Late August is its own kind of magic. The days are still long and golden, but evenings come with a whisper of chill. Labor Day picnics, backyard hangs, and iced lemonades are still in full swing—but so is the excitement of pumpkin spice’s early return.
This is the moment for transitional drinks—recipes that sparkle like summer but carry just enough spice and warmth to hint at fall. Whether you’re soaking up the last rays or leaning into cozier evenings, the right glass makes these sips feel even more special.
Here are four drinks to carry you gracefully from sunshine to sweater weather—paired with the right glassware that makes every pour a little more beautiful.
1. Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Nothing says “end of summer” like a big pitcher of sangria, and this version adds crisp apple cider for a nod toward fall. It’s bright, fizzy, and perfect for Labor Day weekend gatherings.
How to Make It:
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2 cups apple cider
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1 cup white wine (or sparkling water for a mocktail)
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1 cup sparkling water
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Sliced apples, oranges, and a cinnamon stick or two
Chill for an hour before serving so the flavors meld.
Glassware Pairing: Pour into stemless wine glasses that feel casual yet polished—the perfect way to showcase the fruit and bubbles.
2. Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin Spice
Cool enough for hot afternoons, spiced enough to feel like fall’s first hello. This is the drink that bridges two moods in one sip.
How to Make It:
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Brewed chai tea, cooled
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Milk (dairy or oat)
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Pumpkin spice syrup (start with a splash)
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Ice
Shake until frothy, then dust with cinnamon for extra autumn energy.
Glassware Pairing: Double wall coffee glasses keep your drink icy cold while showing off those gorgeous swirls of milk and chai.
3. Honey-Lavender Lemonade
This floral, lightly sweet lemonade is the essence of late summer, while honey adds a grounding note that leans toward the cozier flavors ahead. Perfect for those “last barefoot on the porch” afternoons.
How to Make It:
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1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
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2 tbsp lavender simple syrup
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1 tbsp honey
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Sparkling water
Stir gently, pour over ice, and garnish with a sprig of lavender or lemon wheel.
Glassware Pairing: Serve in highball glasses to give a classic summer drink an elegant twist.
4. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (The First Taste of Fall)
It may feel too warm for a hot latte, but the iced pumpkin cream cold brew is the perfect early fall compromise. Consider this your first sip of cozy season—without letting go of summer’s chill.
How to Make It:
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Cold brew coffee
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Pumpkin cream topping: whip heavy cream, pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin spice until frothy
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Sprinkle of cinnamon
Pour the cold brew into iced coffee glasses and crown it with pumpkin cream. Watch the layers cascade—half the fun is the presentation.
Savor the In-Between
These drinks aren’t just recipes—they’re rituals for celebrating the in-between. A little sunshine, a little spice, a little sparkle, a little warmth. And with the right glass, each one feels like an elevated moment worth savoring.
Explore JoyJolt’s selection of glassware, designed to make every season shift more special. Because the best sips are the ones that meet you exactly where you are—somewhere between summer and fall.
