The dinner is complex enough - so ASG recommends finding one or two cocktails for the night and stick to those. No need to go overboard when there is all sorts of cheer happening around me.
The flavors of the season are what are on your table - aromatics, spices, citrus, apples, flavored liqueurs - to warm or delight.
Our list is curated by intrigue - don't discount the end, those are the easiest. (Links should take you to non-paywall pages.)
Inverno Arancione - haven't had one of these in years, in Germany. The blend of citrus, ginger, sugar and aromatics is a discovery. It'll warm you. You'll taste a precursor to The Penicillin.
Fire Negroni - you're getting a theme here to start off with - citrus, aromatics - but with classic Negroni liqueurs. Now, I haven't had one of these yet, but I do love a Negroni. I will make one of these soon and think of Thanksgiving on the horizon.
Gaelic Punch - introduced in 2011, you would have thought this drink did come from the Ancient Romans. This is not a fussy drink, but impressive - most of the time is allowing the sugar and lemon settle.
Whiskey Chai - I've been off of Chai for years, just burned out on it as soon as it became readily available decades ago. When I heard this blend, I knew it had to make the list - plus this recipe is good for a 'from scratch' Chai too.
Chinese Herbal Inspired Mulled Wine - the mixture of cranberry and saffron, both thought to help with the blood, along with other aromatics, sounds like a relaxing sit around the table.
Hot Toddy - classic and simple, this is one when you're in a lurch. There's variations with tea - which I recommend - make this base hot toddy and add your favorite black tea.
Whiskey Ginger Ale - guess we're sticking to simpler drinks, this one iced - whiskey, ginger ale, lime over ice. Heck, I'm going to recommend some sugared ginger to have on hand, you're going to spruce any of these up with it and a fancy toothpick.
Cranberry Mimosa - ok, you're looking something you can make with three ingredients, a lot of it and 'cannot fail' - here you go. Prosecco, cranberry juice (not juice cocktail!), Cointreau triple sec.
Sangria - always a crowd pleaser - but, as I've learned over the years - get solid ingredients, if you go bottom shelf, you wil taste it.
Thanksgiving Jungle Juice - now, if you know how to make jungle juice, you do it with your squad. This will be the most interactive and fun - highly recommended.
Cinnamon and Tequila Cocktail - elegant way of warming oneself - especially if you follow Food & Wine's approach with the artistic flourish.
Gold Rush - another simple drink, and akin to a Bee's Knees, and contemporaneous to bot. Bourbon, lemon juice, honey syrup with a lemon twist.
Irish Coffee - is a real thing in Ireland and was happy to enjoy a few. The trick is well-balanced
Amaretto Sour - from the 1970s, this is really meant / designed to be made from scratch. Please
Manhattan Cocktail - we're going high again. A well made Manhattan, along with a nice stick after Thanksgiving, is one of the best combinations ever.
Appletini - want a splash of color for the night - these green martinis will do the drink. They are heavy on the sweet, but some folks like to drink their dessert.
Tip one for us!
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