Thanksgiving is around the corner. If you’re throwing a party for friends and family, you probably have a shopping list a mile long for dinner prep. In addition to delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts, don’t forget the easy Thanksgiving cocktails.
Indulge in Fall Flavors
What flavors remind you of fall? Every person has their own flavors they prefer when the chilly weather begins. During Thanksgiving, you can celebrate the flavors of fall. Your table may be full of turkey, sweet potatoes, pecan and pumpkin, but those aren’t the only flavors that welcome the holiday season.
Apple
Fruit stands and farmer’s markets are full of apples when the fall weather hits. Apples can complement savory foods and sweet desserts and create a light, fruity, or warm, comforting drink. Think of warmed cider in the cooler months or apple cinnamon muffins.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices for drinks and desserts, especially in the fall. Part of cinnamon’s popularity comes from its natural ability to warm food and add a touch of spice. Chocolate and coffee-flavored drinks are particularly enhanced by cinnamon.
Cranberry
Cranberries are a staple at Thanksgiving dinner. They reach their perfect flavor and color in the fall and can be harvested starting in mid-September. Since they withstand cooler weather, they are one of the freshest fruits available throughout the winter months. The tangy flavor also lends itself to juices and cocktails.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup brings a nutty sweetness to desserts, veggies and liquor. Many people associate maple with the colder months. Not only does it complement signature fall flavors like apple, maple stores easily throughout autumn and winter.
Ginger
You can add ginger to a variety of foods and drinks. Ginger is a flu-remedy and a warming agent. It adds heat to savory meals and adds a bite to baked goods and sweets. While it’s a common ingredient in hot tea, it can also be used to create a fall-flavored cocktail.
Pear
Pears come into season in the fall. While native to the Pacific Northwest, pears spread throughout the country in a variety of dishes. They can be cooked into savory meals, desserts and appetizers. Pears are subtle and sweet but can easily be enhanced.
Coffee
For coffee lovers, coffee is good all year round. However, when the weather gets cold, the warm, full flavor of coffee becomes even more of a comfort. During Thanksgiving, a pot of coffee is always welcoming to family and friends.
Top 6 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails
If you want cocktails that mix a variety of fall flavors, we have you covered. Here’s our list of six easy Thanksgiving cocktails to serve at dinner this year.
Lipstick Memory
When it comes to cocktails for Thanksgiving, Lipstick Memory is a festive cranberry cocktail. It is a tart, bitter drink that uses the following ingredients:
- 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 2.5 oz. dry sparkling wine
- 1.5 oz. Campari
First, create a cran-rosemary juice by combining your unsweetened cranberry juice with 2 tbsp of water and the sugar in a saucepan. Simmer the combination over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
Remove the juice from the heat, add 2 rosemary sprigs, and let the mixture steep for four minutes. After four minutes, strain it into a measuring cup and let it cool to room temperature.
For the cocktail, add sparkling wine to a glass, then add the Campari and cran-rosemary juice. Fill the rest with ice.
Maple-Ginger Hot Toddy
One of the easiest Thanksgiving themed cocktails to create is the Maple-Ginger Hot Toddy. You can use brewed teas to infuse complex flavors.
To make your cocktail, you need:
- 2 bags of ginger tea
- 1.5 oz. maple-flavored bourbon
- 1 tbsp. and 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. maple syrup
- lemon peel for garnish
First, pour .75 cup boiling water over the tea bags in a mug. Let the tea steep for five minutes and remove the bags. Next, stir your bourbon, lemon juice and maple syrup.
Apples and Oranges
Apples and Oranges is a hot cider cocktail, perfect for a cold fall day, especially when you want to relax and warm up after Thanksgiving dinner. To recreate the cocktail you need:
- 3 oz. Grand Marnier
- 1 oz. Amaro Averna
- .5 tsp. of salted butter
- 1.5 tsp. To 3 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- Pink peppercorn and 2 lemon wheels for garnish
First, heat your cider in the microwave before you begin and add the lemon juice for sweetness and other ingredients. The recipe creates two cocktails, so if serving in mugs, split the recipe between the mugs.
The Autumn Orchard
The autumn orchard is a refreshing holiday martini. To create it, you’ll require:
- .25 cup of Cognac
- .25 cup of apple brandy
- 2 tbsp. orange liqueur
- 2 tbsp. pear liqueur
- 4.5 tsp fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 2 lime slices
- Ice cubes
First, combine all of your ingredients, except the lime slices and add them to the ice in your cocktail shaker. Cover and shake the mix vigorously about 20 times. Strain the drink between two couple glasses. Next, float the lime slices on top to serve.
White Russian
A White Russian is the perfect Thanksgiving drink. It brings together flavors of coffee, cream and vodka. Here is what you need to create a White Russian:
- 1.5 oz. vodka
- 0.75 oz. Kahlua
- 0.75 oz. heavy cream
Take your ingredients and combine them in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled and integrated. After about 15 seconds, strain into a glass.
Going Out West
Going Out West blends smoky mezcal, coffee amaro and spicy rye. To make one drink, you need:
- 1 oz. rye
- 0.5 oz. mezcal
- 0.25 oz. simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
You stir the rye, mezcal, simple syrup, amaro, and bitters with ice to create the drink. Next, strain the drink into a rocks glass over an ice cube. As a final touch, garnish the drink with a twist of orange peel.
Prepare for Thanksgiving Day
Many Americans enjoy a drink on Thanksgiving day. Your guests may want to enjoy cocktails during the big game or as a follow-up to a delicious Thanksgiving feast. No matter when you drink, you need to prepare to serve all of your guests. Most men and women consume at least one alcoholic beverage, with over half of men and women enjoying two or more. During preparation, you need to ensure you have enough alcohol. To plan your Thanksgiving correctly, utilize a drink calculator.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, there is no better time to indulge in some delicious fall-inspired cocktails. At Zipps Liquor, we are happy to help you fulfill your Thanksgiving feast with cocktails for all of your guests. Contact us today for more information!
