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Find Your Signature Thanksgiving Cocktail
Whether you're looking for a pre-meal aperitif, a sweet libation to accompany dessert or a bloody Mary to enjoy the next morning, we have some tasty recipes to help make your Thanksgiving a delectable event.
First up: Pumpkin Pie Martini
This rich and creamy cocktail tastes just like your favorite pumpkin pie. The whipped cream topping is optional but recommended for an authentic pumpkin pie experience. To make a single serving, rim a martini glass with maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice. Shake 2 oz. vanilla vodka, 1 oz. pumpkin puree, 1/2 oz. Irish cream liqueur, 1/2 oz. maple syrup, and 1/2 oz. heavy cream with ice. Strain into the glass, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice.
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Photo: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
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Chai Spice Mulled Wine
Warm up your Thanksgiving with this cozy mulled wine infused with chai spices. Use your favorite spiced chai bags of for this concoction. In a large pot, combine 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine, 1/3 cup honey (or sugar), 5 tea bags, juice of 1 orange, 1 sliced lemon and 1 sliced apple. Cook over low heat without boiling. Stir in 1/4 cup brandy and 1 cinnamon stick. Simmer for 15 minutes and serve warm in Irish coffee mugs with orange wheels for garnish. Stir in extra honey for more sweetness, if desired. Serves 6-8.
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Pomegranate Vodka Cocktail
Refreshing and ruby-red, this cocktail is perfect for sharing. It’s packed with tart pomegranate juice and freshly squeezed orange juice. Muddle 1 oz. honey and fresh mint in a shaker. Add 4 oz. vodka, 4 oz. pomegranate juice, and 2 oz. orange juice. Shake with ice and strain into two glasses filled with ice. Garnish with orange slices, pomegranate arils and mint sprigs.
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Spiked Pumpkin-Spice Iced Coffee
For coffee lovers, this pumpkin spice cold brew is a boozy twist on a coffee house favorite. Stir 1 oz. vodka, 1 oz. coffee liqueur, 4 oz. cold brewed coffee and 1/2 oz. pumpkin spice beverage syrup together. Add 1/2 oz. cream and briefly stir. Top with whipped cream and garnish with pumpkin pie spice, roasted coffee beans and a cinnamon stick.
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Authentic German Mulled Wine
Traditional glühwein, which translates to "glow wine" will make cheeks rosy and keep your Thanksgiving guests bright and cheerful. Be sure to keep the recipe handy for winter months, too. This soul-warming sip will put a fire in your belly (and a glow in your cheeks) when temperatures plummet.
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Photo: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
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Cranberry Mimosa
This tart, bubbly mimosa is simply made with cranberry juice cocktail and your favorite prosecco. It adds a holiday twist to your brunch table. Or present a tray of flutes to guests for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner sip. Pour 2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail into a champagne flute, top with 4 oz. champagne or prosecco and, optionally, add 1/2 oz. orange liqueur. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange peel and mint leaves.
Unique Thanksgiving Table Decor
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Spiced Pear Sangria
This festive sangria combines the sweet and spiced flavors of pears and cinnamon for a crowd-pleasing chilled holiday punch. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, mix 1 bottle (750 ml) of white wine, 1 cup pear juice, 1/2 cup brandy and 1/4 cup orange liqueur. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, sliced pears and oranges. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Serve chilled with additional fruit slices. Serves 6-8.
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Sweet Potato Bourbon Sour
Both creamy and tangy, this bourbon sour is inspired by the flavors of sweet potato pie. To make one serving, shake 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. sweet potato puree, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, 3/4 oz. maple syrup and 1 oz. sour mix with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a toasted marshmallow or fresh sage. Tip: Toast jumbo marshmallows on a parchment-lined baking sheet under the broiler for 2 minutes; let cool before using as a cocktail garnish.
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Appleberry Pie Cocktail
Pie is a Thanksgiving staple. This year, consider skipping the flour-covered counters and instead fill a glass with this tasty cocktail. Full of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, it has all the flavor of a slice of pie and takes a fraction of the prep time.
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Apple Cider Mule
An autumnal twist on the traditional Moscow mule, this cocktail brings cozy vibes with spicy ginger beer and fresh apple cider. In a copper mug, mix 2 oz. vodka, 3 oz. apple cider and 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice. Fill with crushed ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple and lime slices, along with a mint sprig and cinnamon stick for stirring. Serves 1.
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Pecan Pie Old Fashioned
This cocktail brings the comforting, nutty sweetness of pecan pie to the classic bourbon old fashioned. For a single serving, rim a rocks glass with maple syrup and brown sugar. Stir 2 oz. bourbon, 1/2 oz. butter pecan beverage syrup and 2 dashes of bitters with ice. Strain into the glass with a large ice cube. Serve alongside a bowl of salty-sweet, toasted pecans.
