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With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s time to start planning your beverage menu. There are different varieties of wine to include in your wine list, as well as craft brews, mocktails, and of course - cocktail drinks. If you are running a restaurant, you probably already have food offers appropriate for the season, but if not, make sure you figure that out now, too.
The best thing you can do if you have a business in the hospitality industry is to pair well the food you are serving with the drinks. If you are serving Thanksgiving-inspired foods, you should always have nice Thanksgiving cocktails and other such drinks. When the flavors of the dish and the drink pair well together, customer satisfaction is guaranteed!
If you are currently looking for Thanksgiving cocktails inspiration or twists on more popular recipes, this is the place to be. Below, we have gathered a list of cocktails you need to try and add to your menu to WOW your customers this November! Let’s jump right into it.
10 Thanksgiving Cocktails You Must Try This November
There are many popular cocktails you can make. You can also work with your bartender or mixologist to create something unique that will fit the concept of your restaurant or bar. However, we have 10 great ideas for Thanksgiving cocktails you should consider before creating your menu for this time of the year!
1. Spiced Cranberry Mule
This cocktail is a twist on the Moscow Mule, combining cranberry and cinnamon holiday flavors. To make this delicious drink you need to mix vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and a dash of cinnamon syrup. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. Although this drink can be a part of your Thanksgiving cocktails, you can also use it for the upcoming holiday season.
2. Maple Bourbon Sour
If you want to offer a warm and cozy take on the classic Whiskey Sour, you need to try Maple Bourbon Sour. This drink features bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of maple syrup for sweetness. Shake with ice, strain, and serve over ice. Add a rosemary spring and lemon twist for garnish.
Key Takeaway: There are many amazing Thanksgiving cocktails that you can include in your offerings this November. Try out different recipes, infuse more fall flavors into the drinks you offer, and pair them well with the dishes at your restaurant. Your customers will appreciate the warm and cozy feeling, as well as the delicious food and drinks perfect for the season!
3. Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria is a great drink that can be enjoyed all year round if you switch up the flavors. To make the sangria flavor more fall-appropriate, you should use white wine, apple cider, brandy, and sliced apples and pears. Let it chill so the flavors can get stronger and serve with a cinnamon stick in each glass. Sangria is a great drink to make in advance in a larger batch, which will save you time on a particular day.
4. Pumpkin Pie Martini
This is a delicious dessert in a glass! Blend vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and a spoonful of pumpkin purée with ice. Shake until creamy, then strain into a glass rimmed with graham cracker crumbs. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. This would be among the best Thanksgiving cocktails you can serve! You can also leave it in your dessert cocktails menu for the colder months.
5. Pear and Ginger Sparkler
Elegant and light, this cocktail features pear nectar, ginger liqueur, and sparkling wine. Pour into a flute and add a thin slice of pear for garnish. A touch of ginger adds warmth that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Champagne cocktails or prosecco cocktails are all great not only for brunch but for special occasions, too.
6. Spiked Hot Apple Cider
If you want to serve a comforting warm option, heat apple cider on the stove with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a splash of dark rum or bourbon. Serve in mugs with a cinnamon stick and apple slice. You can experiment with other spiked cider drinks, too.
7. Rosemary Gin Fizz
This cocktail is refreshing and perfect for this time of year! The Rosemary Gin Fizz has a hint of herbal warmth. It’s a mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a sprig of rosemary. Shake it with ice, strain it, and top it with club soda. Garnish this cocktail with a rosemary sprig for an aromatic finish.
8. Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
For a festive, bubbly drink, combine pomegranate juice and a touch of orange liqueur. Top with champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with pomegranate seeds for a gorgeous, celebratory look. It’s one of those Thanksgiving cocktails that will be a crowd favorite.
9. Cranberry Old Fashioned
Make a holiday-inspired Old Fashioned, made with bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, and a few dashes of bitters. Stir with ice, strain, and garnish with an orange twist and fresh cranberries.
10. Smoky Maple Mezcal Sour
For those who like a bit of smoky flavor, combine mezcal, fresh lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup. Shake with ice and strain over a large ice cube, garnish with a slice of lime. Don’t hesitate to add this drink to your Thanksgiving cocktails!
These cocktails blend seasonal flavors and a festive touch, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and toasting a memorable holiday with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to upgrade your beverage menu and start advertising your newest offers now! People would love to experience this amazing holiday at your restaurant with delicious food and quality cocktails.
Try some of the recipes we have shared but also think about how you can make a twist to some of the drinks you are already serving. You can also find other unique recipes perfect for the fall time and create amazing fall cocktails!
Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Cocktails
Do you want to know more about Thanksgiving cocktails and how they pair with different fall dishes? If you do, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions below. You will find a lot of interesting information!
What Are Some Popular Flavors to Include in Thanksgiving Cocktails?
Classic Thanksgiving flavors include cranberry, apple cider, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, maple, and rosemary. These warm and cozy ingredients complement traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Are There Non-alcoholic Thanksgiving Cocktails?
Absolutely! Non-alcoholic versions of favorites like apple cider punch, mulled cider, or sparkling pomegranate spritzers can be made with similar flavors and enjoyed by guests of all ages.
What Type of Alcohol Pairs Best with Fall Flavors?
Bourbon, whiskey, rum, and vodka are popular bases for fall cocktails. These spirits pair well with flavors like maple, apple, and cinnamon, adding warmth and depth to Thanksgiving cocktails.
What’s a Good Dessert Cocktail for Thanksgiving?
Dessert cocktails like Pumpkin Pie Martini or a Maple Bourbon Sour are rich, sweet options that can be substituted for or paired with dessert. A warm spiked coffee or hot chocolate is also a cozy after-dinner option.
Do Thanksgiving Cocktails Always Need to Include Traditional Fall Flavors?
Not necessarily! While fall flavors like cinnamon, pumpkin, and apple are popular, you can also incorporate other fresh flavors, like citrus or herbs, for a unique twist on the Thanksgiving theme.