Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family, sharing delicious food, and, of course, enjoying refreshing beverages! While many might reach for a glass of wine or a festive cocktail, I always think there’s something special about *non alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving*. They not only keep everyone feeling festive but also let everyone join in the toasts! I remember one Thanksgiving when I served a sparkling apple cider drink that stole the show—it was bright, bubbly, and so refreshing. Everyone loved it, from the kids to my great-aunt Edna, who typically prefers her cocktails. So, let’s dive into this easy recipe that’ll make your holiday gatherings even more delightful!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients for this refreshing non-alcoholic drink is super simple and quick! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice cubes for serving
Make sure to use fresh apple cider for that rich, authentic flavor. The sparkling water adds a lovely fizz that makes this drink feel extra special. Don’t worry if you don’t have fresh oranges; you can use pre-sliced ones for convenience. Trust me, this combination is not only easy to assemble but also creates a vibrant, festive drink that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing this refreshing non-alcoholic drink is a breeze, and it only takes about 10 minutes! Here’s how to whip it up:
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a large pitcher. The apple cider is the star of this drink, so make sure you’re using the good stuff!
- Next, add in 1/2 cup of cranberry juice. This will give your drink a beautiful color and a touch of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cider.
- Now, it’s time for some fizz! Pour in 1 cup of sparkling water and stir gently. You want to keep that lovely carbonation alive, so don’t go overboard with the stirring!
- While you’re preparing, grab some glasses and fill them with ice cubes. I love using clear glasses so everyone can see the vibrant colors of the drink.
- Once your drink is mixed, pour it over the ice cubes in each glass. This will keep it nice and chilled!
- Finally, garnish each glass with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick. Not only does this look stunning, but it adds a delightful aroma as well.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and bubbly experience. Enjoy this festive drink at your Thanksgiving gathering and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—whip it up in just 10 minutes!
- Refreshing flavors of apple cider, cranberry, and zesty orange make it perfect for any palate.
- Beautifully festive presentation with vibrant colors that brighten up your Thanksgiving table.
- Suitable for everyone—kids and adults alike can join in on the fun!
- Customizable sweetness; adjust the cranberry juice to suit your taste.
- Light and bubbly, this drink is the perfect complement to hearty Thanksgiving dishes.
Tips for Success
To make this non-alcoholic drink even more delightful, here are a few pro tips! First, consider chilling your apple cider and sparkling water in advance. This helps keep your drink icy and refreshing without needing too much ice, which can dilute the flavor. If you want to elevate the flavor even more, try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a cozy twist. And don’t hesitate to experiment with different garnishes like fresh cranberries or mint leaves—these make for a stunning presentation! Lastly, feel free to double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings. Trust me, it’ll vanish quickly!
Nutritional Information
This refreshing non-alcoholic drink is not just delicious but also quite light! Each serving (1 cup) has approximately 80 calories, with 15g of sugar and 20g of carbohydrates. There’s no fat or protein, making it a guilt-free option for your Thanksgiving celebration. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy this festive refreshment without any worries!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often get about these non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving:
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the apple cider, cranberry juice, and sparkling water a few hours before your guests arrive, but I recommend adding the ice and garnishes just before serving to keep everything bubbly and fresh.
Can I substitute the apple cider?
Yes, if you can’t find apple cider, you can use apple juice, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice to mimic that cider tartness!
What if I want it less sweet?
No problem! Simply reduce the amount of cranberry juice or opt for a tart cranberry juice without added sugars. You can always taste and adjust as you go!
Is this drink kid-friendly?
Definitely! This drink is perfect for kids to enjoy during Thanksgiving celebrations since it’s refreshing and fun without any alcohol. Everyone can toast together!
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing non-alcoholic drink pairs beautifully with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes. I love serving it alongside roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory stuffing. The bright flavors of the drink cut through the richness of the meal, making each bite feel even more festive! For a delightful presentation, serve the drinks in clear glasses on a tray with a few extra orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish. This not only adds a lovely touch but also invites everyone to enjoy the festive spirit. Trust me, it’ll be a hit at your gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this refreshing non-alcoholic drink, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just remember, the sparkling water will lose its fizz over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh! If you’re storing, keep the garnishes separate and add them right before serving to keep everything looking vibrant. I don’t recommend reheating this drink; it’s best served chilled and bubbly for that festive feel!
Print
Non Alcoholic Drinks for Thanksgiving: 5 Festive Recipes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine apple cider and cranberry juice in a pitcher.
- Add sparkling water and stir gently.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the drink mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with orange slices and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less cranberry juice.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Can be made in larger batches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: non alcoholic drinks for thanksgiving
