It has been a rough few months for the cannabis industry…could Big Alcohol help during another rough patch?

Like bottled water, alcohol could open up markets to an additional set of consumers.  They have the expertise and relationships most cannabis businesses lack. Already, hemp beverage are in mainstream retailers like Total Wine (Texas) and in convenience stores.

The incoming administration has few cannabis champions with both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and the cabinet doesn’t seem to be focused on marijuana legalization at all. But the majority of members are a fan of booze and that can be used to marijuana’s advantage.

Both would benefit from product development,  producing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages and edibles. From a marketing point of view it also makes sense consider the consumer reach.  In addition, research shows that people often pair cannabis with alcohol rather than replacing one with the other. The proportion of consumers pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022. The next 14 months will shape the cannabis industry path for years to come, let’s see if Big Alcohol plays a role.

Why just have wine or beer for your Thanksgiving gatherings? Why not have a fun, festive cocktail around Turkey Day. 

Whether a family affair, a Friendsgiving, or just having fun on the long holiday weekend, why not spice it up with something delicious to drink? Here are the best cocktails for an easy, festive Thanksgiving.

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Pumpkin Margaritas

Most people indulge in pumpkin pie during the holidays.  Why not mix it and wow the taste buds with the classic flavor mixed with a a favorite drink?  While making the pie, set aside a little of the pumpkin and use it to make defiantly a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

1. Start by adding brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and water to a saucepan on low-medium heat

2. Whisk to combine and bring to a very low simmer

3. Once the sugar has dissolved, take the pan off of the heat

4. Pour the syrup into a container and place in the fridge to cool for 10-15 minutes

5. Add a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker

6. Pour in the tequila, cointreau, pumpkin syrup, lime juice, pumpkin puree, and 3 dashes of angostura bitters

7. Close the lid tightly and shake for 15-30 seconds

8. Remove the lid from the cocktail shaker and gently strain the drink into ice filled glasses

9. Garnish with any herbs and spices like cinnamon sticks, freshly grated nutmeg, or rosemary

Amaretto Sour

• 1 1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur
• 3/4 ounce cask-proof bourbon
• 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce egg white
• Garnish: lemon twist
• Garnish: 2 brandied cherries

Create

1. Add amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and dry-shake (no ice) for 15 seconds
2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with a lemon twist and 2 skewered brandied cherries

Apple Pie Bourbons

What is more Thanksgiving than apple pie and bourbon? While not settle into a nice drink contain both of them. A rich, luscious, flavor to enjoy watch football or as a pre drink before the big meal.

Ingredients

• 2 apples (green and red), chopped
• 1 1” piece fresh ginger
• 1 whole nutmeg, slightly shaved
• 4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
• 1 1/2 cup bourbon
• 3 sugar cubes

Create

1. Fill a mason jar with bourbon, apples, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Let mixture sit 2 to 4 days. (Taste after 2 days and let sit longer as desired.)
3. Pour mixture into shot glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Rose Kennedy

This cocktails also known as a “VSS” (vodka soda splash) is about refreshing as possible, and a low calorie alternative to other options.  Developed in DC in the late 80s, the original Rose Kennedy was garnished with lemon only and contained only enough cranberry to make the drink barely pink making the squeezed lemon and cranberry flavors faint but equal. At the time, the use of a lime made it an Ethel Kennedy.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces soda
• 1/2 ounce of cranberry

Create

1. In a glass filled with ice, add vodka and soda
2. Splash cranberry juice and garnish with a lemon wedge

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Apple Cider Margaritas

While apple pie is the third favorite holiday (behind pumpkin and pecan), it is a delicious flavor to mix into the classic margarita…it give it an autumn feel and pairs perfectly with the tequila.

Ingredients

• 1 medium lemon
• 2 ounces Reposado or silver tequila
• 1 1/2 ounces apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• 1 cinnamon stick or thin apple slices for garnish

Create