Large Format Cocktails for A Festive Gathering

We are entering the Holiday season! Isn’t that wild? I can’t believe we are in the final stretch of 2020. Are you relieved or are you relieved?

Before we can cheers are way to the new year, we need to know what we’re “cheers-ing” with! Whether you decide to spend your holidays with family or close friends (please be safe!), below are some great ideas for delicious cool-weather cocktails that can all be made ahead of time in one giant recipe! You don’t want to end up being stuck at the bar for the whole evening, making drinks for everyone (unless you’re trying to escape, then just ignore this whole post). These are easy, one-and-done recipes (some non-alcoholic versions are included too!) that can even be made ahead of time, so you can focus on other preparations and actually have time to enjoy being with the people you love.

Cider Old-Fashioned

Ingredients (Serves 8):

• Ice

• Apple Cider (3 cups)

• Angostura bitters (8 dashes)

• Orange bitters (8 dashes)

• Simple Syrup (2 oz)

• Bourbon (2 cups)

• 2 Oranges, sliced

• 2 Apples, sliced

• 8 Cinnamon sticks

1. Add the cider, bitters, simple syrup, bourbon, and fruit slices to a pitcher. Stir to combine.

2. Add about 3-4 cups of ice, depending on how big your pitcher is. Stir, cover & let sit for an hour for the ice to incorporate.

3. To serve, fill a highball glass with ice, then pour about 1/2 a cup of the drink into your glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, and a slice of fruit.

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Apple Cider Sangria

Ingredients (Serves 8):

• 2 apples, thinly sliced

• 1 cup Apple Cider

• 1/2 cup cognac or brandy

• 1 bottle of cava or dry sparkling wine, chilled

• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

• ice

1. Pour all but 1/2 cup of the apple slices into a large pitcher. Continue with the cognac, apple cider & the sparkling wine. Fill the pitcher with ice. Stir to combine

2. You can either serve right away or chill an hour before serving.

3. Fill each individual cup with ice, pour in your sangria, then garnish with the remaining apple slices and pomegranate seeds.

Note: For a non-alcoholic version, use ginger ale instead of the cognac & sparkling wine!

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Recipe also seen in "Halloween Party Ideas" Post

Pumpkin Spiced Moscow Mule

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 2 cups (16 oz) Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spiced Ginger Brew

• 1 cup (8 oz) Vodka

• Ice

• Ginger slices for garnish (optional)

• Rosemary Sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. Pour ginger ale and vodka into a pitcher. Fill with ice.

Fill each glass with ice, pour drink, then garnish with a slice ginger and/or rosemary.

Note: For a non-alcoholic version, just serve the ginger brew! It’s super delicious.

These drinks are festive, delicious, and can be put together with ease! Incorporating in-season foods & flavors to any recipe definitely brings something special to your Fall table. I hope have a wonderful & refreshing Thanksgiving.