Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some festive cocktails? Whether you’re hosting a traditional American Thanksgiving or gathering friends for a fun Friendsgiving, these cocktails will bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of seasonal charm to your table. With a mix of classic flavours and fruity twists, these easy-to-make drinks are crafted to impress without stress. From apple cider and cranberry to pumpkin spice, these cocktails will make your Thanksgiving celebration in the UK feel like home. Ready to start mixing?
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1. Apple Cider Mimosa
This Apple Cider Mimosa puts a seasonal spin on the classic brunch favourite. With its light, refreshing taste and hint of sweetness, it’s a perfect starter for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider
- 1 part sparkling wine or Champagne
- Cinnamon sugar for rimming
- Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
- Pour apple cider halfway, then top with sparkling wine.
- Stir gently and garnish with an apple slice for autumn flair.
Pro Tip: Substitute with sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic option everyone can enjoy!
2. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Add a seasonal twist to the Moscow Mule with cranberry. Fruity and refreshing, this drink is as festive as it is delicious, making it ideal for any Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients:
- 50ml vodka
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug with ice, add vodka, then pour in cranberry juice and ginger beer.
- Stir and garnish with cranberries and rosemary for holiday cheer.
Serving Tip: Copper mugs keep this drink refreshingly cold and add a rustic touch.
3. Spiced Pear Sangria
Spiced Pear Sangria is a crowd-pleaser, combining pear, citrus, and warm spices in a punch perfect for sharing. Guests can help themselves, making it easy for you to enjoy the meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup pear juice
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pitcher, mix wine, brandy, and pear juice. Add pear, orange slices, and cinnamon stick.
- Let chill for two hours to blend flavours. Serve over ice, garnishing with rosemary.
Pro Tip: Use sparkling wine for added bubbles and a touch of elegance.
4. Maple Bourbon Smash
The Maple Bourbon Smash combines warm flavours perfect for a chilly evening. Rich and smooth, it’s a delicious drink to sip as the night goes on.
Ingredients:
- 50ml bourbon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Club soda
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Shake bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Pour into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with fresh herbs for added aroma.
Serving Suggestion: Add a cinnamon stick for a warming hint of spice.
5. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
The Pomegranate Gin Fizz is refreshing, colourful, and a festive addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Its fruity flavours and vibrant garnish make it a standout choice.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- Sparkling water
- Pomegranate seeds and rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix gin, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Pour into a glass with ice, top with sparkling water, and garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary.
Garnish Tip: Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch and a burst of colour.
6. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Pumpkin Spice White Russian is the ultimate dessert cocktail for pumpkin lovers. Creamy and indulgent, it’s a delicious end to your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 part vodka
- 1 part coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
- 1 part pumpkin spice creamer or milk
- Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice, add vodka and coffee liqueur, then top with pumpkin spice creamer.
- Stir and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Quick Tip: Use dairy-free creamer for a vegan-friendly option.
7. Autumn Aperol Spritz
The Autumn Aperol Spritz blends Aperol with apple cider for a seasonal twist on the classic Italian aperitif. Light and crisp, it’s a lovely way to start the evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 part Aperol
- 1 part sparkling wine
- 1/4 part apple cider
- Club soda
- Orange slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- In a wine glass filled with ice, pour Aperol, sparkling wine, and apple cider.
- Top with club soda, stir, and garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.
Pro Tip: Add apple brandy for a stronger, richer flavour.
8. Cranberry Margarita
This Cranberry Margarita gives a Thanksgiving twist to a classic cocktail. It’s tart, refreshing, and ideal for those looking for a lighter option.
Ingredients:
- 50ml tequila
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp triple sec
- Salt for rimming and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glass with salt, add tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well, pour over ice, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Serving Tip: Add fresh cranberries for a festive, Thanksgiving touch.
Cheers to Thanksgiving!
These eight Thanksgiving cocktails bring fruity flavours and festive flair to your gathering, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. From the rich Maple Bourbon Smash to the vibrant Cranberry Margarita, each of these drinks will make your celebration extra special. Grab your favourite cocktail, raise a glass, and enjoy the taste of Thanksgiving! Which cocktail will you try first? Let us know in the comments, and share your own cocktail creations!
The items below are my main recommendations for the main alcoholic ingredients, these are just for your reference. Feel free to mix and match what you already have in your drinks cupboard and let me know how it tastes.
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