Everyone knows the main star of the show on Thanksgiving is the turkey! However, these simple and fun cocktails may end up a close second (besides the mashed potatoes of course!) Treat your guests to any of these fun drinks this Thanksgiving.
1. Apple Cider Moscow Mule
For lovers of the Moscow mule, this one has a great fall twist to it! You will need 4 oz. hard apple cider, 4 oz. ginger beer, 1.5 oz. of citron vodka, juice of half a lime, and a dash of ground cinnamon. In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes, hard apple cider, ginger beer, citron vodka, lime juice, and cinnamon. Shake ingredients and pour mixture over a copper cup filled with crushed ice. For an extra touch, garnish with apple slices, lime wedge, and cinnamon stick.
Recipe from Joyfulhealthyeats.com
2. Cranberry Harvest Mimosa
This is a great drink for anyone prepping the meal in the kitchen. It’s a refreshing and easy drink and won’t make you feel bad for drinking before noon! Ingredients you need: 2 tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 (32-oz) container cranberry juice, 1/2 gal. apple cider, 1 bottle prosecco, 1 apple, 1/2 diced and 1/2 sliced into half-moons, for garnish, and 1 package whole cranberries. Combine sugar and cinnamon on a shallow plate. Dip the rim of each glass in water, then dip into the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture, coating the edge of each glass. Fill each champagne flute 1/4 of the way up with cranberry juice and halfway with apple cider. Top with Prosecco and a few cranberries and diced apple pieces. Garnish with an apple slice.
Recipe from delish.com
3. Pumpkin Pie Martini
This recipe caught my eye because normally I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin pie but love pumpkin spice. For this dessert drink, you will need 2 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka, 1 1/2 oz. aged rum, 1/4 cup pumpkin puree, 3 tbsp. maple syrup, 1/4 cup half and half, 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (grab some additional pumpkin spice for garnish), and a handful of ice cubes. Directions: Place 2 martini glasses in the freezer. For the frozen whipped topping, line a small sheet tray with parchment or waxed paper. Make 2 dollops of whipped topping or whipped cream and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, rum, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, half and half, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and ice cubes. Cover and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into the 2 martini glasses. Top each glass with one piece of frozen whipped cream. Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice and serve immediately.
Recipe from thepioneerwoman.com
4. Maple Bourbon Smash
This is a delicious cocktail for the bourbon lovers in the room. This would be a great pre-dinner drink while watching football or sitting by a firepit. You’ll need 2 oz. (30 ml) bourbon, 1 oz. (30 ml) maple syrup, 1 oz. (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 lemon twist. Pour the bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice into a shaker filled with ice. Stir until the drink is thoroughly chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass with a large cube of ice. Garnish with lemon twist.
Recipe from williamssonoma.com
5. Coconut Rum Hot Chocolate
A friend served me something like this on Thanksgiving a couple of years back, and it was the perfect after-dinner dessert drink to enjoy in our pajamas watching Christmas movies. You’ll need 1 ¾ cups whole milk, ¾ cup white chocolate, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 shot of coconut rum (Malibu) or Godiva White Chocolate Liquor. Gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the white chocolate, cinnamon, and rum. Take off the heat and pour into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and white chocolate shards.
Recipe from tasty.com