3 boozy Thanksgiving beverages that steal the spotlight for best dish

Can’t cook but want to bring a dish to this year’s Thanksgiving meal? Or do you just want to just drown your taste buds in holiday spirits? Look no further. Here are three of the hottest Thanksgiving-inspired cocktail recipes that are sure to send your guests home with extra thanks in their hearts and stomachs.

Apple Cider Sangria 

Prep time: 10 minutes.

Serving Size: About six servings. 

This spicy, citrusy, and easy-to-drink holiday take on the  classic sangria will leave your guests feeling refreshed and warm inside, so be sure to make more than one batch because they’ll surely be coming back for seconds. Experts (me, after taking a single wine course), recommend a drier, more acidic wine; try a sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or a dry reisling. Try this recipe with sparkling cider for an extra kick!

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon wedge / lemon juice
• 1/4 cup cinnamon-sugar
• 1 (24-fl oz.) bottle of apple cider, chilled
• 1 bottle of white wine, chilled 
• 1/3 cup Fireball
• 2 apples, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish) 
• 2 oranges, sliced into wedges
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star Anise

Directions:

Step 1 — Coat the rims of your glasses with lemon juice and dip in cinnamon-sugar until there’s a solid lip of the mixture.

Step 2 — In a large pitcher or bowl, combine your wine, cider, and fireball. Add sliced apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Stir until combined. 

Step 3 — Serve in prepared glasses, then garnish with cinnamon sticks and apple slices.

Step 4 — Repeat (Because one batch surely won’t be enough).

Pumpkin Spice Margarita (PSM)

Prep time: 10 to 20 minutes.

Serving Size: About eight servings.

We’ve all heard of the PSL (pumpkin spice latte), but have you heard of her colder, crazy cousin the PSM? I know what you’re thinking, “Oh brother, pumpkin spice this, pumpkin spice that, when will it end?” but this one is seriously so delicious. The homemade pumpkin spice syrup is optional — you could always opt for the store-bought version — but we highly recommend putting in the extra effort to enjoy the flavor of fresh ingredients. Plus you can use the syrup for other recipes if you make a bigger batch.

Ingredients (Per Margarita) :

• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 lime wheel, plus more for serving
• 2 oz. reposado tequila (I like Hornitos)
• 3/4 oz. store-bought or homemade pumpkin spice syrup or simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. Triple sec (I like Cointreau)
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. pumpkin puree
• Ice
• 1 lime wedge (optional)
• 1 (3″) cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions:

Step 1 — Combine salt and pumpkin pie spice on a plate for dipping.

Step 2 — Coat the rims of your glasses with lime juice and dip in pumpkin salt until the mixture creates a light lip on the glass. Fill with ice.

Step 3 — In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, pumpkin syrup, triple sec, lime juice, pumpkin puree, and ice. Shake the life out of that thing until the shaker is frosty and creates condensation. (Around 20 seconds.) 

Step 4 — Strain and serve into prepared glasses; add a lime and a stick of cinnamon for some pizazz and enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup (Optional)

Prep time: 10 minutes.

Serving Size: About six servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cane sugar
• 2 cups water
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree 
• 1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

Step 1 — Combine ingredients in a medium sized pot over medium-heat, stirring frequently until sugar is dissolved, should be around two minutes, then let simmer for another six minutes.

Step 2 — Strain your mixture into a heatproof container and store it in the refrigerator until ready for use. (If done correctly, it will last about three weeks.)

Cran-Aperol Spritz

A holiday take on a classic that everyone loves: light, refreshing, tart but not overwhelming, the Cran-Aperol Spritz is sure to be a hit at your next winter gathering. Every fan of the drink has their perfect ratio. Don’t like all the bubbles? Less prosecco. Too tart? Less Aperol. Want it sweeter? More orange juice. Get customizable with it!

Prep time: 10 minutes.

Serving Size: Five servings.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. Aperol
• 12 oz. cranberry juice
• Juice of one orange
• 20 oz. Prosecco (Cinzano is my favorite)
• Ice
• Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and orange slices for garnish

Directions:

Step 1 — Combine Aperol and both juices in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator until ready for use. 

Step 2 — Pour mixture into a glass with ice and top it off with Prosecco.

Step 3 — Throw some cranberries in there, give it a twirl, stick an orange on the side of the glass, and finally, add a sprig of fresh rosemary for dramatic effect. Boom, you have a holiday hit.

Please enjoy responsibly surrounded by food, friends, and family.