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Cranberry Ginger Smash
Sweet and tart, this fizzy sip celebrates the bright flavors of Thanksgiving cranberries. Shake 2 oz. bourbon, 1 oz. cranberry juice, 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice and 1/2 oz. ginger beverage syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a skewer of fresh cranberries and candied ginger.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Boards
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Caramel Apple Sangria
Refreshing and oh-so-tasty, this fall sangria cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving. The sweet-meets-tart caramel apple flavor develops as it chills, recreating the nostalgic taste of a classic seasonal treat.
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Bloody Rosemary Cocktail
This twist on the classic bloody Mary is a great way to start Thanksgiving day and/or the next morning. Instead of the typical vodka, this cocktail blends stout and Irish whiskey and is topped with a garnish of turkey, cheese, potato and rosemary.
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Warm Apple Pie Cocktail
This holiday cocktail uses Tuaca, a delicious Italian liqueur made with citrus peels, spice and vanilla. What better way to relax and digest after a large meal than by having a warm apple pie cocktail.
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Caramel Apple Martinis
It's a great idea to have a signature beverage at any celebration. For Thanksgiving, choose something seasonal like these caramel apple martinis where Irish cream pairs with butterscotch schnapps and ground cinnamon for a zesty explosion of flavor. Dress up the glasses with cinnamon sugar and a wooden stir stick.
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Make-Ahead Sangria
Oranges, pears, plums and figs come together to create this delicious cocktail. No need to frantically mix up drinks minutes after your guests arrive — the recipe yields a big batch and needs to sit overnight, so you can prep it the day before your feast.
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Warm Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider
Infused with the classic flavors of fall, this hearty pumpkin apple cider can easily be prepared in minutes and will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that's hard to resist. Because this recipe can be made with or without alcohol, you can make a batch for the kids' table.
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Slow-Cooker Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider
You can make this ahead of time, set the slow cooker to warm and allow your guests to help themselves. To make this tasty cider, combine 6 cups apple cider, 1 stick of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves and 2 cups dark rum in the slow cooker. Stir well, then cover and cook on high 1-1/2 hours or on low 3 hours.
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Caramel Apple Cocktail
This amalgamation of apple juice, butterscotch liquor and caramel vodka offers a tasty twist on the childhood classic. With the option to serve warm or cold, it's the perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving dessert.
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Cranberry Moscow Mule
Literally heat things up this Thanksgiving with this festive take on a classic cocktail. A warm cranberry syrup gives the drink a gorgeous autumnal hue and flavor, double-timing as a hand warmer for guests if your Thanksgiving feast is alfresco. Brew a batch and serve immediately for a toasty crowd-pleaser.
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Bourbon Negroni Cocktail
Fig and pear-infused bourbon alongside a dash of vanilla transform the classic Negroni into a Thanksgiving delight. Tip: Plan ahead if you’re making this for a gathering. Infusing the bourbon takes about two weeks but is definitely worth the wait.
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Apple Cider Champagne
Try a Thanksgiving take on champagne with a rim of coarse ground sugar and pumpkin pie spices. This drink blends all the essential flavors of fall — like cider and brandy — into one superbly refreshing beverage. Serve in fluted glasses to add a fun, elegant touch.
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Slow Cooker Sangria Cocktail
Here is everything you love about sangria, but with a warm Thanksgiving twist. Cinnamon and hibiscus tea add spicy earthiness to this chilly-weather cocktail. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy time with your guests.
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Cranberry Lemon Champagne Punch
For an early Thanksgiving luncheon, try this refreshing take on a mimosa made with rosé champagne, pink lemonade, cranberry juice and a few frozen berries.
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Herbin' Orange Cocktail
Packed full of vitamin C and fresh sage (which has lots of antioxidants and flavonoids), this aromatic, peppery beverage will whet everyone's appetite for your savory Thanksgiving feast.
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Cranberry Pomegranate Warm Punch
Bust out the slow cooker and gather the ingredients for this flavorful Thanksgiving cocktail. Combine 1-1/2 parts cranberry juice, 1-1/2 parts pomegranate juice, 1 part vodka, 2 parts Moscato wine and lime juice to taste. Heat in a slow cooker on low heat with 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Garnish with pomegranate arils, cranberries and rosemary.
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Hot Apple-Ginger Toddy
Folklore says a strong hot toddy can cure a cold. While the jury's still out on its efficacy against the sniffles, we can say this warm blend of apple cider, bourbon and candied ginger makes for a tasty way to warm up on Thanksgiving day.
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Clementine Cocktails
Crates of clementines hit the grocery store this time of year, so make the most of the seasonal treat with this refreshing drink. You'll need fresh clementines, dark rum and bay leaves to create this sweet and zesty Thanksgiving aperitif.
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Old Fashioned Twist
For a pre-meal cocktail, try this spicy seasonal take on an old fashioned. You can make the simple syrup ahead of time to make it easier. Boil one cup each of water and honey in a saucepan with fresh rosemary, a cinnamon stick and two fresh cloves. Let the mixture cool, then strain and refrigerate. When you’re ready imbibe, grab a glass and combine 1-1/4 ounces of the syrup, ice, 2 ounces of bourbon or whiskey and garnish with sliced cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.