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

Want something delicious with an “oomph” – these yummy creamy concoctions will make your mouth happy!

Fall is a time of coziness, cuffing and nights in front of the fire. Want better way to accent it with a nice tasty cocktail? Try these delicious autumn cream drinks and enjoy the pre-holiday season. Bailey’s was the commercial first cream liquor and made available to the public in 1971. But Irish monks have blended whiskey with fresh dairy cream since the 14th century.  These new and classic connections will bring a smile on crisp nights.

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Important note, using cream instead of milk in alcoholic cocktails can significantly enhance the drink’s texture, flavor, and overall experience. Cream provides a richer and smoother texture compared to milk. The higher fat content in cream (typically around 36% or more) creates a luxurious mouthfeel that can elevate the drinking experience.

White Russian

The White Russian’s development took about 30 years. The first mention of the drink is in a newspaper was in 1965 in the Oakland Tribune. The 1961 edition of the Diner’s Club Drink Book included a recipe for a Black Russian, with a note suggesting adding cream to make a White Russian. The White Russian’s popularity increased after the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, drinks it throughout the film.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce Kahlúa
• 1 ounce heavy cream

Create

1. Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice
2. Top with the heavy cream and stir

Churro Cocktails

A churro is a fried dough pastry originated in Spain and Portugal. They are a fast-growing dessert and breakfast item on menus, and are a popular treat at theme parks and sporting events in Europe and North and South America.  Somrus, who makes cream liquors, made a cocktail from the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 parts Somrus Coffee
• 1/2 part cinnamon whiskey

Create

Brandy Alexander

This is was a classic “go to drink” for X. It was rumored to have been created at the Paris Ritz in 1922. Or it could have been made in 1915 by celebrate pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander during a World Series. It was considered a posh way to end the evening, especially after other cocktails.It’s creamy and boozy or a delicious replacement for dessert for those who like to drink their sweets. In the 2000s, it has moved to the back of the line, but is still a great way to cap off a night drinking.

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Mango Fizz

For those who are holding on to every last bit of summer, this mango cocktail can add a a little sunshine. The fruit is considered the world’s most popular fruit with over 20 million tons consumed each year. Mangoes are a symbol of friendship and love, which can add to special evening.

Ingredients

• 2 parts Somrus Mango
• 1 part citrus vodka
• ½ part simple syrup
• Club soda

Create

1. Combine Mango liqueur, vodka and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker
2. Shake vigorously
3. Strain into ice-filled glass
4. Top with club soda

Florida has been in the news lately, so why not lean into the sunshine state with some of their signature cocktails

From the Flora-bama to Key West, Florida has a history of snuggling up to the cocktail.  The spring break capital, home of Miami and its famous nightclubs, the sunshine state knows how to mix up a good time. From end to end of the state is 838 miles – which gives plenty of room to have a signature bar or 30.  And with that comes signature drinks…and here are the best Florida cocktail recipes so you can bask in your own sunshine.

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The Rum Runner

In the great tradition of strong drinks, this one can pack a punch. The drink was created in the 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada. The bartenders wanted to get rid of the last few sips of several liqueurs, and this legendary cocktail was developed.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ice
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ounce orange juice
• 1 ounce blackberry liqueur
• 1 ounce banana liqueur
• 1 ounce light rum
• 1 ounce dark rum or aged rum

Create

1. Fill glass with ice
2. Add the liquid contents and stir
3. Pour the 151 in the straw or on the top
4. Serve and sip

The Hurricane

While the drink is supposed to have been developed at Pat O’Brians in New Orleans, the state has had its share of hurricanes. Another powerful drink – this one attracts spring breakers, snowbirds and just people out for a fun Thursday night.  The mixture of liquors can be lethal, so be careful on the amount consumed!

Ingredients

• 1 oz rum
• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz pineapple
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 cup ice

Create

1. Fill hurricane glass half full with crushed ice
2. Combine dark rum, light rum, lime juice, and pineapple in a cocktail shaker
3. Add ice; cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted
4. Strain into glass

Margarita

Jimmy Buffet made this drink insanely popular. From beach bars to Mexican restaurants, this is a staple in the state with lime grove of variations. Here is an easy version for you to toast to good times and start your mini staycation ASAP.

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Bushwacker

The Bushwacker is in the vein of the mudslide but with a twist. You can slide up to the Sandshaker bar in Pensacola Beach and enjoy this creamy delight. You will see music lovers (live bands), college kids, locals, tourists and more at this staple stop.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces dark rum
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
• 1 ounce dark creme de cacao
• 2 ounces whole milk
• 1 ounce cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
• Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated

Create