Are you tired of googling “liquor store near me” only to realize that you will have to drive twenty minutes there and back just to make a proper cocktail? Due to many states’ laws on liquor, most grocery stores, and convenience marts aren’t allowed to sell types of liquor beyond beer and wine. This really takes its toll when you forget the triple sec and you’re halfway through making margaritas. Because of the laws surrounding liquor, this means that there isn’t always readily available access to a liquor store in the way that there is with a neighborhood grocery store or gas station. Instead of searching “liquor store near me,” you may want to opt for an alcohol delivery service instead. There are so many incredible services out there that can have liquor at your doorstep within 30 minutes reigning in as the ultimate party trick. This holiday season, get stocked up on all your favorite liquors for all your upcoming festivities. Lacking inspiration? We’ve consulted some of the best home bartenders and mixologists to put together a festive list of all your favorite cocktails for the upcoming Thanksgiving season.
1. Cranberry Mules
- 2 oz. cranberry juice
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1/4 c. lime juice plus extra for garnish
- 3 oz. ginger beer
- 1 handful fresh or frozen cranberries
For this cocktail, you will want to combine cranberry juice, vodka, and lime into a glass filled with ice. Finish it off with ginger beer, cranberries, and a lime wedge as garnish.
2. Harvest Punch
- 6 c. ice
- 1/2 gal. apple cider
- 1 (750 mL) bottle Prosecco
- chilled 1 c. vodka
- 2 (12-oz.) can ginger beer
- 3 apples, sliced
- 2 oranges, sliced into triangles, plus more for rimming
- 8 cinnamon sticks
- Cinnamon sugar, for rimming
For this tasty treat, gather a large serving punch bowl, and add ice. Once this is done, pour the apple cider, prosecco, vodka, and ginger beer to the bow. Once mixed, you’ll want to folollow up by adding the apple slices, orange, slices, and cinnamon sticks to the bowl. To rim the glasses, wet the rim of the glass with an orange slice and then dip it into cinnamon sugar to coat.
3. Pumpkin Pie Martinis
Frozen Whipped Cream Toppers:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsps confectioners’ sugar
Cocktail:
- 2-3 tsps cinnamon sugar for the rim
- 1/4 cup vanilla vodka such as Absolut brand
- 1/4 cup Creme de Cacao liqueur (clear)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1-1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice, more for sprinkling on top
First start by dipping the edges of the martini glasses in water or Creme De Cacao, and then dip the wet rim into cinnamon sugar. Once you’ve done this step, you will want to chill the glasses by putting them in the freezer or fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the cream portion, whipped cream will work just fine if you’re in a pinch, but it will sink and notcreate as nice of a presentation. If you choose to make the frozen whipped cream, add heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar to a bowl and whip until stiff peaks begin to form. From there put the whipped cream into a pastry bag and pipe the whipped cream into round towers on a tray with parchment paper. This will make four. From there, freeze for at least 30 minutes. As you wait for this to freeze, add vodka, Creme De Cacao, heavy cream, and pumpkin spice to a cocktail shaker and shake. Then, as the finishing touch place frozen whipped cream toppers on top of the liquid and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice.
4. Pomegranate Gin Cocktail
- 2 oz. pomegranate juice
- 2 oz. fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 cups sparkling water
- 4 oz. gin fresh thyme
- orange slices for garnish
For this simple and fresh cocktail add pomegranate juice, orange juice, honey, sparkling water, and gin to a pitcher and stir. If you have a cocktail shaker, you can also shake the ingredients together. From there, pour over ice, and garnish with fresh thyme and orange slices.
5. Honey Roasted Pear Sparkling Cocktail
- 6 steckler pears or 1 lb pear sliced in half
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup of honey (divided)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (divided)
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp apple juice or water
- Pinch of ground clove
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 24–28 ounces sparkling wine or champagne
For this festive drink, you will want to start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet. Next, slice the pears in halves or quarters and remove the stems. Taking a small bowl, fill it with 2 tbsp of honey, balsamic vinegar, ⅛ tsp of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk these together and brush over pears. Place the pears in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Place the pears in a blender with vanilla and juice or water, and blend until pureed. Chill the pear puree and then add clove, 3-4 tbsp of honey, and white wine or champagne all to a pitcher.