Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to raise a glass and celebrate the season with delicious cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending a dinner party, these top five cocktails will add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving festivities. Cheers!

1. Cranberry Moscow Mule

A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this refreshing cocktail features cranberry juice for a festive flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Fresh cranberries and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a copper mug, combine vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
2. Fill the mug with ice and top with ginger beer.
3. Stir gently and garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.

2. Pumpkin Spice Martini

This creamy and delicious martini captures the flavors of fall with pumpkin and warm spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz pumpkin puree
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a touch of warmth.

3. Apple Cider Sangria

This fruity and refreshing sangria is perfect for serving a crowd and highlights the flavors of fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Sparkling water (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, apple cider, and brandy.
2. Add the sliced apple, orange, and cinnamon stick. Stir gently.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Serve over ice and top with sparkling water if desired.

4. Spiced Pear Fizz

This delightful cocktail combines the flavors of spiced pear and ginger for a refreshing and festive drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz spiced pear liqueur
• 1 oz gin
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Ginger ale
• Pear slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass filled with ice, combine spiced pear liqueur, gin, and lemon juice.
2. Top with ginger ale and stir gently.
3. Garnish with pear slices for a beautiful touch.

5. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Put a seasonal twist on the classic Old Fashioned with maple syrup and orange for a rich, warming cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
2. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
3. Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in as a garnish.

Elevate your mixology skills at Hospitality Academy

These top five cocktails are sure to elevate your Thanksgiving celebrations and impress your guests. Whether you prefer refreshing and fruity or rich and warming, there’s a cocktail for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends and family, mix up some delicious drinks, and toast to gratitude and togetherness this Thanksgiving!

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