Raise a glass to festive Friendsgiving cocktails

From turkey talk to decadent desserts, the holiday season is about enjoying the moment. While family time has its moments, connections aren’t limited to just people connected via that one tree. This holiday season, these festive Friendsgiving cocktails are waiting to toast to good times and great relationships.

Many people consider their friends their family. From the person who celebrates every accomplishment to the shoulder to cry on, those bonds are as strong as any familial tie.

Which festive Friendsgiving cocktails are toast above the rest?

From a classic cocktail to a twist on a seasonal favorite, there are many types of festive Friendsgiving cocktails. Even if a beer or a wine is using on the bar, a holiday is the perfect excuse to elevate the beverage choices.

JoJo’s Cointreau Cosmo

While it might be the cocktail that will always be associated with Sex and the City, the Tom Colicchio’s Exclusive Cosmopolitan Recipe is a sip above the rest. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

• .75 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz Vodka
• .5 oz Lime Juice
• .5 oz chai ginger syrup
• .75 oz Egg Whites
• 2 dashes of Cranberry Bitters

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake. Strain into a cosmopolitan glass. Garnish with lime.

PSM (Pumpkin Spice Margarita)

While the classic margarita might have everyone remembering that epic group vacation, this seasonal version brings a sip of comfort. Even if the PSL has left the coffee house beverage menu, the warm spices in this cocktail will have everyone toasting to the spirit of the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz Tequila
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 Tbsp Pumpkin Puree
• 1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 Tbsp Honey

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a shaker, add ice and shake. Fine strain over ice into glass. Finish with a cinnamon stick.

Mount Gay Rum Old Fashioned

While there are many ways to enjoy an Old Fashioned, this Mount Gay rum version is luscious. The Mount Gay Rum brings a taste of the island to the classic cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum
• 0.25 oz simple syrup (1:1)
• 4 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Directions:

• Stir rum with simple syrup and bitters. Garnish with orange peel and serve in a rocks glass. ,

The Botanist Gin-Gin Mule

During the chiller months, a mule with its ginger beer offers a touch of warmth. This version made with gin, instead of vodka, is a love combination of spicy and bright. It will have everyone feeling a little more merry.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• Premium ginger beer
• Garnish: lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint

Directions:

• Add mint and simple syrup to the bottom of a mule mug.
• Muddle gently to release oils from mint.
• Add lime juice and The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer. Stir to incorporate. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint.

The Botanist Blood Orange Negroni 

Sometimes a negroni is the perfect way to start a special meal. It awakens the palate to the deliciousness ahead. This version gets a slightly more nuanced flavor from the blood orange bitters.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
• 0.75 oz bianco vermouth
• 0.5 oz Italian bitter aperitif
• 0.25 oz blood orange bitters
• Garnish: blood orange slice

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill and incorporate. Strain over fresh ice into a double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with blood orange slice.

What festive Friendsgiving cocktails will you be serving this year? What other cocktails do you like to serve during the holidays?