(BPT) - For lifestyle expert, TV host, and designer Sabrina Soto, every cozy fall moment begins with coffee. "I'm Latina, so coffee is literally in my DNA," she says. "Growing up, coffee was always brewing, always part of the conversation."
That love of coffee inspires how she approaches fall at home, from layering rich textures to brewing seasonal flavors that fill the house with warmth and comfort. Soto shares how she brings her favorite fall rituals to life with Don Francisco's Coffee, blending design and flavor into everyday moments.
Explore New Seasonal Coffee Flavors
For Soto, coffee isn't just a morning ritual. It's part of her heritage and a daily source of comfort. Pumpkin spice will always have its moment, but this fall Soto is reaching for new cozy favorites from Don Francisco's Coffee, including Maple Pecan and Caramel Spiced Rum. Both are crafted with 100% Arabica beans and capture the comforting flavors of the season in every sip.
Maple Pecan combines the sweet comfort of maple and toasted pecans with caramel undertones for an indulgent cup, while Caramel Spiced Rum layers dark caramel and butterscotch with just a hint of spiced rum for a decadent twist.
According to the DoorDash Fall Flavor Trends Report, pecan is the fastest-growing fall flavor, with orders up 28% year over year. Meanwhile, caramel remains a top choice in 13 states, indicating that these blends are right on trend for 2025.
"The Maple Pecan is perfect for lazy Sunday mornings and the Caramel Spiced Rum? That's my after-dinner treat," said Soto. "They're delicious on their own, but I also love using them as a base for recipes when I'm having people over."
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Soto says fall decorating is all about engaging the senses, and for her, coffee is at the heart of it. She recommends thinking in layers (visual, tactile, and aromatic) to create spaces that feel truly inviting.
"I'm obsessed with layering this time of year, not just with throws and pillows, but with scents and flavors too," said Soto. "Start with what you already have. Grab a favorite blanket, light some candles, or bring in branches and leaves from your yard. Tie them with ribbon or twine in warm tones like burnt orange or deep burgundy, and suddenly your space feels completely different. It doesn't have to be expensive to feel special."
She says the same approach applies to your coffee. "Layer it up," she adds. "Top it with whipped cream, sprinkle cinnamon, drizzle caramel; it's the easiest way to make your cup feel cozy and indulgent."
"From a design perspective, I always tell people to think about texture first. Mix smooth ceramics with rough wood, soft linens with woven baskets. Then add warmth through lighting. Swap out bright bulbs for softer, amber-toned ones, or just light a bunch of candles," she explained. "But honestly? The scent is what pulls it all together. Whether it's candles, fresh eucalyptus, or coffee brewing in the kitchen, that's what makes people feel at home."
Entertain With Flavor
As the season shifts, Soto's love of coffee goes beyond décor. It's part of how she entertains, creating moments that feel warm, inviting and effortless.
"When friends come over, I want everything to feel warm and intentional but not fussy," she said. "This Maple Pecan Buttercream Coffee is one of those things that looks impressive but takes literally five minutes. People always ask for the recipe."
Don Francisco's Maple Pecan Buttercream Coffee
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Don Francisco's Maple Pecan Coffee, brewed hot
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Small pinch sea salt
- 2 tablespoons crushed toasted pecans
Instructions:
1. Brew 1 cup Don Francisco's Maple Pecan Coffee and keep hot.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk or mix milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt until smooth and lightly foamy.
3. Divide hot coffee between two mugs.
4. Layer buttercream mixture over each coffee; spoon extra foam on top.
5. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans.
Sip Sustainably
For Soto, cozy living also means conscious living. She incorporates sustainable practices into her daily routine in simple, practical ways.
"I toss my used coffee grounds right into the garden. They're amazing for fertilizer and keeping pests away," said Soto. "And I recycle the coffee bags through Don Francisco's free TerraCycle program. Sustainability doesn't have to be complicated. Little everyday choices really do add up."
Find Your Fall Flavor
Don Francisco's Coffee offers a variety of coffees, including seasonal flavor blends that are available for a limited time at DonFranciscos.com and Amazon.com/donfranciscos. Follow @DonFranciscos on Instagram for more cozy-season recipes, giveaways and inspiration.