13 Simple Thanksgiving Cocktails to Enjoy While the Turkey Roasts
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of indulging in turkey and sides; it’s also an occasion for festive cocktails. If you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some delightful cocktail recipes designed for both sipping prior to and during your meal.
1. Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without spiked cider. This recipe enhances the classic drink by infusing it with bourbon that’s been mixed with caramel popcorn. The final touch includes a pat of butter for a rich, buttery finish.Get Recipe
2. Into the Woods
For those preferring a chilled drink, this holiday cocktail combines bourbon, ginger beer, and hard cider, served over ice with a splash of lemon.Get Recipe
3. Everything Nice (Spiced-Rum Coffee With Butterscotch Whipped Cream)
Revive your spirits post-feast with this spiked coffee featuring rum and a smooth homemade butterscotch whipped cream, providing a comforting boost.Get Recipe
4. Old Fashioned Cocktails
Prepare this classic cocktail in batches to save time on Thanksgiving. Just combine whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and a touch of water to compensate for the ice dilution.Get Recipe
5. Brown-Butter Old Fashioned
Upgrade your Old Fashioned by fat-washing the bourbon with browned butter to add a toasty richness.Get Recipe
6. Old Timber (Rye Cocktail With Fernet)
This robust cocktail blends rye with fernet and triple sec, providing a warm, aromatic experience perfect for fall gatherings.Get Recipe
7. Drunk Uncle (Scotch and Cynar Cocktail)
This savory twist on the Boulevardier uses peaty Islay Scotch and Cynar, a bitter liqueur, creating a unique flavor profile perfect for the holiday.Get Recipe
8. Tangy Cranberry–Black Pepper Shrub Cocktail
A lighter option, this cocktail is made with sparkling wine, flavored with a homemade cranberry-black pepper shrub for a refreshing taste.Get Recipe
9. A Minnesota Good-Bye (Cranberry French 75)
This twist features a cranberry cordial, gin, and pink grapefruit juice topped with sparkling wine, creating a festive and fruity drink.Get Recipe
10. Sweater Weather Punch (Scotch and Cranberry Cocktail)
This big-batch cocktail combines cranberry juice with Scotch and marmalade syrup to produce a tart yet smooth drink, perfect for large gatherings.Get Recipe
11. Cranberry in a Can (Batched Rye-Cranberry Shrub Cocktail)
Prepare this simple cocktail ahead of time with a cinnamon-spiced cranberry mixer that can be quickly converted into a delicious drink.Get Recipe
12. Make-Ahead Fig and Cinnamon Punch
This rum punch recipe features dried figs and Madeira, allowing for an easy, make-ahead drink that will impress your guests.Get Recipe
These cocktails are sure to bring festive cheer to your Thanksgiving table, making your holiday gathering one to remember.
Canerock Caribbean Rum Secures Listing at Sainsbury’s: A New Taste of the Caribbean
Caribbean rum brand Canerock has made its debut in grocery stores through a new listing at Sainsbury’s. The flagship product, Canerock Rum, is now available in 400 Sainsbury’s locations for a retail price of £36.50 per 70cl bottle.
Canerock is characterized by its infusion of coconut, ginger, and Madagascan vanilla, offering drinkers a unique tasting experience with soft vanilla notes and a tropical character. The brand describes the flavor profile as rich with caramel, soft spices, raisins, and hints of allspice and oak tannins, best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a mule cocktail.
According to Connie Brown, head of retail at Canerock’s brand owner, Maison Ferrand UK, the rum embodies “pure island spirit in a bottle,” emphasizing its smooth and flavorful qualities designed for leisurely sipping. The transition of production from Jamaica to Maison Ferrand’s dedicated West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados allows for a closer connection to local, natural ingredients that enhance Canerock’s signature character. Brown added that despite the production changes, Canerock maintains its authentic Caribbean DNA, symbolizing the warmth and craftsmanship of the region.
