Friendsgiving dinner is the ultimate vibe—a time to gather your ride-or-die crew, share a killer meal, and toast to what really matters: friendship and good spirits (pun intended). This year, take your celebration to the next level with these fun, festive, and easy-to-make cocktails. Whether you’re the party planner or just showing up with a bottle, these recipes will guarantee you’re everyone’s favorite friend this holiday season.
Cranberry Sparkle Sangria ?✨
What You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet works)
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange (sliced into rounds)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Sparkling water (for fizz!)
How to Make It:
In a large pitcher, combine the wine, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon stick. Let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours. Before serving, top with sparkling water for a festive fizz. Serve in big glasses over ice and watch your friends swoon.
Pumpkin Spice Martini ??
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz pumpkin spice liqueur
- 1 oz cream or milk
- Crushed graham crackers (for the rim)
- Whipped cream & nutmeg for garnish
How to Make It:
Rim a martini glass with crushed graham crackers. In a shaker, combine vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, and cream with ice. Shake well and strain into your prepared glass. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Pro tip: Instagram it before you sip—it’s a showstopper.
Apple Cider Mule ??
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ cup apple cider
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge
- Apple slices & cinnamon stick (optional garnish)
How to Make It:
Fill a copper mug (or any glass) with ice. Pour in the vodka and apple cider, then top with ginger beer. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and stir. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick for the full fall aesthetic. Easy, fresh, and dangerously good.
Maple Old Fashioned ??
What You’ll Need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
In a glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters over ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel twist. This drink is smooth, cozy, and perfect for winding down post-turkey coma.
Non-Alcoholic Cheers: Pomegranate Fizz ?✨
For your sober besties or those pacing themselves, this mocktail is as festive as it gets.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- ½ cup sparkling water
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Pomegranate seeds & mint leaves for garnish
How to Make It:
Mix pomegranate juice and lime juice in a glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with pomegranate seeds and mint. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and so pretty your friends won’t even miss the booze.
A Toast to Friends & Fun
Friendsgiving dinner isn’t just about the food—it’s about celebrating your people and making memories (preferably over a pumpkin spice martini). So, gather your crew, cue the playlist, and get the drinks flowing. What’s your go-to holiday cocktail? Let us know in the comments and tag us in your Friendsgiving pics! ?
Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more holiday hacks, recipes, and everything fabulous. Cheers!