Festive Fall Coffee Ideas for Thanksgiving

All coffee is good coffee, but these festive fall coffee drinks will make the season even cozier.

5 min read

Alisha McDarris

Nov 06, 2025

If you love everything autumn—from crisp days and golden light to cozy sweaters— then spiced coffee drinks are probably also on your list of favorite things about fall. Luckily, comforting autumn coffee drinks can be made easily at home with OXO coffee tools and these festive fall coffee ideas for Thanksgiving—or anytime that calls for the perfect pumpkin spice coffee.

Ready to learn how to make your own quintessential festive fall coffee? Here are our top tips.

Start with the Perfect Brew

Before spicing things up, nail down how to brew flavorful, aromatic coffee at home. Start by grinding your own beans in a conical burr grinder that lets you choose from multiple grind settings. That way you can customize the size, i.e. select a fine grind for espresso-based drinks or a coarser grind for drinks that use coffee made in a French press. If you plan to try out several autumn coffee drinks, make up to eight cups of coffee in a coffee maker or whip up a batch of cold brew. For a quick and easy brew that packs a punch, a Rapid Brewer might be best (especially if you’d like to use some of the surplus coffee for coffee-flavored cocktails or other Rapid-Brew coffee recipes like the ice cream + coffee Italian dessert called Affogato).

Make sure you have all your ingredients on hand, including an insulated mug to keep your festive coffee drink hot or cold as needed, a sugar dispenser, and an air-tight container to keep your coffee beans fresh. Once you have all your ingredients and accessories set up, all that’s left to do is choose a flavor profile and get brewing.

S’mores Latte

Print Recipe

Nothing says “fall” like s’mores. There’s just something about autumn that makes melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows seem like the perfect treat. But if you don’t want to light up the fire pit, a toasty s’mores latte can still deliver flavors of the season. It’s not overly sweet on its own, which gives the marshmallows you’ll put on top the chance to really shine.

Ingredients

½ Cup hot brew concentrate (about ½ cup) made with the Rapid Brewer OR two shots of espresso

¾ Cup milk or milk alternative

1.5 Teaspoons sugar

1.5 Teaspoons cocoa powder

⅛ Teaspoon vanilla

1-2 Marshmallows or small handful of mini marshmallows

Whipped cream and graham crackers for serving (optional)

Directions:

Combine the espresso or hot coffee concentrate, milk, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla in a mug and heat to approximately 130ºF

Use a frother or shake vigorously in a double-walled sealable bottle to mix. When ingredients are combined and the mixture is frothy, transfer to a mug.

Place marshmallows on a metal skewer or two (or several mini marshmallows) until they’re golden brown. You can do so with a stick and hold them over a gas or coil stove to toast. Another option: Gently toasting the outer layer of the marshmallows with or by using a kitchen torch. Or place the marshmallows on top of a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet and toast with a torch or place under your oven broiler until golden brown and puffy.

Top the latte with whipped cream if desired, then add the marshmallow to the side of the mug and serve with a few squares of graham crackers for dipping if you like.

coffee makers and grinder with coffee drink and pie

Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee

Print Recipe

Dalgona coffee is a drink that fuses equal parts instant coffee, sugar and hot water into a thick and creamy beverage that can be served over hot or cold milk. It’s aromatic and sweet—and can be leveled up by adding a dash of fall’s flagship flavor—pumpkin spice.

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons boiling water

2 Tablespoons instant coffee

2 Tablespoons white sugar

½ Teaspoon pumpkin spice

3/4 Cup milk or milk alternative (or more to taste)

Directions:

Combine the water, coffee, sugar and spice in a medium-sized bowl and vigorously whisk them all together using either a balloon whisk or hand mixer until the coffee has dissolved and the mixture thickens to soft peaks. If doing it by hand, it will likely take about three minutes.

To serve, pour the milk into a small glass and spoon the coffee mixture on top. It will float there unless you decide to mix it all together (you can do so or leave the elements separate). Then, just sip and enjoy.

Maple Cinnamon Frappe

Print Recipe

Maple and cinnamon are another essential fall combo that pairs perfectly with coffee’s strong zing. Enjoy them together in this whipped beverage that packs the punch of coffee but drinks like a milkshake.

Ingredients

½ cup cold brew concentrate or other cold, strong coffee

3/4 cup milk or milk alternative (or more to taste)

6 ice cubes

1 tablespoon maple syrup

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Whipped topping and a cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Place all ingredients except topping and cinnamon garnish in a blender.

Process on high until everything is fully combined and the concoction is airy.

Transfer to a drinking glass.

Top with whipped cream (or your own creative latte art) and a cinnamon stick or extra ground cinnamon if desired, and serve cold.

Coconut Cardamom Coffee

Print Recipe

Surprise! Many of fall’s yummiest spices can actually compliment your coffee as well. For something naturally sweet and a little unexpected, serve this simple coffee beverage hot or cold.

Ingredients

Coffee of your choice—cold brew, pour-over or espresso

2 cups coconut milk

15 cardamom pods

Directions:

Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat.

Crush cardamom pods by gently cracking their outer shell with the side of a kitchen knife against a sturdy, non-slip cutting board. Place cracked pods in a plastic bag and gently roll over them with a rolling pin to loosen the seeds and crack their outer surfaces.

Add all pieces of the cardamom pods (husks, seeds--everything!) to the coconut milk.

Simmer for several minutes, then remove from heat and cover. Let mixture steep for 30-40 minutes.

Strain milk through a fine mesh strainer that will catch all parts of the cardamom pods.

Add cardamom-infused coconut milk to hot or cold coffee of your choice.

Store cardamom-infused coconut milk in a sealable container for up to three days.

Vanilla Bean Iced Latte

Print Recipe

Classics are always cool, especially after indulging in deliciously rich desserts (like mini pumpkin pies and orange-scented olive oil cake) plus creative side dishes. So, the morning after Thanksgiving, why not serve this festive fall coffee drink that leans into simplicity and clean flavors.

Ingredients

Coffee of your choice—If you’re serving it to guests or want to have extra on hand, program your coffee maker to brew up to 12 cups in advance and let it cool to room temperature.

One vanilla bean per serving

Sweetener of your choice

Milk of your choice

Directions:

Brew your coffee.

Pour into mugs or serving glasses.

Add a whole vanilla bean to each mug and allow to steep while coffee cools.

Once cooled, remove vanilla bean.

Pour over ice.

Add milk.

Enjoy!

Tips to Elevate Your Fall Coffee

Whether you indulge in a festive fall coffee drink or are enjoying your coffee black, you can ensure it tastes great by following these easy suggestions.

Keep your coffee beans fresh

Once their original packaging has been opened, it’s important to learn how to store your coffee beans properly. By limiting their exposure to air, you’ll prevent oxidation, which degrades their quality. You’ll also prevent micro-organisms from multiplying, which can alter their flavor.

Add a dash of drizzle

OXO squeeze bottles make it easy to add a splash of caramel or chocolate sauce on top of your milk, foam, or whipped topping.

Keep your ice cubes covered

If you enjoy iced coffee, use a covered ice cube tray in your freezer. By limiting their exposure to air and other foods in the freezer, they won’t absorb any flavors.

Dust with cocoa powder or other spices

Use a mini strainer to add a hint of chocolate, cinnamon or nutmeg to your autumn coffee drink. Simply add some to the strainer and shake gently to break up any clumps.

Festive fall coffees and other wintery drinks are always a highlight of the season. They can be enjoyed on their own or with autumn-themed cookies. Or create a cozy vibe by serving them at a holiday brunch.

Additional reporting by Audrey D. Brashich.