This move signals a significant step for Canerock as it aims to reach a broader audience and allow rum enthusiasts in the UK to savor a “true taste of Barbados.”
For more details on Canerock, visit Sainsbury’s.
Rum Wednesday Spotlight: Discovering Sonrisa Rum
I understand why people typically associate rum with warm weather, given that it’s often produced in tropical climates and enjoyed at beach bars or by poolsides. While I appreciate a classic rum and cola or a double Hemingway daiquiri, I’ve discovered that rum can also be delightful in the colder months.
Some of my favorite winter rum beverages include hot buttered rum or a variation of the Dark ‘n’ Stormy with ginger tea. However, the autumnal cocktail I enjoy the most is the Havana Negroni, a nuanced twist on the classic Negroni that beautifully balances bitterness and sweetness. The recipe is simple: mix one part Campari, one part sweet vermouth, and one part dark rum. Stir over ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, garnished with an orange peel if desired.
What I love about this concoction is its versatility. You can adjust the "one part" measurement according to the number of drinks you’d like to make. While the Campari should remain unchanged, the sweet vermouth can be selected based on your flavor preferences, ranging from the rich notes of Carpano Antica to the more traditional Dolin Rouge.
As for the rum, it’s crucial to use dark rum. Recently, I’ve been using Sonrisa Reserva, which is produced in Puerto Rico. This rum has a rich depth of flavor, offering notes of cacao, caramel, and pipe tobacco that harmonize beautifully in a Havana Negroni. This particular rum won a Gold Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and is aged for at least three years in used whiskey barrels, providing complex flavors comparable to high-end tequilas and whiskeys.
Sonrisa Reserva is distributed locally by Best Brands and is priced around $60, placing it alongside other premium rums in the market. I encourage you to indulge in a Havana Negroni this week, but perhaps stick to just one—after all, it’s a recipe that’s unapologetically strong on alcoholic content.
Madison Beer’s Slinky Dress Stuns Fans: Here’s Why Everyone is Obsessed!
Madison Beer recently captivated fans in a stunning black slinky dress at GQ’s Men of the Year 2025 event held at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. The Georges Hobeika halter dress, characterized by a high slit and bold neckline, provided a glamorous look that had many calling her the “prettiest.”
As she graced the red carpet, Beer enhanced her ensemble with dangling earrings, statement rings, and a bracelet from Melinda Maria. The overall appearance was complemented by glossy black pointed-toe heels, highlighting her fashion-forward style.
Following the event, Madison shared a carousel of mirror selfies on Instagram, further impressing her followers. Her fans responded with admiration, labeling her a “diva” and a “stunning queen.” The excitement surrounding her look has generated significant buzz on social media.
For more on Madison Beer’s fashion moments, you can view her posts here and other related articles about her stunning appearances.
Madison Beer Stuns in Curve-Hugging Black Dress at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards
Madison Beer made a stunning appearance at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year Awards, captivating her followers with a series of glamorous photos shared on Instagram. The 26-year-old singer donned a form-fitting black halter dress that featured a plunging neckline and an open back, showcasing her elegance.
To accent her outfit, Beer accessorized with dangling earrings and styled her hair in a voluminous blowout. Among the images she posted, one stood out—a black-and-white shot capturing her playful side, radiating joy and confidence.
Fans quickly flocked to the comments, expressing their admiration. Comments ranged from praises calling her “the prettiest” to others declaring her simply “stunning.” One follower even remarked on the collection of photos, stating it was “one of the best selfie dumps we’ve seen.”
Madison Beer continues to raise her profile in the fashion world while balancing her music career and numerous public appearances.
For more details on her dazzling fashion choices, you can check out the full article on Star Magazine.
Madison Beer Sizzles in Ultra-High-Slit Gown, Just Dodges Wardrobe Malfunction
Madison Beer turned heads at the GQ party held at the Chateau Marmont, where she wore a stunning black gown with a dangerously high slit that nearly resulted in a wardrobe malfunction. The singer’s daring outfit featured a plunging neckline and halter-style straps, emphasizing her style and confidence. Accompanying the attire were sleek black pumps, making a powerful fashion statement that caught the attention of many, including notable attendees like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner.
