Confession: I've been known to carefully plan holiday dinners but totally forget about drinks.
Usually, it's my husband who clues into the conspicuous absence of beverages. He asks me if I bought anything to serve for drinks. And my response? Usually something like "Well, there's water!"
He's not fond of that answer.
Don't worry -- I am trying hard to change that little habit. Beverages matter. So for Thanksgiving, I usually buy a few bottles of sparkling lemonade, fill a pitcher with ice water and perhaps another with iced tea. That ensures their is something for everyone -- the kids, the adults, everyone.
Of course, if you enjoy adult beverages, having a nice bottle of wine that complements the turkey and all the fixin's is good to have on hand too. And -- if you want -- a signature cocktail like this Cranberry Citrus Martini is fun too. It's sweet, citrus-y and has a hint of tartness. And making it? Super easy ... especially if you make the cranberry reduction ahead of time and just keep it chilled until you are ready to serve it.
And a little hint ... If you don't have a cocktail shaker, just use your favorite tightly-sealing, dishwasher safe water bottle and shake it up.
What does your family love to drink on Thanksgiving?
Cranberry Citrus Martini
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry cocktail
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 4 oz chilled pineapple vodka
Instructions
- Start by making a cranberry reduction. In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry cocktail to boiling. Reduce heat slightly and boil for 20-30 minutes, until reduced to about ⅓ cup
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cranberry reduction, orange juice and pineapple vodka with ice. Shake thoroughly to combine.
- Strain the drink into four glasses. Garnish as desired.
Notes
Optional: For a tasty boozy garnish, soak dried cranberries in pineapple vodka for 1-2 hours. Skewer with pineapple chunks and drop into the glasses.
I never think of drinks either!
Glad I am not the only one! Thanks, Kate.