Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, filled with family, laughter, and, of course, delicious food! But let’s not forget about the drinks! I’m all about easy Thanksgiving drinks with alcohol that can elevate your holiday gathering without stressing you out. This recipe is a go-to for me because it’s super simple to whip up and packs a festive punch with flavors of apple, cranberry, and a hint of cinnamon. Trust me, after a long day of cooking, you’ll want something refreshing and easy to sip on while you enjoy the company of your loved ones. Let’s dive into making this delightful concoction!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol Easy
To create this festive drink, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to make a beautifully refreshing concoction. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 bottle of red wine (I love using a fruity blend for extra flavor)
- 1 bottle of sparkling cider (the bubbly adds a celebratory touch!)
- 1 cup of brandy (or you can use bourbon if you prefer a different kick)
- 1 cup of apple juice (the sweeter, the better!)
- 1 cup of cranberry juice (it adds that gorgeous color and tartness)
- 1 orange, sliced (I like to use a navel orange for its sweetness)
- 1 apple, sliced (any variety works, but I’m partial to Granny Smith for a tart bite)
- 1 cinnamon stick (for that cozy, warm spice note)
Make sure the fruits are sliced and ready to go – it makes assembling the drink a breeze! Trust me, these ingredients come together beautifully, and your guests will love the festive vibe they create.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol Easy
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—mixing everything together! This process is as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll have a stunning drink ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by grabbing a large pitcher. This is where all the magic happens! Pour in the entire bottle of red wine. Just imagine the rich color and aroma filling the air!
- Next, add the bottle of sparkling cider. The fizz adds such a nice touch to the drink and makes it feel extra special.
- Now it’s time to pour in the cup of brandy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap this for bourbon—both work beautifully!
- Then, add the cup of apple juice. This will sweeten up the drink, so don’t skimp on it!
- Pour in the cup of cranberry juice next. This not only adds flavor but also gives the drink that gorgeous, festive hue.
- Now, toss in your sliced orange and apple. It’ll infuse the drink with a wonderful fruity aroma and flavor!
- Finally, throw in the cinnamon stick. This is key for adding that warm, cozy spice that screams holiday vibes.
- Gently stir everything together to mix all those lovely flavors without losing the fizz from the cider.
- Pop the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This allows all those delightful flavors to meld together beautifully.
- When you’re ready to serve, pour the drink over ice in glasses for a refreshing sip!
And just like that, you have an easy, festive drink that everyone will love! It’s perfect for toasting to family and friends around the Thanksgiving table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up—just 15 minutes of prep time and you’re done!
- The combination of red wine, sparkling cider, and fresh fruit creates a delicious, festive flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
- Chilling for 2 hours means all the flavors meld together beautifully, making for a refreshing drink that everyone will rave about.
- It’s easily adjustable! You can tweak the sweetness or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- This drink is perfect for serving a crowd—yielding 8 servings, it’s great for family gatherings or holiday parties!
- With its vibrant color and aromatic spices, this drink is not just tasty; it’s a showstopper on your table.
- No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed—just mix and chill, making it stress-free for you!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make these easy Thanksgiving drinks with alcohol, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the wine and cider, the better your drink will taste. Go for a wine that you enjoy drinking on its own!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you find it too sweet, feel free to add a splash more cranberry juice or even a squeeze of lemon for a tart kick. You can always taste and adjust as you mix!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! Letting the drink sit for at least 2 hours not only cools it down but also allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully.
- Don’t Over-Stir: When mixing, be gentle! You want to combine the ingredients without losing that lovely fizz from the sparkling cider.
- Garnish for Presentation: When serving, consider garnishing with extra slices of fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon to impress your guests and add that festive touch!
- Leftover Potential: If you have any leftovers (which is rare but possible!), store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just know that the flavors will continue to meld, so it might taste even better the next day!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a fabulous drink that’ll wow your guests at Thanksgiving! Enjoy every sip and the joyous moments around the table!
Variations of Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol Easy
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of fun variations you can try with this easy Thanksgiving drink! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Different Fruits: Swap out the apple and orange for other seasonal fruits! Pear slices or pomegranate seeds could add a unique twist and a pop of color.
- Berry Blast: Add a handful of fresh cranberries or blueberries for a fruity burst and a beautiful visual appeal. They look gorgeous floating in the drink!
