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20+ Friendsgiving Drink Ideas


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Friendsgiving is a chance to bring seasonal flavors to the table in a fun, less traditional way. Explore recipes made to share in the season for celebrating those we care about.

A festive Thanksgiving sangria infused with apple cider, garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples.

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Your ultimate guide to Friendsgiving recipes

Friendsgiving, or a Thanksgiving celebration with friends, is a tradition that I personally love. Not only is it a chance to see people I care about and celebrate the season, but it feels a little bit more fun than Thanksgiving.

Don’t get me wrong, I love both celebrations! But I do enjoy the flexibility and fun that Friendsgiving brings to the table. Incorporating seasonal flavors in creative ways that everyone will enjoy is a nice break from the hectic pace of the holiday season.

Quick tips for hosting 

When it comes to feeding a crowd, you want to keep things simple. After all, I’d much rather mingle than be stuck in the kitchen, wouldn’t you?

  1. Batches are best. When selecting your drink menu, big batch drinks mean mixing once and having plenty to share and enjoy. You can also batch your favorite cocktails (and mocktails) to help keep things simple.
  2. Have fun with it. Since most Thanksgivings have a pretty traditional menu, use Friendsgiving to explore some out-of-the-box recipes! Things like apple cider jello shots bring seasonal flavors in an unexpected way that is so fun to share with friends. Sugared cranberries are so simple to make and look beautiful on the table as a snack or garnish on a charcuterie board or drink.
  3. Get creative. Instead of a big, elaborate meal, try hearty appetizers or a progressive dinner to help ease the burden of hosting.
  4. Share the load. Since many Friendsgivings can be more casual, ask everyone to contribute a dish or a drink. You can pick a theme and have people stick to it or let everyone go rogue.
a pitcher of Thanksgiving infused spa water with apples and a gold polka dotted glass of the water

Friendsgiving food & drink pairings

Make-ahead appetizers: Cranberry brie bites are the perfect mix of creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser for the holidays. Marinated cheese is a make-ahead appetizer with herbs and pimento peppers. It’s perfect on crackers or bread and always gets compliments. These sweet potato toast bites with goat cheese, dried cranberries and walnuts are a gluten-free appetizer that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Warm appetizers: Baked brie is always a hit. Try this version with honey, bacon and walnuts for sweet-and-salty or caramelized pears for spiced and fruity flavors. Serve it with crackers or bread for an instant hit. Sausage balls are a classic, easy-to-make appetizer that everyone loves. They’re perfect for Friendsgiving and ready in just about 30 minutes.

Sides: Orange bourbon cranberry sauce is a delicious upgrade to the usual cranberry sauce. It’s amazing with turkey and even works in a cocktail later! Cat head biscuits are huge, fluffy and filled with melted cheese. they’re so good and make the perfect addition to any holiday meal.

Desserts: Chocolate bourbon pecan pie Is a fun twist on the classic. The chocolate and whiskey add so much flavor and it’s amazing with a scoop of ice cream. Your friends won’t soon forget this new favorite friendsgiving recipe.

The best Friendsgiving recipes 

Grab your besties and get ready to celebrate! These are the recipes that everyone will gobble gobble up.