As Madison posed against the GQ backdrop, fans showered her with compliments on social media, praising her appearance and declaring her a fashion icon for the night. Alongside her stylish appearance, Madison’s relationship with Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert continues to be in the spotlight, as the couple has garnered considerable attention since going public earlier in the year. Their frequent appearances together have only added to the buzz surrounding their blossoming romance.
This notable night followed Madison’s recent performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she also stole the spotlight wearing a pale pink corset and matching shorts, complete with angel wings. Her appearance was well-received, marking a significant moment in her fashion journey and affirming her presence in the industry.
Madison’s GQ appearance was not without its own drama. She previously faced challenges with her costume at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where the original wings designed for her were too cumbersome to wear. Fortunately, the design team quickly provided a viable alternative, allowing her to shine without concerns over her balance on stage. Madison Beer continues to navigate the fashion scene and public eye with poise, solidifying her status as a rising star in both music and fashion.
The Surprising Red Wine to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Celebration
While traditional Thanksgiving wine guides often highlight celebrated options like pinot noir and chardonnay, sommelier Alex Cuper suggests considering carménère, a lesser-known varietal from South America. As the wine curator at El Che Steakhouse & Bar and Brasero in Chicago, Cuper has curated an impressive collection of South American wines that invites diners to rethink their choices.
Cuper describes carménère as having a velvety fruit character similar to merlot but with more structure, making it a fitting companion for a Thanksgiving meal that includes turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and rich gravy. Once thought to be extinct in France, carménère was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s and has emerged as a signature red grape of the region.
For a notable centerpiece, Cuper recommends the Lapostolle Clos Apalta, a thoughtfully crafted wine that blends carménère with cabernet sauvignon and merlot, offering elegance and rich dark fruit that pairs well with various Thanksgiving flavors. Priced over $100, it is a conversation starter that lingers in the memory long after the meal.
An alternative that offers great value is Lapostolle Petit Clos, which combines carménère with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petit verdot. At about half the price of Clos Apalta, it provides plenty of flavor while being accessible for those conscious of their budgets.
Cuper also suggests Montes Purple Angel for those who enjoy bold wines, marked by rich flavors of red and black fruits with chocolate notes and plush tannins. For a more budget-friendly option, Montes Wings delivers similar attributes at a lower price point.
Cuper’s recommendations highlight that South American wines, while often underappreciated, can offer exceptional quality and value, encouraging hosts to share unique stories about their selections during holiday gatherings. This Thanksgiving, consider embracing carménère for a wine that not only complements the meal but also adds a touch of adventure to the dining experience.
Sip and Savor: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Cocktails, Friendsgiving Feasts, Cider Flights, and Swiss Flavors
Here is the latest in dining news across San Diego County, featuring several pop-up events and special offerings for the holiday season.
Blitzen’s Bar at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa: This year, the resort has transformed its bar into a festive pop-up filled with holiday decorations. Guests can enjoy themed cocktails like an espresso martini and a vodka spritz while participating in gingerbread house-making workshops and movie nights. The Blitzen’s Bar experience runs from now through January 9. More details can be found here.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Pop-Up at Punch Bowl Social: This holiday pop-up, in collaboration with the Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop, features a festive cocktail menu and karaoke nights every Friday. Limited edition holiday cocktails come with a significant discount. The pop-up is available until December 28. Visit Punch Bowl Social for more information.
Miracle and Sippin’ Santa at Coastal Saloon: Located in Mission Beach, Coastal Saloon brings back its two pop-up bars. Guests can indulge in festive cocktails and purchase unique holiday mugs until December 31. More information can be found here.
