Thanksgiving is such a special time, isn’t it? Gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories, and savoring delicious food creates memories that last a lifetime. And you know what makes these moments even more delightful? Festive drinks! I absolutely love serving up *thanksgiving drinks alcohol* that bring everyone together in a toast to gratitude and joy. One of my favorite traditions is whipping up a refreshing punch that combines the warmth of red wine, the brightness of orange juice, and a splash of bubbly cider. It’s always a hit! Trust me, the clinking of glasses and the laughter that follows is what this holiday is all about. Let’s dive into these delicious concoctions that will surely elevate your Thanksgiving celebration!
Ingredients List
- 1 bottle red wine (your favorite kind, about 750ml)
- 1 bottle white wine (I love a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, also 750ml)
- 1 bottle sparkling cider (for that festive fizz, around 750ml)
- 1 cup cranberry juice (100% juice for the best flavor)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if you can, but store-bought works too!)
- 1 cup brandy (this adds a lovely depth, trust me on this one)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (a handful will do, they look so pretty!)
- Orange slices for garnish (a few slices to brighten up your drinks)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pitcher—trust me, you’ll want the space! Pour in the red wine, white wine, sparkling cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and brandy. It’s a beautiful mix of colors!
- Now, give it a good stir! You want everything to blend together perfectly. The aromas will start to mingle, and you’ll be excited for what’s to come!
- Once it’s well mixed, cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. You’ll want to chill it for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for the flavors to really come alive!
- When you’re ready to serve, grab your favorite glasses. Fill them with the drink and don’t forget to add those gorgeous fresh cranberries and orange slices on top for a festive touch.
- Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy the cheers and smiles as everyone takes a sip of your delicious Thanksgiving drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—just mix and chill!
- Festive flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of Thanksgiving.
- Can be made a day in advance, saving you time on the big day.
- Customizable sweetness—adjust cranberry juice to your taste!
- Gorgeous presentation with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
- Perfect for gatherings, bringing everyone together in a toast.
- Alcoholic yet refreshing, suitable for all your adult guests!
Tips for Success
- Sweetness control: If you like your drinks a bit sweeter, feel free to add more cranberry juice. It balances the tartness beautifully!
- Add some spice: For an extra layer of flavor, consider tossing in a couple of cinnamon sticks or a pinch of nutmeg while it chills. It really enhances that cozy, festive vibe!
- Chill your ingredients: If you want to speed things up, try chilling your wines and juices beforehand. This way, you can serve the drink even sooner!
- Garnish creatively: Get creative with your garnishes! Besides cranberries and orange slices, think about adding some rosemary sprigs for a fragrant touch.
- Make it a mocktail: If you have non-drinkers at your gathering, simply leave out the brandy and replace the wines with more sparkling cider and juice for a delightful non-alcoholic version!
Variations
- Pineapple twist: Swap out the orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical flair. It adds a lovely sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors!
- Spiced apple addition: Mix in some apple cider instead of sparkling cider for a warm, autumnal taste. You can even simmer the apple cider with a few cloves and cinnamon sticks beforehand for an extra flavor boost!
- Berry blend: Use mixed berry juice instead of cranberry juice for a berrylicious alternative. It gives the drink a beautiful color and a slightly different flavor profile!
- Herbal infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like mint or basil to your pitcher for a refreshing herbal note. It’s a unique twist that adds a delightful fragrance!
- Ginger beer kick: For a little fizz and spice, replace the sparkling cider with ginger beer. The spiciness of ginger pairs beautifully with the fruity elements!
- Non-alcoholic version: To make it kid-friendly or alcohol-free, simply replace the wines with more sparkling cider and juices, and you’ve got a festive punch for everyone to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this festive Thanksgiving drink. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Sugar: About 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Enjoy sipping on this delightful concoction without any guilt, and let the flavors of Thanksgiving fill your heart and your glass!
FAQ Section
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Absolutely! This festive drink can be made a day in advance. Just mix everything together, chill it in the fridge, and you’ll save time on the big day. Just remember to add the garnishes right before serving for that fresh look!
How long can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some ingredients may settle.
What can I substitute for the brandy?
If brandy isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for another spirit like bourbon or a flavored liqueur such as peach schnapps. Both add a unique twist to the drink!
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Of course! Just omit the wines and brandy, and increase the sparkling cider and juices. It’ll be just as festive and delicious, perfect for everyone to enjoy!
What type of wine works best?
I recommend using a fruity red and a crisp white wine. Something like a Merlot or Pinot Noir for red, and a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for white will balance beautifully with the other flavors!
Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol to Elevate Your Celebration
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A selection of festive alcoholic drinks perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 bottle white wine
- 1 bottle sparkling cider
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup brandy
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine red wine, white wine, sparkling cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, and brandy.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve in glasses with fresh cranberries and orange slices as garnish.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cranberry juice.
- This drink can be made a day in advance.
- Consider adding spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving drinks alcohol
