Thanksgiving Cocktails!

So, let's just say you are in charge of one of my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving meal....the cocktails! You could either show up with the traditional, if not boring, supply of white & red wine, OR you could really JAZZ things up with one of these ever-so-yummy fall inspired libations and turn this holiday into a festive good time!

Take a look at a few of my favorites . . .

APPLE CIDER MARTINIS
(via 11 Magnolia lane)

Ingredients:

~ Apple Cider (Trader Joe's brand is yummy!)
~ Smirnoff  'Whipped Cream' Vodka
~ Buttershots Liquer (by Dekuyper)
~ sugar & cinnamon for the rims

Directions:

~ Mix 2 parts vodka to 1 part buttershots in the shaker (with some ice) to your liking, then pour in the apple cider and shake well–very well–you want the ice to break up a bit and chill the drink. I would recommend 2:1 on the liquors then at least 2 parts cider–but that still may be too strong for some, so adjust accordingly. Be warned: these are strong drinks–just like a classic martini. This drink is also a great after dinner/dessert drink because they are on the sweet side.

APPLE CIDER MARGARITAS
(via How Sweet it Is)

Ingredients:

~ 1 ounce Grand Marnier
~ 1 ounce gold tequila
~ 5-6 ounces sweet apple cider
~ orange segments and apple slices
~ cinnamon + cane sugar + coarse sugar for glass rimming
~ cinnamon sticks for garnish

Directions:

~ Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider and stir to mix. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy

APPLE CIDER SANGRIA
(via Nerve.com)

Ingredients:

~ 2 oranges
1 lemon
2 apples
1-2 cup bourbon
½ cup triple sec
3-4 tsp hot sauce (they use Crystal)
¼ cup simple syrup
2-3 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

~ Combine in a quart container and let marinate for at least a day.  Combine mixture with 2 bottles of sauvignon blanc and 3 cups apple cider and adjust to taste.  Garnish with chopped apple.

Go on, get crazy with it . . . and have a wonderful one!!