The Perfect Thanksgiving Cocktail: An Easy Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipe

Searching for new Thanksgiving cocktail recipes? Look no further than this 'All Sauced Up 2.0' recipe. This elegant and easy-to-make Thanksgiving cocktail perfectly balances festive cranberry and warm spices, making it the ideal drink for your holiday gathering. Created by our friend The Sauceress, this cocktail is a standout choice for your holiday menu.

All Sauced Up 2.0: The Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipe

This recipe makes one cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz bourbon (we used @russellsreservebourbon)
• .5 oz Grand Marnier
• 1 oz cranberry sauce syrup (recipe below)
• .5 oz tangerine juice (we love @nataliesoj)
• 5 dashes El Guapo™ Chicory Pecan Bitters
• Squeeze of lemon
• Soda water
• Rosemary sprigs
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

1. Crush a sprig of rosemary and add it to a clean shaker with the squeeze of lemon juice and bourbon.
2. Muddle the rosemary well.
3. Add ice and all other ingredients except the soda water.
4. Shake and strain the mixture into a cup full of crushed ice.
5. Top off the cocktail with soda water.
6. Garnish with cranberries, mandarin wedges, more rosemary, and a cinnamon stick.

Cranberry Sauce Syrup Recipe

This syrup is the key to the rich, spiced flavor of the cocktail. This recipe yields 4 oz of syrup, so you can double it to make more than four cocktails.

Ingredients

• 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
• .5 cup tangerine or orange juice
• .33 cup granulated sugar
• Mixed Spices (whole allspice, whole cloves, whole green cardamom, cinnamon stick pieces, coriander seed, star anise, pink peppercorns, and a few pieces of fresh ginger. Use just a few pinches of each spice!)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
2. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Simmer on medium heat until the mixture reduces to a syrupy consistency.
4. Cool the mixture to room temperature before bottling. It will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What makes a good Thanksgiving cocktail?

A good Thanksgiving cocktail often features warm, seasonal flavors like cranberry, apple, pecan, and spices. It should be easy to make, either individually or in a large batch, so you can spend more time with your guests.

What bourbon is best for Thanksgiving cocktails?

A bourbon with warm, nutty notes works well in holiday cocktails. Brands like Russell's Reserve, as suggested in this recipe, or others with hints of vanilla, caramel, or oak will complement the seasonal flavors perfectly.

Can I make this cocktail in a large batch?

Yes, you can easily prepare a large batch of the pre-soda cocktail mix (all ingredients except the soda water) in a large pitcher or punch bowl. When serving, simply pour the mix over ice and top with soda water and garnish for a fresh, bubbly drink.

What is cranberry sauce syrup and can I use regular cranberry juice?

Cranberry sauce syrup is a concentrated, spiced syrup that provides a deeper, more complex flavor than regular cranberry juice. While you can use regular juice, the syrup adds a richer consistency and a beautiful blend of spices to the cocktail.