Travel Inspiration

10 Friendsgiving Drink Ideas For a Fun-Loving Celebration Abroad

As we move into holiday season, I wanted to share some delicious Friendsgiving drink ideas for when you find yourself thousands of miles away from home. What better way to toast this special occasion than by raising a glass filled with delightful seasonal cocktails that capture the flavors and spirit of autumn? Whether you’re living abroad or exploring a new destination, I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite fall cocktail recipes that will add warmth and cheer to your Friendsgiving celebration.

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Friendsgiving Drink Ideas

1. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

This autumn cocktail has the crispness of apple cider and comforting spices that dance on your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for added sweetness)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the apple cider, red wine, brandy, orange juice, and honey (if using). Stir well to combine and dissolve the honey.
  2. Add the thinly sliced apples, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher or bowl.
  3. Give the mixture a gentle stir to distribute the fruits and spices evenly.
  4. Cover the pitcher or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the spiced apple cider sangria over the ice.
  6. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a slice of apple or orange, if desired.
  7. Stir gently before serving to mix the fruits and spices into each glass.
  8. Enjoy your delicious Spiced Apple Cider Sangria with friends and family!

Note: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice level. You can also add other seasonal fruits like cranberries or pears for additional flavors.

Friendsgiving Drink Ideas - Spiced Apple Cider Sangria
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2. Cranberry Mule

A refreshing twist on a Moscow Mule that adds a festive touch to any gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 2 ounces cranberry juice
  • 4-6 ounces of ginger beer
  • Fresh cranberries, for garnish
  • Lime slices for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add the vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice to the glass.
  3. Stir the ingredients together to combine.
  4. Top off the glass with ginger beer, leaving some room at the top for garnishes.
  5. Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the flavors.
  6. Garnish the drink with fresh cranberries and a lime slice.
  7. Serve and enjoy your refreshing Cranberry Mule!

Note: Use any glass if you don’t have a copper mug. Adjust the proportions of the ingredients based on your personal taste preferences. Feel free to add a sprig of fresh mint or a dash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste. Cheers!

Cranberry Mule - fall cocktails

3. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Indulge in the rich flavors of a Pumpkin Spice White Russian, blending the beloved pumpkin spice with the smoothness of a classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1-ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)
  • 1-ounce pumpkin spice liqueur
  • 2 ounces cream or half-and-half
  • Ice cubes
  • Ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
  2. Combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, pumpkin spice liqueur, and cream in a cocktail shaker.
  3. Shake the mixture vigorously for 10-15 seconds to thoroughly combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
  4. Strain the mixture into the glass over the ice cubes.
  5. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top for garnish.
  6. Stir gently with a cocktail stirrer or spoon to slightly incorporate the flavors.
  7. Serve and enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Spice White Russian!

Note: You can adjust the proportions of the ingredients based on your preference for a stronger or milder taste. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, stir the ingredients in a glass. Feel free to add whipped cream or a cinnamon stick as additional garnishes. Sip and savor the cozy flavors of this seasonal twist on a classic cocktail!

Pumpkin Spice White Russian - friendsgiving drink ideas

4. Maple Bourbon Smash

A delightful Friendsgiving cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the freshness of mint for a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup
  • 4-6 fresh mint leaves
  • Splash of club soda
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint sprig and lemon slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the fresh mint leaves with lemon juice and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker. This helps release the flavors from the mint leaves.
  2. Add the bourbon to the shaker with a handful of ice cubes.
  3. Shake the mixture vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
  4. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
  5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
  6. Top off the glass with a splash of club soda for some effervescence.
  7. Give the drink a gentle stir to mix the flavors.
  8. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon slice, if desired.
  9. Serve and enjoy your delicious Maple Bourbon Smash!

Note: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your desired sweetness level. You can also experiment with different types of bourbon to find your preferred flavor profile. Cheers to a delightful and refreshing cocktail!

fall cocktails Maple Bourbon Smash

5. Harvest Punch

Harvest Punch is a flavorful and vibrant drink that blends apple cider, cranberry juice, and warm spices, creating a festive and refreshing punch perfect for autumn gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups ginger ale or sparkling water
  • Sliced oranges and apples, for garnish (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a large punch bowl, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.
  2. Stir in the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Mix well until the spices are fully incorporated.
  3. Taste the punch and adjust the sweetness or spice level by adding more maple syrup or spices if desired.
  4. Add ginger ale or sparkling water to the punch bowl before serving. This will add a refreshing effervescence.
  5. Gently stir the punch to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Add ice cubes to the punch bowl to keep it chilled.
  7. Garnish the punch with sliced oranges, apples, and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch (optional).
  8. Ladle the Harvest Punch into individual glasses or cups.
  9. Serve and enjoy your flavorful and vibrant Harvest Punch with friends and family!

Note: You can also spike the punch by adding a splash of rum or vodka for an adult version. Feel free to experiment with different fruit juices or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Cheers to a delightful and festive punch!

Harvest Punch - friendsgiving drink ideas

6. Autumn Old Fashioned

The Autumn Old Fashioned is a cozy twist on a classic cocktail, featuring the warm notes of bourbon or rye whiskey, complemented by the sweetness of maple syrup and aromatic spices, making it a perfect sip for the fall season.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/4 ounce maple syrup
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash of orange bitters
  • Orange peel, for garnish
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the orange peel with maple syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters in an old-fashioned glass. This helps release the flavors from the orange peel.
  2. Add the bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass with a handful of ice cubes.
  3. Stir the mixture gently for about 20-30 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
  4. Once the drink is properly stirred, remove and discard the orange peel.
  5. Fill the glass with fresh ice cubes.
  6. Garnish the drink with a fresh orange peel and a cinnamon stick if desired.
  7. Serve and enjoy your rich and flavorful Autumn Old Fashioned!

