As we are all anxiously preparing for our favorite gathering with friends this week, I have compiled a list of some must-have drink ideas to help spice up your Friendsgiving.
Let’s get started
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Serves 8
Ingredients:
2 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 cup cognac
2 cups apple cider
750ml bottle cava (or other dry sparkling wine), chilled
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
Add the apples to a large pitcher reserving about 1/2 cup for garnishing. Add the cognac, apple cider, and chilled cava. Stir.
Fill the pitcher with ice. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice and top with sliced apple and pomegranate seeds.
Ingredients
Sugared Cranberries (for garnishing)
12 oz. fresh cranberries
1/2 cup simple syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cranberry Mule
2 oz . unsweetened cranberry juice
3 oz . ginger beer
1 1/2 oz . spiced rum
1 oz . simple syrup
Ice , for serving
Instructions
Make the sugared cranberries
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire cooling rack on top of the lined baking sheet, and set aside.
In a large bowl, measure in the simple syrup.
Toss the cranberries in the simple syrup, removing them with a slotted spoon, then place on the wire cooling rack.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until the berries are sticky.
When the berries are sticky, measure the sugar in a large bowl.
Toss the cranberries in the sugar until coated, then transfer back to the wire cooling rack.
Coat all the cranberries, then refrigerate for an additional hour before using.
Make the Cranberry Mules
Place a handful of ice in a copper mug
Combine the cranberry juice, ginger beer, rum and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
Shake until combined, then pour over ice.
Serve with sugared cranberries as the garnish, and enjoy immediately.
Makes 3 cups
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups cranberry juice (I recommend using a brand that is 100% juice)
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
3/4 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
ice cubes
Directions:
Stir all ingredients together until blended. Serve over ice in sugar- or salt-rimmed glasses, garnished with fresh cranberries and lime wedges if desired.
A non-alcoholic drink for ALL to enjoy! If you’re more into the alcoholic beverages, feel free to swap out the sparkling water for sparkling white wine.
Ingredients:
6 cups sparkling water, chilled
3 cups apple juice, chilled
3 cups pomegranate juice, chilled
3 cups lemon-lime flavored soda, chilled (or use sweet white wine for an alcoholic version)
apple and orange slices to garnish
Directions:
In a large pitcher, combine water, juices, and soda, stir to combine. Garnish with fruit slices.
Serve immediately over ice.
Yields about one drink
Ingredients
3 ounces apple cider
3 ounces champagne
Brown sugar and apple slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a champagne flute, followed by the champagne. Serve immediately!
Remember to drink responsibly and have a fabulous Friendsgiving!
XOXO