1
Top view of a glass of spiced apple cider with ice cubes, sliced apple, cinnamon stick, star anise, and rosemary sprigs.
Pear Thanksgiving Punch
Pear Thanksgiving Punch is a fun and unique fall drink without cranberry or apple cider. It’s refreshing and adds a special touch to your holiday menu. It’s one Friendsgiving recipe you’ll be asked to bring back year after year.
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2
A cocktail in a geometric-patterned glass garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, rosemary sprig, and apple slice. The rim is coated with brown sugar and the drink contains ice.
Apple Cider Mocktail
This Apple Cider Mocktail tastes like apple pie in a cup and is completely alcohol-free. It’s cozy, refreshing and perfect for Friendsgiving.
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3
A copper mug filled with ice, garnished with cranberries, a lime slice, and thyme, sits on a wooden coaster; bar tools and lime halves are nearby.
Cranberry Mule
A homemade, herbal thyme syrup gives this holiday mule a twist. It rounds out tart cranberry juice, orange vodka and lime juice before ginger beer adds spice and bubbles. Fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs on top give it a holiday look. If a Moscow mule is already a favorite, this cranberry version is the one to try next.
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4
A cup of apple cider with cinnamon sticks and apples.
Homemade Apple Cider
Homemade Apple Cider is super easy to make with fresh apples, spices and citrus. Your kitchen will smell amazing and it’s so comforting to sip on.
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5
A Thanksgiving-inspired glass of Sangria, adorned with fruit and sprigs of rosemary.
Thanksgiving Sangria
Thanksgiving Sangria is a festive mix of apple cider, bourbon, white wine and warm spices. It’s a great drink to share at a Friendsgiving dinner.
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6
Clear mug of apple cider with a cinnamon stick and star anise on top, placed on a coaster. Apples and spices are in the background.
Spiked Apple Cider
Bourbon, rum or brandy and a squeeze of lemon sharpen warm apple cider, and a spoonful of apple cider spice mix adds depth. Keep the cider warm on the stove with boozy options nearby, so guests can spike their own or sip it plain.
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7
A glass of pumpkin spice latte with cinnamon sticks.
Pumpkin Eggnog
Pumpkin Eggnog with spiced rum is creamy and delicious. It’s perfect for sipping at Thanksgiving or even later during the holiday season.
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8
A cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with a thin apple slice and two cinnamon sticks, with additional apples and dessert in the background.
Apple Cider Martini
If a dessert cocktail that drinks smooth and a little sweet sounds right, this one shakes up in five minutes. Apple cider and a splash of sour mix keep it juicy, while vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey add warmth and spice. It tastes like liquid apple pie, the perfect finish to a meal with all your friends.
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9
Two glasses of pear-colored drinks with ice, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary sprigs, surrounded by fresh pears, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary on a white background.
Pear Mocktail
Soft, fresh pear flavor meets ginger, cinnamon and clove in this fizzy mocktail, all built with homemade spiced pear syrup. Pear nectar and lime juice keep it bright while ginger beer brings sparkle and fizz. Make the syrup and base ahead of time and each glass takes only a moment to assemble when people arrive.
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10
Gourmet Apple Cider Bourbon Jell-O Shots are not your average Jell-O shot, and they will be the star of your holiday party. Infuse bourbon with cinnamon and combine with Martinelli’s Apple Cider, sugar and gelatin to make this festive holiday treat that’s fun for the whole (21+!) family. (via feastandwest.com)
Apple Cider Jello Shots
Apple Cider Jello Shots are made with cinnamon whiskey and taste just like fall in a cup. They’re fun for Friendsgiving or even a cozy game day.
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11
a glass with gold polka dots with water, a cinnamon stick, rosemary and a slice of apple and orange
Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water
Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water is a mix of fall spices, herbs and fruits. It’s a light and festive drink that looks beautiful on your Friendsgiving table.
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12
A glass of amber-colored chai cocktail with a large ice cube, garnished with a cinnamon stick and star anise, sits on a white surface next to a red cloth.
Chai Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Homemade syrup is at the heart of this chai-spiced old-fashioned. Optionally, tea-infused ice cubes add a clever detail, adding more chai flavor as they melt. Chai syrup lends spice to your choice of bourbon or rye, and cardamom and cinnamon bitters with a twist of orange zest round out the glass. Old-fashioned fans will find it familiar, just with a warmer edge.
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13
Three small mason jars filled with orange liquid, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, sit on a white surface with apples, cinnamon sticks, and pie nearby.
Apple Pie Shot
The Apple Pie Shot tastes like a slice of warm pie in one sip, with apple cider, vanilla vodka and cinnamon whiskey standing in for the filling. A pinch of apple pie spice over whipped cream does the rest. It takes about five minutes to make, so it works as a quick pour before the meal.
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14
A glass mug of dark hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder sits on a white surface, surrounded by a jar, a carafe, and a measuring jigger.
Classic Irish Coffee
Hot coffee and Irish whiskey meet a brown sugar syrup flavored with cocoa, espresso and vanilla, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It’s a warm, boozy end to the meal that doubles as dessert.
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15
A caramel apple mimosa in a champagne flute sits with a green dish towel holding a champagne cork and a cluster of apples
Caramel Apple Mimosas
Caramel Apple Mimosas combine the sweetness of caramel, the tartness of apple cider and the fizz of champagne. They’re perfect for any fall celebration.
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16
A tall glass of cranberry cocktail with ice, garnished with rosemary and cranberries, and a straw. Another glass and a bowl of cranberries are in the background.
Sparkling Holiday Mocktail
Sparkling Holiday Mocktail is a festive drink with cranberry, apple cider and ginger flavors. It’s non-alcoholic and perfect for any holiday party.
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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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