November calls for cozy gatherings, hearty meals and drinks that suit the season. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, having friends over or settling in for a quiet evening, these four cocktails offer a mix of warm spices, crisp fruit and familiar favorites.

Each recipe makes one cocktail.

1. Apple Cider Bourbon Mule

Apple cider gives the classic mule a fall twist, while ginger beer adds a spicy finish. Bourbon brings everything together without requiring a long ingredient list.

Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
3 oz apple cider
½ oz fresh lime juice
2–3 oz chilled ginger beer
Apple slices and a cinnamon stick, for garnish

How to make it: Fill a mug or tall glass with ice. Add the bourbon, apple cider and lime juice, then stir. Top with ginger beer and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Serving tip: Choose a cloudy, nonalcoholic apple cider for a fuller apple flavor.

2. Cranberry Rosemary Margarita

Tart cranberry and fresh lime make this a refreshing option for a Thanksgiving gathering. A rosemary sprig adds an aromatic touch and a little holiday color.

Ingredients
1½ oz blanco tequila
½ oz orange liqueur
1½ oz cranberry juice cocktail
¾ oz fresh lime juice
¼ oz agave syrup, optional
Rosemary sprig and fresh cranberries, for garnish
Salt or sugar, for the rim

How to make it: Run a lime wedge around the edge of a glass and dip it into salt or sugar. Shake the tequila, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice with ice. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Add agave if desired, then garnish with rosemary and cranberries.

Serving tip: This recipe uses sweetened cranberry juice cocktail. Unsweetened cranberry juice will make a much sharper drink and may need more agave.

3. Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned

Maple syrup brings a mellow sweetness to this bourbon classic. A small amount goes a long way, letting the whiskey remain the main attraction.

Ingredients
2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
1 tsp pure maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Cinnamon stick, for garnish

How to make it: Add the whiskey, maple syrup and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and slightly diluted, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then add it with the cinnamon stick.

Serving tip: Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup. Bourbon makes a rounder, sweeter drink; rye adds a spicier edge.

4. Warm Spiced Rum Apple Cider

For a chilly November evening, this warm cider cocktail keeps things simple. Dark rum adds depth, while cinnamon and orange give it a cozy aroma.

Ingredients
1½ oz dark rum
5 oz apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1 strip of orange peel
1 tsp honey, optional

How to make it: Combine the cider, cinnamon stick, cloves and orange peel in a small saucepan. Heat gently for 5–10 minutes without boiling. Remove from the heat, strain out the spices and stir in the rum. Pour into a heatproof mug and sweeten with honey if desired.

Serving tip: Preparing several servings? Warm the cider and spices together, then add rum to individual mugs. That also makes it easy to offer a nonalcoholic version.