Note: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your desired level of sweetness. Feel free to experiment with different types of whiskey to find your preferred flavor profile. Sip and savor the warm and cozy flavors of this seasonal twist on a classic cocktail!

friendsgiving cocktails Autumn Old Fashioned

7. Pomegranate Prosecco Spritzer

The Pomegranate Prosecco Spritzer is a sparkling and refreshing cocktail that combines the vibrant flavors of pomegranate, zesty lime, and effervescent prosecco for a delightful and festive drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of pomegranate juice
  • 1-ounce vodka
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
  • Prosecco (or any sparkling wine), chilled
  • Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
  • Lime slices or mint for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Fill a wine glass or champagne flute with ice cubes.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the pomegranate juice, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using). Shake well to combine the ingredients.
  3. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass over the ice cubes.
  4. Top off the glass with chilled prosecco, filling it to the brim.
  5. Gently stir the drink to mix the flavors.
  6. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a lime slice or some mint leaves for an elegant touch.
  7. Serve and enjoy your delightful Pomegranate Prosecco Spritzer!

Note: Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on your desired sweetness level. Feel free to experiment with different fruit juices or add a splash of triple sec for a citrus twist. Cheers to a sparkling and refreshing cocktail!

friendsgiving drink ideas - Pomegranate Prosecco Spritzer

8. Mulled Wine

Experience the comforting embrace of Mulled Wine, a spiced and aromatic beverage made with red wine, citrus, and warm spices.

It goes by hundreds of other names depending on what country you are in, including vin chaud, vinho quente, glögg, gløgg, glühwein, vino caliente, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, candola… you get the idea. This is a crowd-pleaser the world over, and a perfect drink to share with friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • Optional: 1/4 cup brandy or rum (for added warmth and flavor)
  • Optional garnish: Orange peel twists or additional cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan, pour in the red wine and heat it over low to medium heat. Avoid boiling the wine, as it may affect the flavors.
  2. Add the honey or sugar to the wine and stir until it dissolves.
  3. Add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Continue heating the mixture over low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be sure to keep it from boiling.
  5. Add the brandy or rum to the mulled wine for added warmth and flavor if desired. Stir to incorporate.
  6. Remove it from the heat once the mulled wine is warm and fragrant.
  7. Strain the mixture to remove the spices and orange slices.
  8. Ladle the mulled wine into heatproof glasses or mugs.
  9. Optionally, garnish each glass with an orange peel twist or a cinnamon stick.
  10. Serve and enjoy your cozy and aromatic Mulled Wine!

Note: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or sugar according to your taste. For extra complexity, feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom. Sip and savor this comforting drink during chilly evenings or festive gatherings!

Mulled Wine for friendsgiving

9. Apple Pie Martini

The Apple Pie Martini captures the essence of freshly baked apple pie with its blend of apple-flavored vodka, apple schnapps, and warm spices, offering a sweet and indulgent twist to your martini experience.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of apple-flavored vodka
  • 1 ounce apple schnapps
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce cinnamon syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Ground cinnamon for rimming the glass (optional)
  • Cinnamon stick or apple slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. If desired, rim a martini glass with ground cinnamon. To do this, dip the rim of the glass in water or lemon juice, and then dip it into a plate with ground cinnamon, rotating the glass to coat the rim.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  3. Add the apple-flavored vodka, apple schnapps, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup to the shaker.
  4. Shake the mixture vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
  5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared martini glass.
  6. Garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice for an elegant touch.
  7. Serve and enjoy your delightful Apple Pie Martini!

Note: You can adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more or less lemon juice and cinnamon syrup according to your preferences. If you don’t have cinnamon syrup, you can make your own by simmering equal parts water and sugar with a cinnamon stick until the sugar dissolves, then cooling and straining the syrup. Sip and savor the flavors of this autumn-inspired martini!

fall cocktails Apple Pie Martini

10. Hot Buttered Rum

A comforting and rich winter beverage that combines dark rum, warm spices, and a velvety buttery sweetness, creating a cozy drink that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces dark rum
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 ounces of hot water
  • Cinnamon stick or orange peel twist for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
  2. In a heatproof mug, add the dark rum.
  3. Add about 1 tablespoon of the butter and spice mixture to the mug.
  4. Pour the hot water into the mug and stir well until the butter mixture melts and combines with the liquid.
  5. Optionally, garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick or an orange peel twist for a festive touch.
  6. Serve and enjoy your comforting and rich Hot Buttered Rum!

Note: You can adjust the sweetness or spice level by adding more or less brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves according to your taste preferences. Feel free to top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Sip and savor the cozy flavors of this classic winter cocktail!

Hot Buttered Rum seasonal cocktails

What Are Your Favorite Friendsgiving Cocktails?

So, whether you’re raising your glass in a cozy apartment in Europe or toasting under the sun on a tropical beach, these Friendsgiving drink ideas will keep the holiday spirit alive. Cheers to celebrating friendship and gratitude no matter how far from home you are!

For other delicious drink ideas, don’t forget to read my Fun Cocktails From Around the World and Interesting Wines & Liquors From Around the World. Please enjoy responsibly, and have an excellent Friendsgiving!

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