Cellar Hand Orchard to Table Event: This special tasting event allows guests to sample various locally made ciders and meet their makers. Flights are available for a reasonable price, and the event is set for Saturday. Make a reservation at Cellar Hand.
Mama’s Pies Thanksgiving Bake Sale: In its 21st year, Mama’s Kitchen’s pie sale aims to provide holiday meals to clients in need. Each purchased pie helps contribute to these meals, with options like pumpkin and apple available for $35. Orders must be made before November 21, and details can be found at Mama’s Pies.
Switzerland Dinner at Mingei International Museum: As part of the Artifact at Night dinner series, enjoy a four-course meal highlighting Swiss cuisine, designed by Urban Kitchen Group. The event is scheduled for Thursday evening. Reservations and more details can be found here.
Wine Pairing Dinner: Held by Lucien and Robert Sinskey Vineyards, this communal dinner features a six-course menu crafted from local seafood and produce, paired with exquisite wines. This culinary experience is happening soon. For more information, visit Lucien.
Friendsgiving with a Latin Flair at The Bower: Celebrate at Coronado’s rooftop restaurant Dive, where a special holiday menu will be available featuring traditional holiday elements with a Latin twist. This offering runs until November 29. More details can be accessed at The Bower.
Beloved Bodega Kitchen and Cocktails to Close Its Doors in Sacramento’s Pocket Neighborhood
Bodega Kitchen and Cocktails, a beloved Caribbean-themed restaurant in Sacramento’s Pocket/Greenhaven neighborhood, is set to close its doors on Saturday night. The announcement was made via an emotional post on Instagram, where the restaurant expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, "It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce that our dear Bodega is closing its doors on Saturday night."
The closure marks the end of a brief but impactful journey for Bodega, which aimed to bring the vibrant flavors and culture of the Caribbean to the local community. Co-owners Rafael Jimenez Rivera and Chris Sinclair opened the restaurant with a mission to celebrate the diverse food traditions they cherished while growing up.
Located at 6401 Riverside Boulevard, Bodega featured a rich menu that included ceviche, Cuban sandwiches, Jamaican jerk chicken wings, and pan-fried prawns. For Rivera, who had previously organized Puerto Rican pop-ups, opening Bodega fulfilled his dream of establishing a neighborhood spot that highlighted Caribbean cuisine and fostered community connections.
As they prepare for their final night, the team at Bodega invites patrons to join them for one last taste of their culinary offerings, closing a chapter for a restaurant that brought a unique dining experience to the region.
For more details, visit Bodega Kitchen’s official website.
Brewing Change: Popular Beers Lower Alcohol Content Amid Sales Slump
Heineken UK has announced plans to reduce the alcohol content of its popular Foster’s lager from 3.7% to 3.4%, effective February 2025. This decision comes in response to a notable decline in sales, with off-trade sales reportedly falling by 13.7% to £252.8 million in the year ending in April.
The move aims to leverage duty savings on weaker beers, allowing customers to enjoy more competitive pricing amidst ongoing inflationary pressures. Heineken noted that this adjustment aligns with new duty rates introduced by the UK government, which encourage breweries to innovate with lower alcohol by volume (ABV) beverages. This strategic shift also intends to assist pubs and retailers by providing a competitively priced classic lager.
The alcohol content of Foster’s has already been on a downward trend, having decreased from 4% to 3.7% in January 2023. Heineken emphasized that despite the lower ABV, extensive efforts have gone into refining the flavor to ensure it remains true to its crisp, balanced, and refreshing identity.
This is part of a broader trend in the beverage industry, as other brands like Carlsberg Pilsner, Coors Light, and Grolsch have also reformulated their products to align with the recent duty changes aimed at lower ABV beers. Challenges stemming from the rising cost of living have prompted many consumers to limit their spending on dining and socializing, prompting brands to adapt their offerings accordingly.
Overall, Heineken’s alterations reflect a commitment not only to consumer safety and responsible drinking practices but also to bolstering sales in a competitive and price-sensitive market.