The week leading up to Thanksgiving can feel like a whirlwind, right? Between work, school, and a million little errands, finding time for festive touches feels impossible. I remember one year, after my football career ended, I really wanted to keep that celebratory Thanksgiving spirit going, even on a regular Tuesday night. My family was already home, eager for something special, and I only had about 20 minutes before dinner was on the table. That’s when the idea for these Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win) was born! It became a fun tradition for us, a reminder that a little bit of cheer doesn’t need hours of prep.
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win)
Honestly, who has time to spend an hour making drinks when Thanksgiving week is already a blur? This recipe is a total lifesaver!
- Seriously Fast: We’re talking 20 minutes, tops! Perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Super Easy: No fancy techniques or tons of stirring. Just mix and chill!
- Festive & Fun: It looks and tastes like a special occasion without any stress.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for both grown-ups and kids (just make a mocktail version!).
Gather Your Ingredients for Quick Thanksgiving Drinks
Okay, so you want to whip up some holiday magic without breaking a sweat? This is where the fun starts! We’re keeping it simple, so grab these goodies and let’s get mixing. Trust me, you probably have most of this lurking in your pantry already. If not, a quick trip to the store is all it takes.
For the Drink:
- 8 cups of good quality apple cider – the crisp, fall kind!
- 1 cup of your favorite vodka (or omit for a mocktail, more on that later!)
- 1/2 cup of luscious apple butter – it adds this amazing depth
- 4 dashes of orange bitters – just a little zing!
- 4 cinnamon sticks – for that cozy aroma
- 1 bottle (750 ml) of champagne or sparkling wine – for that celebratory pop!
- 2 bottles of ginger beer – adds a nice bubbly kick
- 2 apples, thinly sliced – for pretty garnishes
For the Cinnamon Sugar Rim:
- 2 tablespoons of coarse sugar – it gives a nice crunch
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar – for that caramel sweetness
- 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – because, well, fall!
- A little splash of pomegranate or orange juice (or whatever you have!) for dipping the glass rims
- A few star anise pods, for an extra fancy garnish
We’ve got a lot of our pantry staples covered right here, just in case you need to stock up!
Equipment Needed for Your Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes
You really don’t need much to make these fantastic Thanksgiving drinks happen! Just a few basic things you probably already have in your kitchen:
- A big large pitcher for mixing up all that goodness
- A festive punch bowl if you’re going all out (or just use your pitcher again!)
- A small plate for creating that super cute cinnamon sugar rim
See? Nothing complicated at all! Let’s get mixing!
Crafting Your Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win): Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this party started! You’ve got your ingredients, you’ve got your spotty (or fancy!) pitcher, and you’re ready to make some magic. It’s seriously so easy, you’ll feel like a holiday wizard.
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First things first, grab that big pitcher. We’re going to pour in all that lovely apple cider, your vodka (if you’re using it!), that gorgeous apple butter that makes everything taste like fall heaven, and just a few – maybe four – little dashes of orange bitters. Give it a good stir until it’s all married together. Then, toss in those cinnamon sticks! Get this pitcher into the fridge and let it chill out until you’re ready to serve. That’s step one, done!
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Okay, here comes the fun part, right before you’re ready to pour! Grab your punch bowl if you’re using one, or just keep it super simple with your pitcher. Fill it up with some ice. Now, pour in that chilled cider mix you made earlier. Then, top it off with the bubbly goodness: your champagne (or sparkling apple cider if you’re going non-alcoholic) and the ginger beer. Oh, and don’t forget to add some ice to your individual cocktail glasses and fill those up too. Pop a slice or two of apple in each glass for a pretty touch. We’ve got some amazing turkey lettuce wraps that would be perfect with this!
