7 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails
Christina Holmes
Between roasting a turkey, mashing potatoes, making gravy and generally turning your home kitchen into an industrial-grade feast-making factory, bartending is probably the last thing on your mind for Thanksgiving. But the guests and, more importantly, you, may need drinks.
Here are seven super-easy Thanksgiving cocktails that you can make in no time.
Bacchanalian
© Lucas Allen
Essentially a chilled mulled wine, this cocktail is a great way to use up any half-empty bottles of red wine.
Maple-Bourbon Smash
Michael Turek
Robb Turner, owner of Crown Maple, uses his richly flavored dark amber syrup to make this riff on an Old-Fashioned cocktail.
Citrus, Brandy and Pineapple Punch
© Con Poulos This easy brandy drink is flavored with nutmeg.
This easy brandy cocktail from drinks artisan Chris Harrison is mildly sweet and nicely boozy, with a bit of spice from nutmeg.
Cranberry-Spice Cocktail
© Johnny Valiant
The numerous cranberries in this delicious concoction perfectly complement the hard cider and the Aperol.
Cava and Pomegranate Cocktails
© Akiko Ida and Pierre Javelle
Removing seeds from a pomegranate can seem tricky. "Don't worry, it is easy!" José Andrés says. His method: Cut the pomegranate in half across the middle, not through the stem; then wrap each half in cheesecloth and, holding it over a large bowl, hit it hard with a spoon or rolling pin. "Just hit it! Really hit it!" Andrés urges. Then open up the bundle and pick out the seeds, which should practically pop out.
Apple-Brandy Hot Toddies
© Rob Howard
A hot toddy is basically a shot or two of any potent spirit added to a cup of hot water. At Paley's Place in Portland, Oregon, bartender Suzanne Bozarth puts a French spin on this warming drink with a slug of apple brandy, such as Calvados.
Hot Buttered Spiked Cider
Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Melissa Gray / Prop Styling by Christina Daley
This spiked cider recipe is warming, sweet, and has just the right amount of spiced gold rum. Pumpkin pie spice offers an easy way to add autumnal flavor, while butter adds richness and makes the drink velvety. The cider is perfect for fall and winter, especially if you're entertaining outdoors and dealing with chilly weather.
