This easy mix of bourbon, cranberry, apple, and maple is elevated with aromatics like orange peel and ginger.  Just shake, pour, and strain for an elegant Thanksgiving bourbon cocktail worthy of the table, the turkey, and the toast.

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This fragrant and delicious signature cocktail is jazzed up with seasonal favorites like maple syrup, cranberry juice, and honeycrisp apple. A dash of maple syrup is used in place of simple syrup.  It adds a subtle warm sweet taste that really complements the flavors of of the bourbon.

Hints of fresh lemon balance out the sweetness from the maple and fruity juices.  Finishing splashes of sparkling water are meant to mellow out and open up the flavors in the drink. You’ll be left with the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail to pair with food or appetizers.

When serving these easy cocktails, here are a few things to keep in mind as you entertain for your fall gatherings and Thanksgiving dinner:

What Type of Bourbon Is Best for This Thanksgiving Drink?

• Preferably choose a good quality bourbon with smooth flavors that will blend in nicely with the mixture. A seasonal mix of cranberry and apple juices as well as the orange and ginger aromatics will pair nicely with a good smooth spirit.
• When in doubt, stick to a few of the top favorites such as:
  • Buffalo Trace bourbon 
  • Four Roses bourbon 
  • Woodford Reserve bourbon
  • Bulleit bourbon
  • Wild Turkey Bourbon – a festive bottle for the occasion

These tend to be nice brands where the flavor of the whiskey boasts soft notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It all adds delicious character plus layers of flavor to this festive Thanksgiving bourbon cocktail.

What is a Simple + Elegant Presentation for a festive holiday cocktail like this?

To dress this up and make it one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails for your guests to enjoy over the holiday season:

• Select garnishes that represent the ingredients in the drink to build up an extension of the flavors inside.
• Float fresh cranberries on top. Alternatively, you might skewer cranberries on a cocktail pick, or add sliced orange wheels. They will all enhance the look and feel of this festive holiday cocktail.  A simple orange twist also makes a lovely garnish.
• Additionally, you can add a little touch of herbal elegance. Fresh sprigs of rosemary add another visual element to the finished drink that connects back to the meal and the holiday.
• For an optimal presentation for the occasion, serve the cocktail ‘up’ and strained in a coupe glass.  
• Don’t be shy to show off the tools of the trade. Keep your bar tools and serving cups near as part of your display as you craft up these delicious holiday cocktails. I always bring out my gold and glass cocktail shaker (pictured a few photos up) for special occasions just like this!
• In keeping with the warm tones and hues of this Golden Turkey cocktail, I like to serve mine in amber glass cups or soft brown glass cocktail glasses. 

When Should I Serve This Thanksgiving Bourbon Drink?

There aren’t really hard fast rules, except to say that it depends on your set up and plans.  

I recommend serving this cocktail either leading up to the meal or alongside Thanksgiving dinner.  The cranberry, apple, and maple flavors with the bubbly finish will complement any Thanksgiving meal. 

You may have other plans after the main dinner such coffee, tea, and desserts.  You could prepare a round of these in advance (since the drink is shaken over ice and strained out) and set on a tray in the fridge.  Flat bottom cups might be handy in this case.

When ready to serve, just top off with the sparkling water, garnish, and put out.  They can even be presented alongside appetizers. Place them next to eachother at the buffet area for guests to sip, mix, and mingle.

Keep in mind that this favorite Thanksgiving cocktail can also be served any time throughout the autumn season in September, October, and November as a simple fall whiskey cocktail.

Ingredients To Make This Easy Thanksgiving Bourbon CocktaiL

• Your favorite bourbon – of good quality
• Fresh lemon juice
• Pure maple syrup
• Cranberry juice
• Honeycrisp apple juice
• Fresh ginger
• Fresh strips orange peel
• Cranberries – optional for garnish
• Sliced orange wheels – optional for garnish
• Fresh sprig of rosemary – optional for garnish

How To Make a Golden Turkey Bourbon Cocktail

The Perfect Holiday Cocktail For Your Thanksgiving Gathering!

Enjoy these Thanksgiving bourbon cocktails ice-cold at your Thanksgiving gathering. Serve nice and chilled alongside all your favorite holiday classics. Serve with dishes like this easy roasted Thanksgiving turkey breast. This roasted butternut squash side dish also has roasted sweet potatoes mixed in, and these roasted bacon brussels sprouts also make a turkey-worthy side!

 Don’t forget an elegant cranberry apple Thanksgiving salad (which pairs beautifully with this Golden Turkey Thanksgiving cocktail).

For more crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving cocktails, you can fill up a punch bowl with this Thanksgiving punch recipe.  You could pour up this festive harvest Thanksgiving sangria, and even splash up a round of apple cider margaritas! For something more unexpected and unique, try this spiced rum cocktail topped off with hard cider! 

Made with seasonal fruits, spices, and juices reminiscent of a fall cocktail, these simple drinks will welcome friends and family to gather at the table with big smiles and tasty sips.

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