5 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Celebrate the Holiday Season

5 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey and mashed potatoes  - it's about celebrating the season with loved ones, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with a delicious cocktail? Whether you're hosting a dinner or looking to add a little something special to the table, these five Thanksgiving cocktail recipes will impress your guests and perfectly complement your holiday feast. 

1. Classic Apple Cider Margarita

Apple cider is a classic fall flavor, and combining it with tequila creates a unique twist on a margarita. Perfect for those who love a refreshing cocktail with a hunt of autumn spice!

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz tequila
    • 2oz apple cider
    • 1oz lime juice
    • 1oz orange liqueur
    • Cinnamon and sugar for rimming the glass
    • Ice
  • Instructions
    1. Rim your glass with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
    2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, apple cider, lime juice, and orange liquer.
    3. Shake vigorously with ice.
    4. Strain into your prepared glass and serve cold.
This crisp and refreshing cocktail has just the right amount of sweetness and spice, making it the perfect Thanksgiving drink.

 

2. Cranberry Moscow Mule

Cranberries scream Thanksgiving, and this cranberry moscow mule gives your usual moscow mule a festive upgrade. The tangy cranberry pairs beautifully with the ginger beer for a drink that's both refreshing and flavorful.

  • Ingredients: 
    • 2oz vodka
    • 4oz ginger beer
    • 1oz cranberry juice
    • Fresh cranberries and lime wedge for garnish
    • Ice
  • Instructions:
    1. Fill a mule mug with ice.
    2. Pour vodka, cranberry juice and ginger beer into the mug.
    3. Stir gently to combine.
    4. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.

This cocktail brings a seasonal twist to a traditional favorite. it's a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves a light, zesty drink.

 

3. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

For those who love the flavors of pumpkin pie, the pumpkin spice white Russian is the ultimate holiday indulgence. It's creamy, comforting, and just the right amount of festive. 

  • Ingredients:
    • 2oz vodka
    • 1oz pumpkin spice liqueur
    • 1oz heavy cream or milk
    • Ice
    • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
  • Instructions
    1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
    2. Add vodka and pumpkin spice liqueur.
    3. Top with heavy cream or milk and stir gently.
    4. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

This rich and creamy cocktail brings the warmth of pumpkin spice into every sip - perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving evening. 

 

4. Spiced Pear Bourbon Smash

Bourbon and pear is a pairing that will transport you straight to fall. This spiced pear bourbon smash is a warming drink that will complement the flavors of Thanksgiving with ease.

  • Ingredients
    • 2oz bourbon
    • 1oz pear juice or pear puree
    • 1/2 oz simple syrup
    • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
    • Ice
    • Fresh pear slices and cinnamon stick for garnish
  • Instructions
    1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, pear juice, simple syrup, and bitters.
    2. Add ice and shake vigorously.
    3. Strain into a glass with ice.
    4. Garnish with fresh pair slices and a cinnamon stick.

The pear flavor adds a refreshing element, while the bourbon provides a rich, smoky base, making this cocktail a great pairing for your Thanksgiving spread.

 

5. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

If you're a fan of classic cocktails with a twist, the maple bourbon old fashioned is the perfect choice. The sweetness of the maple syrup adds a seasonal touch to the traditional old fashioned cocktail.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2oz bourbon
    • 1/2oz maple syrup
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    •  Orange peel for garnish
    • Ice
  • Instructions
    1. In a rocks glass, add the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
    2. Add ice and stir until chilled.
    3. Express an orange peel over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

The maple syrup creates a smooth sweetness that balances the richness of the bourbon, giving your guests a sophisticated yet seasonal cocktail.

 

These five Thanksgiving cocktails offer a variety of flavors to please any palate. From the tartness of cranberries to the richness of bourbon, each drink adds something special to your Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether you're starting your meal with a refreshing apple cider margarita or winding down with a maple bourbon old fashioned, these cocktails will definitely elevate your holiday gathering. Cheers to a flavorful Thanksgiving!

 

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