Here are the cocktails to toast while the turkey roasts …
Making your favorite cocktails worthy for the Thanksgiving table is easy with seasonal flavors and ingredient swaps. Apples, pumpkin, and even butter (yes, because we need more butter!) make an appearance in this assortment of Thanksgiving drinks.
Mix a batch, or make yourself a glass, and give thanks for these twists on traditional Thanksgiving drinks. Enjoy!
PUMPKIN VODKA MARTINI
This one’s for all the people who choose pumpkin pie over apple pie for dessert — but we would take this cocktail over either any day. A sugar/spice mixture gives the rim tasty texture, and frosting the glass will keep this drink extra cold while sipping in a warm kitchen with family and friends. See more serving tips from Linger A Little.
CRANBERRY MULE
A classic Cosmopolitan already proved that few mixers pair better than cranberry and lime. This year, take your Moscow mule to the next level with cranberry juice, lime, and ginger beer topped with sparkly sugared cranberries. Mix in individual glasses or make a pitcher — both options are included in this creation from The Speckled Palate.
APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
At Graham + Fisk we’re all about make-ahead delicious wine cocktails (who isn’t?) and that’s the beauty of our Apple Cider Sangria. Make just an hour before guests arrive or the morning of, and place in a glass pitcher that shows off the fall ingredients including cinnamon, cranberries, and apple slices.
CRANBERRY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
Not only does this sparkling beverage taste delicious, it looks phenomenal too — serve in champagne flutes during Thanksgiving dinner for a truly epic-looking tablescape. We recommend cracking open a can of White Wine with Bubbles for this Food Network recipe.
CINNAMON MAPLE WHISKEY SOUR
You know that saying, “When life gives you lemons …?” Well, when life gives you maple syrup, make a Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour from Cookie + Kate. You may even have all of the ingredients in your fridge right now! By replacing the simple syrup with maple syrup, this straightforward Bourbon drink becomes even better — trust us.
POMEGRANATE MIMOSA
Some may call this a mimosa and some may argue it's an Aperol spritz, but when you welcome guests at the door with this cocktail, nobody will care what it's called! What they will want is a refill. Stock up on the pomegranate juice, Aperol, and sparkling wine to make A Couple Cook’s genius combination of fruity fall flavors.
APPLE CIDER MARGARITA
Another specialty cocktail courtesy of A Couple Cooks — If you’re giving thanks with your toes in the sand, this is the seasonal cocktail made for beach adventures. It’s also ideal for a family that knows Thanksgiving time is party time! Swap salt for sugar on the rim, and serve with appetizers before the big meal.
HOT BUTTERED RUM
More butter? Yes, please! Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks, but also …. butter. It’s amazing getting together with family and friends … and with butter. So when you think of capping off your Thanksgiving spread (see what we did there?) … consider Hot Buttered Rum. Food Network nailed it again with this rich nightcap.
APPLE CHAI GIN & TONIC
If you think of G&Ts as a summertime drink, think again! Botanicals in gin make is a great choice in winter too, especially when topped with apple cider and chai spices. This Thanksgiving cocktail by Liquor.com may even become your new favorite fireside sipper.
MULLED WINE
There’s something to be said for a Thanksgiving cocktail that can be made in a Crock-Pot, and while our recipe doesn’t specify that — it’s completely possible to place the main ingredients in a slow cooker on LOW and let it do all the work. On the stove works just as well, either way guests can serve themselves a cup of Thanksgiving day cheer.
