Thanksgiving Cocktails
A collection of 13 Thanksgiving Cocktails including both aperitifs and digestifs to enjoy this holiday!
What exactly is an aperitif and a digestif? Well, I am SO happy you asked! Let’s dive right in.
What Are Aperitifs and Digestifs?
Think of aperitifs and digestifs as the bookends to your meal: an aperitif comes before you eat, while a digestif is best sipped after you eat. Though some may argue that the terms really just signify when you imbibe, there are some general considerations when selecting a pre-dinner cocktail and a post-dinner drink.
Aperitifs
Aperitifs are meant to stimulate your appetite, preparing you for a large meal. I can’t think of a better time to have an aperitif than before Thanksgiving dinner!
Aperitifs tend to be dryer (less sweet), and lower in alcohol. Vermouth, gin, and sparkling wine of any kind are great aperitifs. Keep in mind that the idea is to whet your appetite: not spoil it. Here are some great ideas for aperitifs to enjoy for Thanksgiving!
This Pear and Apple Cider Mimosa combines classic Fall flavors for a delicious sparkling cocktail! Crisp apple cider and sweet pear liqueur are combined with champagne for the perfect cocktail to toast to.
These Festive Aperol Sodas are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays! Bitter, slightly sweet, and simple.
This Cranberry Rosé Gin & Tonic is practically perfect in every way! Rosé, gin, cranberry juice, thyme simple syrup, and tonic come together for a refreshing, bitter, and slightly sweet aperitif.
This Sparkling Cardamom and Pear Cocktail is fabulously fancy, but so simple! Pear liqueur, gin, cardamom syrup, and sparkling pear cider come together to make a sweet and aromatic cocktail.
This Cranberry Cider and Soda is a tart and satisfying sipper! It’s low on alcohol but big on flavor, with hard cider, soda water, and a fun new ingredient to take your holiday drinks to the next level.
This Pomegranate Mimosa is the jewel-hued sister to the classic breakfast beverage. Tart, bubbly, and perfect for celebrating!
The classic Americano Cocktail is the perfect aperitif! Sweet Vermouth and bitter Campari are combined in this traditional sipper.
Digestifs
Following a meal, a digestif is meant to stimulate digestion. Simple enough, right?
Digestifs tend to be sweeter and higher in alcohol in comparison to an aperitif. Some digestifs, such as Fernet, an Italian Amaro known for it’s bitter taste, was initially produced as a cure for stomach aches. How fitting!
The following digestifs are more spirit-heavy compared to the above aperitifs, but continue with the seasonal inspiration!
This Apple Butter Old Fashioned is a delicious and seasonal twist on the classic cocktail. Apple butter and cider additions make this already perfect cocktail even better.
This Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour is a true crowd pleaser! Smoky bourbon, bright lemon juice, sweet maple syrup, and fragrant rosemary equate to one insanely delicious cocktail.
Festive, spicy, and effervescent, this Spiced & Sparkling Whiskey Cider is the cocktail to try this holiday season! Make a single or a big batch to serve guests.
This Fernet Manhattan is a twist on the classic cocktail. Fernet adds complex depth to the already flavorful concoction, lending unique spiciness.
This Apple Spice Sidecar is positively cocktail perfection. Brandy is infused with spices and apple, lending a sweetness to this well rounded cocktail.
Smoky bourbon is combined with tart and sweet pomegranate juice, topped with a cinnamon and honey infused switchel. This drink is simple, light, and spicy. The perfect combination for a cold night in!
Thanksgiving Cocktails For All!
Which of these aperitifs and digestifs are you going to ty this Thanksgiving? Comment below and let me know what you’re sipping. Cheers!