I Always Bring These Cocktails To Friendsgiving & I'm Pretty Sure They're Why I Keep Getting Invited Back
Why bake a pumpkin pie when you can bring a pumpkin pie martini?
For some, Friendsgiving is a chance to host loved ones and try out some creative holiday recipes that you might not want to risk swapping out the classics for on the big day (looking at you, gnocchi stuffing). For others, Friendsgiving is more about the eating and drinking than the preparing and serving. No judgment here! During the hectic holiday season, I’ll admit that preparing different elaborate potluck sides to bring to various Friendsgiving celebrations often gets put on the back burner for me. When I just can’t stand to get out another casserole dish, that’s when I turn to these crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving cocktails instead.
They’re easy to prepare, require no turning on the oven, and are still exciting enough to gather those coveted "ooh"s and "ahh"s from around the table. Don’t be the fool that brings the third pumpkin pie to the party—bring our pumpkin pie martini, and receive all the thanks.
Thanksgiving Jungle Juice
We love a big-batch cocktail because it not only saves you time at the home bar, but they're so easy to mix up. This classed up, festive spin on jungle juice is for when you want to be the designated drunk uncle at your Friendsgiving.
Get the Thanksgiving Jungle Juice recipe.
Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas
This cocktail is perfect for when you can't decide whether to grab a glass of red or white—reach for the apple cider and tequila instead! The hot honey here is the perfect sweet with a little heat, and Calvados adds hints of caramel apple and kettle corn.
Get the Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas recipe.
Kalimotxo Cola Punch
This sangria upgrade is literally a little bit of this, a little bit of that with a top off of everyone's favorite soda—an ice cold Coca-Cola. The kalimotxo took the interweb by storm earlier this year, giving “sophisticated sangria” vibes as a composed cocktail. For this punch, grab that red wine you haven't used and some Coca-Cola, and get ready for a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Kalimotxo Cola Punch recipe.
Lambrusco Smash
While a glass of Lambrusco is always good served on its own, it’s also a fantastic starting point for a cocktail. That sparkling pop and depth of flavor really goes well with this deep red cocktail.
Get the Lambrusco Smash recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
Who has the time to make a pumpkin pie for Friendsgiving? Certainly not me, so I turn to these warming, pumpkin spice martinis instead.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Cranberry-Apple Sangria
Sangria is a perfect cocktail for the holidays because it’s made all in one big pitcher and can be done ahead. This recipe is fairly traditional but with a holiday twist, featuring flavors like tart cranberries and warm cinnamon.
Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Cranberry adds a festive, blood-red twist to your favorite cocktail, the Aperol spritz. If you don't want it to be too sweet, you can swap the cranberry juice cocktail for 100% cranberry juice.
Get the Cranberry Aperol Spritz recipe.
Apple Pie Bourbon Shots
If you're truly looking to get your party started (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your Friendsgiving. All you need are a few ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—to infuse your own bourbon that tastes just like your fave fall dessert.
Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.
Turkeytini
There’s nothing better than the combination of a dessert and cocktail. Shaken and poured into a chilled glass, dessert cocktails are the ultimate end-of-the-night treat, especially when they include mocha and bourbon. This boozy Turkeytini has all you need to complete your Friendsgiving feast with the decadent blend of creamy Baileys Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, Kahlúa, and bourbon.
Get the Turkeytini recipe.
Apple Cider Spritz
Easy breezy and ready for fall, this apple cider spritz offers a twist on a recent summer classic, the Aperol spritz. Waltzing right into the next season with spiced cider and a kiss of pumpkin spice, Aperol’s orange-herbal aspects bring out the best in the cider flavors.
Get the Apple Cider Spritz recipe.
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