Tropical Vibes for Early Fall: Three Drinks That Ease You Into the Season

The days are still fairly warm, but the sun dips sooner now and the light has that softer, golden edge. This is my favorite shoulder season — when you can still sit outside barefoot but a little spice starts to sound good. These three drinks are how I hang on to the tropics while sliding into fall. They’re easy, unfussy, and perfect for a patio sundowner or an open-window night at home.

* Spiced Pineapple Spritz

Pineapple and lime keep things bright, but a splash of cinnamon syrup gives it just enough autumn to feel new. I shake pineapple juice, a little spiced rum (or zero-proof), fresh lime, and a dash of cinnamon syrup over ice, then top with bubbles. It’s golden hour in a glass — crisp, fizzy, lightly spiced.

* Coconut Chai Cooler

All the chai spice I crave in fall, but over ice with creamy coconut milk so it still feels like vacation. Brew a strong chai and chill it, shake with coconut milk and a hint of maple, and pour over fresh ice. Optional coconut rum keeps it grown-up. Think iced latte meets island café — my go-to when I’m not ready to give up summer.

* Mango Cider Margarita (or "ciderarita" as we like to say!)

Apple cider says sweaters; mango says beaches. Together they make a cinnamon-rimmed margarita that feels exactly like September — still summer in the sun, a little fall in the shade. Shake tequila (or NA tequila), mango purée, cold apple cider, and lime, then serve over ice with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

Why it works:
This little trio is my cheat sheet for the in-between season — bright, cold, easy to batch, with just enough spice to hint at what’s next. They let you savor those shorter evenings and stretch out summer’s last breath without a lot of prep. Enjoy!