A Comprehensive Guide to Thanksgiving Gin Cocktails

Are you looking for the perfect Thanksgiving gin cocktail to impress your guests? Look no further. While many holiday drinks lean on whiskey or rum, gin's botanical and complex flavor profile makes it a fantastic, refreshing choice for your festive table.

This guide will show you how to create the perfect holiday gin cocktail with our signature Spiced 75 recipe. This festive spin on the classic French 75 will add a touch of warmth and spice to your holiday feast, and we'll also share tips for creating other delicious gin-based drinks.

Why Gin is the Perfect Spirit for Thanksgiving Cocktails

Gin is a versatile spirit, and its wide range of botanicals pairs beautifully with the warm, earthy flavors of autumn. From the bright juniper notes to hints of citrus and spice, a good gin can elevate the taste of pumpkin, cranberry, cinnamon, and apple. Unlike some heavier spirits, gin provides a crisp and clean base that won't weigh down your guests before dinner even begins.

The Star of the Show: Our Spiced 75 Cocktail Recipe

Our Spiced 75 is a festive, bubbly gin cocktail that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in a glass. This recipe, created by Beverage Director Monica Carbonell, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It perfectly balances the crispness of gin with the rich flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, all topped with a celebratory sparkle.

Spiced 75 Cocktail Ingredients

Makes one cocktail

• .75 oz Gin
• .75 oz Cinnamon simple syrup
• .75 oz Pumpkin Puree
• 2 dashes El Guapo® Holiday Pie Bitters
• 4 oz Sparkling white wine

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Holiday Gin Drink

1. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, cinnamon simple syrup, pumpkin puree, and El Guapo® Holiday Pie Bitters.
2. Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
3. Strain the chilled liquid into a chilled flute glass.
4. Top with your favorite sparkling white wine or champagne.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

More Thanksgiving Cocktails with Gin

While the Spiced 75 is a standout, there are many other Thanksgiving cocktails with gin you can explore. These recipes are simple to make and use ingredients you might already have on hand.

Cranberry Gin Fizz

A light and tangy option, the Cranberry Gin Fizz is a classic for a reason. Combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz cranberry juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, and top with club soda. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a lime wheel.

Apple Cider Gin Smash

This is the quintessential autumn cocktail. In a shaker, muddle a few apple slices and a sprig of rosemary. Add 2 oz gin and 3 oz of high-quality apple cider. Fill the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an apple fan and a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Cocktails

• Pre-Batch Your Cocktails: To save time during the busy holiday, you can pre-batch the base of your cocktails (everything but the sparkling wine or club soda). Store it in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, simply shake, strain, and top with the bubbly component.
• Garnish for Impact: A beautiful garnish can make a simple drink feel special. A cinnamon stick, a sprig of fresh thyme, or a few star anise pods add a festive and fragrant touch to your drinks.
• Choose the Right Gin: The best gin for holiday cocktails will have botanicals that complement the season. Look for gins with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange peel. For a crisp flavor, you can't go wrong with a classic London Dry style gin.

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 gin is best for holiday cocktails?

A London Dry gin is a versatile and excellent choice. Its prominent juniper notes are balanced by citrus and spice, making it a great base for many different cocktails.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

You can prepare the gin, syrup, and pumpkin puree mixture ahead of time. Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just before serving, shake it with ice and top with the sparkling wine.

Can I use champagne instead of sparkling wine?

Yes, absolutely! Champagne will work perfectly and add a bit of extra celebratory flair to your Spiced 75.