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Time for the finishing touch: that yummy cinnamon sugar rim! On a little small plate, mix up your coarse sugar, brown sugar, and the rest of your cinnamon. Now, take your glass, dip the rim gently into a tiny bit of pomegranate or orange juice (just enough to get it wet!), and then press that rim into your sugar mixture. Swirl it around until it’s coated all pretty. If you want to get fancy, you can stick a little star anise on the rim too. It’s these little details that make everything feel extra special. Want more ideas for amazing holiday pairings? Check out this cider punch!
Tips for Making the Best Thanksgiving Drinks
You know, the secret to making these Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win) absolutely sing isn’t just about speed; it’s about a few little things that make a big difference. First off, the quality of your apple cider really matters! Grab a good, natural one without too much added sugar; it’ll taste way more like fall. And don’t skimp on that chill time! Letting the base mixture hang out in the fridge for at least 10-15 minutes really lets those flavors meld together beautifully. As for presentation, those sliced apples and the cinnamon sugar rim? They make it look like you spent hours, which is my favorite kind of holiday magic. For more recipe inspiration, you can always check out our full recipe collection!
Making Your Thanksgiving Drinks Non-Alcoholic
Now, what if you’ve got little ones at the table, or maybe some folks just prefer to skip the alcohol? No problem at all! This recipe is super easy to make into a fantastic mocktail. Just leave out the vodka and the champagne. Instead, top off your punch with a little extra ginger beer or some sparkling apple cider for that festive fizz. You’ll still get all those amazing fall flavors and that celebratory sparkle!
Serving and Storing Your Festive Thanksgiving Drinks
The best part about this punch is that it’s ready to go as soon as you mix it! For the ultimate sparkle, I like to add the champagne and ginger beer right before guests arrive. If you happen to have any leftover drink mixture (which is rare in my house!), just pop it back into a sealed pitcher in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, though it might lose a little of its bubbly charm. Just give it a good stir and maybe add a fresh splash of ginger beer when you’re ready for another glass!
Frequently Asked Questions about Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes
Got a question about our speedy Thanksgiving punch? I figured you might! It’s our go-to for a reason, but I know sometimes little things pop into your head. Here are some common ones that come up:
Can I make this Thanksgiving drink ahead of time?
You bet! The base mixture of apple cider, vodka, apple butter, and bitters can totally be made a day or two ahead and kept chilled in the fridge. Just wait to add the champagne and ginger beer until you’re ready to serve for maximum fizz. It really cuts down on the last-minute hustle!
What are some other non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink options?
Oh, this is a great one for a crowd! Besides making our main recipe a mocktail by swapping out the vodka and champagne for more ginger beer or sparkling cider, you could also do a simple cranberry spritzer with a splash of lime, or a warm spiced apple cider with cinnamon sticks. A big pitcher of iced herbal tea with orange slices is always refreshing too!
How can I make this Thanksgiving punch spicier?
If you love a little extra warmth, you have a few options! You could add a few more dashes of orange bitters, or even a cheeky splash of bourbon for a bolder kick. For a non-alcoholic spice boost, try adding a few slices of fresh ginger to the cider mixture when it’s chilling, or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also add a little ground turkey stuffed peppers to your appetizer spread to balance things out calorically.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Because we’re using different brands and specific types of ingredients in our Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win), these numbers are just an estimate, okay? But generally, you’re looking at around 250-300 calories, 15-20g of carbs, 1-2g of protein, and about 10-15g of fat per serving, depending on whether you add the vodka. If you’re going for the mocktail version, the carbs will be a bit higher. For more holiday recipe ideas, check out our keto-stuffed turkey breast!
Thanksgiving Drinks in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pitcher, combine the cider, vodka, apple butter, and bitters. Stir until combined. Add the cinnamon sticks. Chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add ice to your punch bowl. Pour over the champagne and ginger beer. Add ice to cocktail glasses and pour over the punch. Serve with apple slices.
- To make the cinnamon rim, on a small plate, mix the coarse sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Dip the rim of the glass into a thin layer of juice. Then dip the glass into the sugar mix.
