Perfect for a chilly fall night (or afternoon, depending on Daylight Savings time), this hot toddy features tart lemon and apple flavors with a smidge of honey. The warm cocktail is perfect for a small gathering of close friends around a backyard fire pit, especially when you pair it with a snack board that highlights some of the season’s best produce. Granny smith apples and persimmons will work perfectly with baked brie that’s been drizzled with honey and topped with walnuts. To round out the board, aged cheddars are a crowd favorite, while soppressata will bring a bit of spice. Slice up toasted rye sourdough to serve alongside the snacks, too.

This crowd-pleasing apple sangria recipe is perfect to have up your sleeve when a “hang out” suddenly encroaches on “party” territory this season. It’s simple enough to convert to a batch serve when the guest list is longer than you originally anticipated, thanks to a simple mixture of rosé, CIROC Vodka, apple cider and ginger ale. For the snacks, don’t bother turning on the oven. Romesco dip comes together quickly in the food processor with just a jar of roasted red peppers, cup of almonds, a few teaspoons of sherry vinegar, a few minced garlic cloves and fresh parsley. Pair it with Spanish chorizo and manchego (plus toasted slices of a baguette, of course) to round out the tapas theme. For freshness, slice figs and Anjou pears along with honeycrisp apples to dip in goat cheese.