A bushel of Thanksgiving cocktails that have tremendous flavor appeal
While the wine might be poured with dinner, Thanksgiving cocktails are served before and after the feast. These apple forward cocktails appeal to all types of drinkers. Everyone will be grateful to have another round.
Thanksgiving cocktails take on various flavors. While some people stick with their preferred cocktail, others like to branch out into a different spirit or ingredient combination. Sometimes just a little twist to a familiar sipper can make a big difference.
Sweet as Pie
While pie is a popular dessert on the Thanksgiving table, Aviation Gin is inspired by the classic food. For anyone who prefers to sip that sweet ending, this cocktail satisfies. Finding Baked Apple Syrup is a little difficult, but there are some other apple options that can be used as a swap.
Ingredients
.75 oz Apple Cider
.5 oz Frangelico
.25 oz Baked Apple Syrup
Method:
In a mixing glass, add ice and all ingredients
Stir ingredients to combine for 20 seconds
Add ice to a tall glass (beer, collins, etc.)
Strain into glass and garnish with lemon twist
Sevillian Orange Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
This batch cocktail is warm and spicy. While the Bacardi rum is robust and slightly zesty, that combination with Chai Tea is quite lovely. It feels comforting without being heavy.
When combined with some sparkling apple cider, it is effervescent and lively. Just remember to wait till serving to add the sparkling apple cider to keep the fizziness.
Ingredients:
750 ml Bottle BACARDI Ocho Sevillian Orange Cask Rum
16 oz Unsweetened Chai Tea
12 oz Honey Syrup (combine equal parts honey to water)
8 oz Lemon Juice
750 ml Bottle Sparkling Apple Cider
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl with ice. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks and enjoy with loved ones!
Malibu Cider Sangria
While sangria is often associated with warm sunny days and beach vistas, the fruit forward cocktail is quite enjoyable on a crisp fall day. This apple forward cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
1 ½ parts Malibu Original
¼ part Lemon Juice
2 parts Apple Cider
½ part Honey
4 parts Red Wine
Method
Mix well before adding any fruit so that the honey is fully incorporated. Add whatever fruits you like (orange, green apple, lemon slices). Mix together and let it rest for 15-30 minutes before serving, Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slice & cinnamon stick
Autumn Toddy
Many people believe that a Hot Toddy is the ultimate cure all. This version from Redemption Bourbon is a little more nuanced. Given all the stress associated with the Thanksgiving holiday, sometimes it is good to have a little beverage boost.
Ingredients:
1 ½ parts Redemption Bourbon
½ part Amaro
½ part Honey Syrup
Method:
Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and diluted. Strain into a rocks glass with a large cube. Garnish with a lemon peel or cinnamon stick.
*To serve hot - mix with 3 parts hot water in an Irish Coffee glass.
Midnight Orchard
Sometimes combining two flavors can make for an even more enjoyable sip. This cocktail uses apple brandy and blackberries to create a sweet yet slightly tart cocktail. It is bright, refreshing and quite enjoyable.
Ingredients
2 oz Fear City Spirits Gin
1 oz apple brandy
1 oz blackberry syrup (or muddled fresh blackberries)
½ oz lemon juice
Blackberries and sage for garnish
Instructions
Shake gin, apple brandy, blackberry syrup, and lemon juice with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a couple of blackberries skewered on a sprig of sage.
Apple Cider Bourbon Sour
While apple cider tends to be sweet, this sour cocktail offers the brightness that helps cut through all the rich Thanksgiving food. It is an easy sipper and one that is quite enjoyable before a meal.
Ingredients
1.5 oz Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon
3/4 oz Apple Cider
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz maple syrup
Instructions
Add bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice and maple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake.
Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Be grateful for these apple forward Thanksgiving cocktails. Ready to share one around your holiday table?