- Spice it Up: Experiment with adding some cloves or star anise along with the cinnamon stick for an extra layer of warmth and spice. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Alcohol Swaps: If brandy isn’t your thing, try using spiced rum or even a flavored vodka for a whole new flavor profile. Each will bring its distinctive character to the drink!
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly twist, simply omit the wine and brandy and replace them with sparkling water or more sparkling cider, keeping the fruit for that refreshing taste.
- Herbal Infusion: Consider adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary to the mix for a refreshing herbal note that complements the fruit beautifully.
Each of these variations can take your easy Thanksgiving drink to a whole new level, making it a fun experience for everyone at your gathering! So feel free to experiment and find the combination that speaks to you. Cheers to creativity!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this fantastic easy Thanksgiving drink, and now you’re wondering what to do with any leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! First off, if you happen to have any left, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it chilled to preserve all those delightful flavors.
Now, it’s important to note that while this drink is best enjoyed fresh, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know that the flavors will continue to meld and develop, which can actually make it taste even better the next day! However, if you’re planning to enjoy the leftovers later, I recommend straining out the fruit and cinnamon stick beforehand. This way, you won’t have any mushy bits floating around when it’s time to serve.
When it’s time to serve again, simply pour the drink over ice in glasses for that refreshing chill. If you want to give it a little extra sparkle, you can add a splash of fresh sparkling cider or soda just before serving. It’ll bring back that bubbly excitement and make it feel like a brand new drink! Cheers to enjoying every last sip of your creation!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! While I’m all about the delicious flavors and festive vibes, it’s also nice to know what we’re sipping on. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one glass of this easy Thanksgiving drink:
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. But overall, this drink is a delightful way to celebrate while keeping things relatively light! Enjoy every sip, knowing you’ve got some festive cheer in your glass!
FAQ Section
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Absolutely! This easy Thanksgiving drink is perfect for making a few hours in advance. Just mix everything together and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier!
What if I don’t have brandy?
No problem at all! You can easily substitute brandy with bourbon, spiced rum, or even a flavored vodka. Each option will give your drink a unique twist, so feel free to experiment!
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! For a family-friendly option, simply omit the red wine and brandy. Replace them with additional sparkling cider or soda, and keep the fruit for that refreshing taste. It’s a great way for everyone to enjoy the festive flavors!
How long can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind that the flavors will continue to meld, which can actually enhance the taste!
What fruits can I use in addition to or instead of the ones listed?
Feel free to get creative! Seasonal fruits like pears, pomegranate seeds, or even fresh cranberries can add a unique twist. Just make sure to slice them up so they infuse the drink with their delicious flavors!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful easy Thanksgiving drink, presentation is key! Here are some fun ideas to make your drink table as festive as the flavors:
- Fruit Garnishes: Consider adding some extra slices of orange and apple on the rim of the glasses for a beautiful and inviting look. It not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra touch of freshness!
- Festive Glassware: Use clear glasses or mason jars to showcase the lovely colors of the drink. Adding a sprig of rosemary or mint as a garnish can elevate the aesthetic and add an aromatic hint.
- Charcuterie Board: Serve your drink alongside a charcuterie board filled with cheeses, nuts, and seasonal fruits. It’s a perfect pairing that complements the fruity flavors of the drink and makes for a fun snacking experience!
- Appetizer Pairings: Think about serving this drink with some light appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or sweet potato bites. The flavors will harmonize beautifully, making for a delightful start to your Thanksgiving feast!
- Ice Bucket Display: For a more casual vibe, keep the pitcher in an ice bucket to keep it chilled throughout your gathering. It adds an extra touch of festivity and invites guests to help themselves!
With these serving suggestions, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that your guests will love. Cheers to a memorable Thanksgiving filled with laughter, good food, and fantastic drinks!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol Easy: 7 Festive Sips to Enjoy
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Easy Thanksgiving drinks with alcohol for your holiday gathering.
Zutaten
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 bottle of sparkling cider
- 1 cup of brandy
- 1 cup of apple juice
- 1 cup of cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
Anweisungen
- In a large pitcher, combine red wine, sparkling cider, brandy, apple juice, and cranberry juice.
- Add sliced orange and apple to the mixture.
- Add the cinnamon stick for flavor.
- Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve over ice in glasses.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more apple or cranberry juice.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the wine and brandy.
- Garnish with extra fruit slices if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Beverages
- Methode: Mixing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 glass
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 10mg
- Fett: 0g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving drinks alcohol easy











