to think of it as the Switzerland of camping beverages—neutral, universally loved, and surprisingly sophisticated when done right.
On one memorable trip to the Adirondacks, we found ourselves huddled under a tarp as an unexpected drizzle dampened both our gear and our spirits. Out came the trusty camping stove and a saucepan that had seen better days. As the milk warmed, we mixed in cocoa powder and sugar, whisking away lumps with the kind of dedication usually reserved for important life goals.
The first sip was pure bliss—a rich, velvety concoction that made the damp socks and leaky tent seem like minor inconveniences.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
Hot chocolate is more than just a drink; it’s a mood enhancer. The warmth soothes your insides, while the chocolate triggers those happy hormones you’ve been neglecting since you decided to spend your vacation sleeping on the ground.
Plus, it’s customizable—add a dash of cinnamon for a spicy kick or a drop of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile. And let’s not forget the toppings. Marshmallows melting into gooey perfection or a dollop of whipped cream can turn this simple beverage into a campsite delicacy.
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2. Spiced Apple Cider—Autumn in a Cup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- Orange slices (optional)
If fall were a drink, it would be spiced apple cider. This beverage captures the essence of the season better than any Instagram filter ever could. During a trek through Vermont’s Green Mountains, we decided to embrace our inner pioneers and make cider from scratch. Spoiler alert: we ended up buying a gallon from a local farm stand after realizing apple pressing is best left to professionals.
Back at the campsite, we heated the cider in a pot over the fire, adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. The aroma wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of burning wood and damp leaves.
It was so enticing that neighboring campers “just happened” to wander over, cups in hand. We shared, because that’s what good campers do—or so we’re told.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
Spiced apple cider warms you twice—once when you hold the steaming cup and again when you take that first sip. The spices infuse the cider with layers of flavor, turning a simple drink into a sensory experience.
It’s non-alcoholic, making it suitable for all ages and perfect for those mornings when you need a gentle nudge rather than a swift kick to start your day.
3. Campfire Coffee—The Functional Necessity
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coarse ground coffee per 8 ounces of water
- Water
- A heat-resistant vessel (percolator, kettle, or a saucepan if you’re desperate)
The elixir of life, the fuel of productivity, the reason some of us get out of our sleeping bags when the temperature dips below comfort levels. We’ve experimented with various methods over the years, from fancy portable espresso makers that cost more than our tents to the classic cowboy coffee that leaves you chewing on grounds.
One chilly morning in the Rockies, we opted for the percolator method. As the water bubbled and the aroma of brewing coffee filled the crisp air, we felt a sense of accomplishment that almost made up for the fact that we’d forgotten to pack actual mugs.
Improvisation ensued, and let’s just say that coffee tastes just as good out of a clean soup can when necessity calls.
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Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
Coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a survival tool. The warmth jolts you awake, while the caffeine prepares you for a day of hiking, fishing, or pretending to enjoy nature while secretly longing for Wi-Fi. In the fall, when mornings are brisk and your motivation is low, a hot cup of campfire coffee is the kickstart you didn’t know you needed.
4. Hot Toddy—The Adult Comfort
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1.5 ounces whiskey, rum, or brandy
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A cinnamon stick or lemon wedge for garnish
For those evenings when the fire’s warmth isn’t enough and the stars are out but the chill has settled into your bones, enter the hot toddy. It’s the sophisticated older sibling of camp drinks—warming, soothing, and with just enough kick to make you forget that you’re sleeping on a glorified yoga mat.
During a late-season camping trip in the Smoky Mountains, we found ourselves battling a persistent drizzle and dropping temperatures.
Someone suggested hot toddies, and suddenly, the mood shifted from “Why are we here?” to “This isn’t so bad after all.” We mixed the ingredients in enamel mugs, and as the warmth spread from our hands to our hearts, the conversation flowed as freely as the beverage.
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Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
The hot toddy is a multitasker—it warms you up, soothes sore throats, and helps you relax after a day of outdoor activities. The combination of hot water, honey, and lemon is practically medicinal, and the added spirit takes the edge off both the cold and any lingering stress.
It’s the ideal nightcap for adults who appreciate a drink that serves multiple purposes.
5. Mulled Wine—The Festive Indulgence
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (something inexpensive but drinkable)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional but recommended)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- Orange slices
Mulled wine is the kind of drink that makes you feel cultured even when you’re wearing the same flannel shirt for the third day in a row. We first tried this during a group camping trip in the Pacific Northwest. One of our friends, who fancies himself a culinary genius, insisted on preparing it over the campfire.
Skeptical but intrigued, we watched as he combined the ingredients in a large pot, the wine simmering gently as the spices infused their magic.
The result was a fragrant, warming beverage that felt both decadent and comforting. Sipping mulled wine under a canopy of evergreens, we remembered the nostalgic joys of camping. It turned a simple camping trip into a rustic gourmet experience—at least in our minds.
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Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
Mulled wine brings a touch of elegance to the campsite. The spices and citrus elevate the wine, making it more than just a drink—it’s an experience.
It’s perfect for sharing, which is great because a whole pot is a lot for one person (though no judgment here). Plus, it warms you from the inside out, making those chilly nights a bit more bearable.
6. Pumpkin Spice Latte—The Controversial Classic
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
- Sugar or sweetener to taste
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon (because why not?)
Yes, we’re going there. The pumpkin spice latte (PSL for those in the know) is as synonymous with fall as leaves changing color and people arguing over the merits of candy corn. We decided to recreate this coffee shop staple during a camping trip in upstate New York, partly out of curiosity and partly because someone brought a can of pumpkin puree for reasons unknown.
Using our camp stove, we heated the milk and pumpkin puree, adding in the spices and coffee. The result was surprisingly good—a creamy, spiced coffee that felt indulgent without requiring a second mortgage.
Even the skeptics among us admitted that it hit the spot, though they insisted on calling it “spiced pumpkin coffee” to maintain their dignity.
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Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
The PSL brings a taste of the familiar to the wilderness. It’s comforting, flavorful, and gives you that caffeine boost with a seasonal twist.
Plus, making it yourself spares you the judgmental looks from baristas when you order it for the third time in a day. It’s a fun way to embrace the fall spirit, even if you’re miles away from the nearest coffee chain.
7. Hot Buttered Rum—The Decadent Delight
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- 4 ounces hot water
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Hot buttered rum is the kind of drink that makes you question your life choices—in a good way. Rich, warming, and undeniably indulgent, it’s a treat best enjoyed when you’ve accepted that calories don’t count in the wilderness.
We first tried this on a chilly night in Maine, after a day spent kayaking and failing to catch any fish. Spirits were low, but the rum supply was high. Mixing the ingredients in a pot over the fire, we created a concoction that was as soothing as it was decadent.
The buttery texture combined with the spices and rum created a drink that felt like a hug from the inside.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall Camping:
This beverage is the epitome of indulgence, perfect for those nights when you need something extra to take the chill off. The butter adds a richness that coats your insides, while the spices and rum provide warmth and flavor.
It’s not an everyday drink, but for special occasions or when you’ve had a rough day battling the elements, it hits the spot.
What’s Your Go To Fall Camping Beverage?
Fall camping offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. The temperatures drop, the nights grow longer, and the allure of the campfire becomes irresistible. The right beverage can enhance this experience, providing warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence.
Remember, the best drink is the one enjoyed in good company, under a canopy of stars, with the sounds of nature as your background music.
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