Raise a toast to friendship and Thanksgiving with these festive cocktail recipes

Thanksgiving calls for more than just a memorable feast; it deserves a festive glass (or two) to match the mood. Whether you’re hosting a cosy family dinner or a lively Friendsgiving, the right cocktail can elevate the celebration instantly. From warm, spice-laced sips to refreshing autumnal blends, these inventive recipes bring seasonal flair to every pour. Cheers to clinking glasses, shared stories, and flavours that taste like gratitude.

FESTIVE COCKTAILS TO RING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

1. Spiced Apricot Highball

A vibrant mix of fruity sweetness and warm spice, the Spiced Apricot Highball blends Chivas Regal XV with a fragrant apricot and chai infusion for a refreshing yet layered sip. Lightened with soda and lifted by a citrusy orange garnish, it’s an elegant highball that pairs beautifully with cosy Thanksgiving flavours.

Ingredients:

1. Chivas Regal XV – 40ml
2. Apricot and Chai – 100ml               
3. Soda Water – 40ml 
4. Orange Slice – Garnish 

Method: 

1. Flavour Up: To make the apricot and chai, boil 500ml of water with 215g of chopped fresh apricots and 5g of chai and infuse for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Sweeten: Strain off the ingredients and add 20g of sugar until dissolved.

3. Pour: Add Chivas Regal XV and cooled apricot and chai into a highball glass, fill to the top with soda and ice, and garnish with an orange slice.

2. Celebración

Rich, smooth, and comfortingly festive, Celebración brings together The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, creamy rompope, and bold cold brew for a warming holiday treat. Served hot or chilled, it’s a versatile cocktail with a cinnamon-dusted finish that adds the perfect spiced aroma, ideal for post-dinner toasts and slow seasonal sipping.

Ingredients:  

1. The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve- 20ML
2. Rompope- 20ML
3. Cold Brew - 80ML
4. Cinnamon (for Garnish)

Method:

1. Combine ingredients in a mug.
2. Serve hot or chilled.
3. Garnish with cinnamon.

3. The Sip Sour

A lighter take on the classic Whiskey Sour, The Sip Sour delivers balanced flavour without the punch. Apple juice, cinnamon syrup, coconut water, and a whisper of Jameson create a soft, fruity base, while egg white adds a velvety texture. It’s a mindful, low-ABV choice for guilt-free festive sipping.

Ingredients:

1. 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters 
2. 1 Part Apple Juice, Fresh Pressed 
3.  ½ Parts Cinnamon Syrup 
4. 1 Part Coconut Water 
5. 1 Part Egg White 
6. Ice Cubes 
7. ⅓ Parts Jameson Original 
8. ⅚ Parts Lemon Juice 

4. Amalfi Settantancinque

Bright, zesty, and celebratory, the Amalfi Settantancinque blends Malfy Con Limone with clementine and lemon for a burst of Italian sunshine. Topped with champagne, it becomes a sparkling, citrus-forward cocktail perfect for raising a festive toast. A lemon twist and star anise garnish add aromatic elegance to every sip.

Ingredients:

1. 25ml Malfy Con Limone
2. 20ml Clementine Juice
3. 15ml Simple Syrup
4. 20ml Lemon Juice
5. Champagne

Method:

Shake the first four ingredients and strain in a flute, top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist and star anise.

5. The Pink Floradora

The Pink Floradora is a lively, berry-bright cocktail starring Beefeater Pink Strawberry. Balanced with lime juice and ginger syrup, then lifted with ginger beer, it delivers a refreshing, subtly spicy finish. Served over crushed or cubed ice and garnished with a lime wheel, it’s a playful, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving pour.

Ingredients:

1. 50ml Beefeater Pink Strawberry
2. 20ml Lime juice
3. 10ml Fresh ginger syrup
4. Top with ginger beer
5. A lime wheel 

Method:

Shaken and served with crushed ice or; cubed ice. 

Garnish

Fresh lime wheel

6. Tonic Refresh

Light, crisp, and endlessly customisable, the Tonic Refresh pairs Lillet with your choice of sparkling water, wine, or lemonade for a bubbly, citrus-kissed drink. Fresh berries, cucumber, herbs, and citrus wedges enhance its aroma and presentation, making it a refreshing, adaptable cocktail perfect for effortless Thanksgiving entertaining.

Ingredients:

1. Lillet
2. Sparkling Water/Sparkling Wine/Sparkling Lemonade
3. Berries
4. Cucumber
5. Citrus Wedge
6. Mint/Basi/Thyme

Method:

1. Pour Lillet into a tall wine glass full of ice cubes
2. Add your choice of Bubbles: Sparkling water, sparkling wine or sparkling lemonade
3. Add Garnish: Berries, Cucumber, Citrus Wedge, Mint, Basil or Thyme. Topping enriches tastes and visual appearance.

Who are clinking your glasses to the festive season with?