by Molly Lindstrom
While Thanksgiving is centered around gratitude and enjoying the company of others, its traditions are heavily reliant around food (and the overindulgence of it). A shadow has been cast over the beverages served alongside our overfilled plates. Especially for those who cannot or choose not to drink alcohol, having something a bit more interesting than water can make you feel a bit fancier and make the holiday even more special. To elevate your dining experience this year, here are some Thanksgiving-themed mocktail recipes to add to the celebration:
Fall flavors are all about combining sweet with spice, and this mocktail from Marie Claire does just that. First, wet the rim of a medium-sized glass and dip it in cinnamon. Next, thinly slice one pear, and muddle about a quarter of the slices in the glass. Fill the glass with ice and pour in one cup of sparkling water and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Add in half a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of coconut sugar and stir well. Finish the drink off with a garnish of rosemary, the remaining sliced pears, and a cinnamon stick.
Grapefruit & Rosemary Spritzer
Craving citrus? Try this sweet and fizzy drink from Kitchn that brings us back to summer. Muddle one tablespoon of rosemary leaves in a tall glass. Add ice and fill the glass about one quarter of the way with grapefruit juice, followed by three quarters of the way with seltzer. Garnish the glass with a sprig of rosemary and/or sliced grapefruit.
Cranberry is an all-time Thanksgiving favorite. For this festive mocktail by Love to Know, first fill a stemless wine glass with ice. Pour in three ounces of cranberry juice, followed by three ounces of ginger ale (or ginger beer if you are feeling fancy), and stir well. Top it off with rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries. For extra flavor, you can also add a squeeze of lime juice to the drink and garnish the rim with a piece of thinly-sliced lime.
Practically everyone loves apple pie, so why not turn the dessert into a drink? This Love to Know recipe serves a bigger crowd, making 14 8-ounce servings. In a large punch bowl, combine 32 ounces of apple cider, 16 ounces of sparkling apple pear cider, and 2 liters of ginger ale. Add ice to the bowl and stir well. Slice a few apples and add the slices into the mix, along with cinnamon sticks and star anise as a garnish.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated drink, this This Vivacious Life mocktail is the drink for you. First, fill a copper glass with ice. Pour in one tablespoon of pomegranate juice and six ounces of ginger beer or tonic water. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime, and gently stir. Complete the drink with a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, and a light drizzle of agave syrup for sweetness.
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