Spicy, sweet, and the perfect amount of bourbon
No matter how much you love your family, a little booze at a family gathering never hurts. Skip the stress of making individual cocktails for Thanksgiving this year at with one of our large-batch favorites that is sure to please even the most discerning relative. Special thanks to Sugar with Spice for the recipes!
Ginger Spiced Pear and Bourbon
The amazing, yet often underrated, pear is like an elevated, more sophisticated apple, so its no surprise the use of bourbon, cinnamon and ginger make this a true, fall-festive delight!
Pear Simple Syrup
- 1.5 cups pears, chopped (1-2 whole pears)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fine granulated sugar (or caster sugar if you can find it)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Cool, strain, and store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a month. Shortcut Tip: If you’re not up for making syrup, try pear-flavored brandy or vodka instead—just add ½ cup of honey for sweetness!
Bourbon Pear Cocktail
- 3 ripe pears, sliced
- 1 cup bourbon
- 6 bottles ginger beer
- ½ cup pear simple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- Ground ginger (optional, for extra spice)
Combine everything and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and add a pear slice to the rim for a touch of flair. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in—cheers!
Bourbon Apple Cider
A classic for a reason, this one stands the test of time, and the test of simplicity for group gatherings! A few easy ingredients on the stove or crock pot mean less time stressing and more time sipping!
This warm spiced apple cider cocktail is ideal for setting the holiday mood! Just simmer it on the stove for 30 minutes (it’ll make your house smell incredible!) or let it sit in a crockpot on low for a couple of hours—either way, it’s a breeze to make.
Warm Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 cup spiced rum (or try bourbon, rye, or brandy)
- 2 cinnamon sticks, snapped in half
- 8 whole cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: ½ inch of grated fresh ginger if using rye whiskey for a spicy kick
The beauty of this cocktail? It’s versatile! While we think bourbon or rye is the perfect match for apple cider, rum, brandy, and even vodka work well too. Just choose your favorite and let it warm everyone up for the feast! Cheers to easy pre-party prep and cozy fall flavors.
For the original recipes or additional large batch cocktails, check out: Sugar with Spice Large Batch Cocktails
