Countdown to Turkey Day: Cocktails and Mocktails

Countdown to Turkey Day: Time to Chec... Countdown to Turkey Day: The Ingredie...

Countdown to Turkey Day: Cocktails and Mocktails

Psst hey. We’ve got one week left.

How is your house looking? Is the table still clear?

Excellent. You’ve got this, but just in case you are joining us, here’s a list of everything we have covered in our Countdown to Turkey Day.

Yesterday’s task was to confirm the number of guests, as it gives a good idea when it comes to planning how many drinks we need to have on hand for guests, both alcoholic and non.

Our personal friend works with Responsibility.org, and it is a mission we support. Please check it out if you have any questions about making responsible choices when hosting and serving alcohol.

Here are a few easy beverages good for your Thanksgiving Holiday. Please note that some of these may be better before or after the meal or enjoyed after everyone else has gone home and you finally have your feet up.

The choice is yours. Just be ready to call an Uber if ol’ Uncle Al gets out of line.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Hot Cider

in a heavy pot or slow cooker, combine over medium heat until heated through

If you want to add color, you can toss in some cranberries

Apple cider
One or two cinnamon sticks
One or two orange slices
3 – 4 cloves (optional)

I really enjoy this the night before when I’m prepping the pies

Sparkling Cherry Limeade

This recipe has two parts, you prep the mix and then top the glass with sparkling water..

1 12ox can of frozen limeade
1/2 juice from maraschino cherries
2 cups cold water
sparkling water

Combine the limeade, maraschino cherry juice, and water and chill until it is time to serve. When ready, place in a glass, add the drink mix to 2/3rds full and top with sparkling water.

And, of course, don’t forget the classic

Mist-letoe Martini Mocktail

2 oz Sierra Mist Natural
1 1/2 oz Raspberry Juice (or cherry juice)
3 Leaves fresh basil
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz blueberry juice

In a glass, muddle two basil leaves and lime juice. (Unless you actually have a pestle, just use a wooden spoon to mush the crud out of the leaves against the bottom of the glass. The point is to bruise the leaves, so the basil flavor mixes into the lime juice)
Add the raspberry (or cherry) juice and blueberry juice to the shaker, shake well and strain into a martini glass.
Fill the glass with Sierra Mist Natural
Garnish with basil and blueberries, if desired.

Shirley Temple— old school favorite

Kids love these. I do, too, and if you have maraschino cherries, there’s nothing better than a REAL cherry Coke.

7-up or Sprite
Either Grenadine or the juice from Maraschino Cherries
ONE maraschino cherry -it MUST have the stem

Fill a glass with ice, add the soda, a splash of the Grenadine and the cherry.. Easy peasy.

Alcoholic Beverages

Mulled wine

Please note that mulled wine varies greatly by culture This is a very loose guide. You can add spices you would prefer.. Some people prefer it sweeter or with cloves, nutmeg, or cardamom. You can even add brandy.. Get creative and find what makes you happy

2 or 3cups apple cider
1 750 mL bottle red wine (cabernet or your favorite, don’t go super expensive here)
2 – 3 TBSP honey
1 stick cinnamon
2 star anise
the peel from one orange

In a heavy pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer for 5 – 10 minutes. Then strain and serve. You can use a chinois or cheesecloth and a funnel.

You can garnish with additional orange peel, if desired.

Mimosas

champagne or prosecco
orange juice

Fill a champagne flute 2/3rds full of champagne and top with OJ.

This is extra nice when the parades are on, and the cooking is just getting started. Do not get carried away.

Hot Toddy

3/4 cup hot water
1 1/2 ounces whiskey
2 – 3 teaspoons honey (to taste, you may need less)
2 – 3 teaspoons lemon juice (to taste)
1 slice lemon
1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Combine. Enjoy.