Thanksgiving cocktails remind everyone to raise a toast in gratitude

Thanksgiving cocktails are just as important as the holiday feast. A great celebratory cocktail can make any gathering a little more thankful.

Thanksgiving cocktails can be more than just a buttery Chardonnay or a hoppy IPA to pair with that succulent turkey. The right cocktail can set the tone for the biggest eating event of the year. Whether these cocktails are served before or after the meal, a perfect sipper is something that everyone will be grateful to enjoy.

Before dinner cocktails

A cocktail before dinner, like an aperitif, awakens the palate for all the delicious food ahead. These cocktails can have some bright, acidic notes. Plus, a few bubbles are always a good idea.

One yummy cocktail is a Cranberry Screwdriver. This cocktail combines cranberry juice with Smirnoff Ice Screwdriver for a bright, tart beverage. Plus, who can resist cranberries at the holidays? It is a classic combination.

Cranberry Screwdriver, photo provided by Smirnoff

"Cranberry ScrewdriverIngredients:1 Bottle (11.2 oz) of Smirnoff Ice Screwdriver 2 oz. Cranberry juiceDirections:Pour Smirnoff Ice Screwdriver into a high ball glass and slowly pour cranberry juice on top as a floater."

Another option is the Cranberry Lime Vodka Mojito. This cocktail is similar to the previous cocktail, but it packs a bigger alcoholic punch. The combination of fresh mint and cranberries is bright and refreshing. Also, the hint of sugar from the simple syrup keeps the cocktail quite balanced.

"Cranberry Lime Vodka MojitoIngredients:1 can (12 oz.) Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer Cranberry Lime1 oz. Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka0.5 oz. Simple Syrup3 oz. Cranberry juiceFresh cranberriesFresh mint leavesLime wedgesDirections:First, muddle mint and lime wedge into the bottom of a high ball glass. Then, add simple syrup followed by ice. Next, pour in cranberry juice and top off with Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer Cranberry Lime. Finally, Garnish with fresh lime wedges, cranberries and mint leaves."

For a more elevated cocktail with bold flavors, the EXIMO Honey Harvest is an amazing option. With honey turmeric syrup, this cocktail will surely have all your guests dismayed with your mixology skills. The flavor combinations seem to have stepped out of one of the best bars in the nation.

This particular Thanksgiving cocktail will surely impressive anyone at the Thanksgiving table. Plus, the honey turmeric syrup could be used in a variety of ways. Definitely a recipe to keep.

"EXIMO Honey HarvestIngredients· 1½ parts FACUNDO EXIMO Rum· ½ part Honey Turmeric Syrup· ½ part Lemon juice· ¼ part Carrot juice· ¼ part Passion Fruit juice· ¼ part Benedictine liqueur· Garnish: Micro edible flowers, lime wheel, and mintHoney Turmeric Syrup Method· Stir 10 ounces of hot water with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 10 ounces of orange blossom honey until well combined. Allow to cool before use.Cocktail Method· Combine and shake all ingredients vigorously with plenty of ice. Double strain into rocks glass. Garnish with micro edible flowers, lime wheel and mint."

Fizzies Fashioned, photo provided by HI-Chew

After Dinner

Usually after dinner drinks are either a little heavier or a little sweeter. Sometimes people look to these cocktails to replace a dessert. The slow, savoring sips are meant to unwind after a long day.

For the Thanksgiving holiday, these cocktails make great after dinner options. From a little sweet to a hint of extra warmth, these Thanksgiving cocktails would be perfect to slowly enjoy after the gigantic feast.

The Fizzies Fashioned cocktail is a take on a traditional Old Fashioned. Created by Allison Kave of Brooklyn bar and bakery Butter & Scotch, this cocktail infuses HI-CHEW candy into the cocktail. The result is a sweet, yet robust cocktail. You definitely won’t need a dessert with this libation.

"Fizzies FashionedIngredients:1.5 ounces Cola HI-CHEW Infused Rye Whiskey**.5 ounce cherry liqueur (we used Cherry Heering)4 dashes Angostura bittersSeltzerOrange peel for garnishMethod: Measure the whiskey, cherry liqueur, and bitters into a soda glass. Fill with ice, top with soda, and stir. Garnish with an orange peel and serve with a straw. **INFUSIONS: The infusion ratio is one piece of candy per two ounces of rye whiskey. Soak the candy until dissolved."

Pear is a wonderful fruit. Most prevalent during the winter, the pear offers a delightful flavor that works well in a cocktail. Autumn’s Reign blends the sweetness of the pear with the warmth of the Dickel Rye. Rounded out with a little sweetness from the port and the herbeacous note of the Carpano Antica, this cocktail can make you forget any misgivings about over eating.

"Autumn’s Reign.5 oz Santa Teresa 17961 oz Dickel Rye.5 oz St. George Spiced Pear.5 oz Ruby Port.5 oz Carpano AnticaMethodCombine all ingredients into a mixing glass over ice. Stir and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a dehydrated pear."

While pumpkin pie might be a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, those pumpkin flavors don’t have to be only on your fork. Why not take some of that pumpkin puree and add it to an after dinner cocktail. The Sapphire Spice takes those warm, comforting pumpkin pie flavors and adds an adult twist. You might never look at a pumpkin pie the same.

"Sapphire SpiceIngredients2 parts Bombay Sapphire gin1 large heaping spoonful of Pumpkin Puree and/or Pumpkin Pie Mix1 tsb. Dark Brown SugarA dash of Vanilla Extract (7 drops)2 dashes of Ground CinnamonMethodsShake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into chilled martini glasses, then top with nutmeg."

What Thanksgiving cocktails will you be serving this year? Share with us the cocktails that you are grateful for and tag #FoodSided on social media.