40 Light & Healthy Dinner Recipes That'll Spring Clean Your Dinner Routine

The Whiskey Sour Cocktail: History, Evolution, And Different Takes On The Classic

Even if you're a keen whiskey sour drinker, you might not know about the long history of the whiskey sour cocktail and how it came to be such an iconic part of the cocktail canon. But what is a whiskey sour? For over 150 years people have been enjoying this cocktail, which dates back to the 1860s, and it follows in the footsteps of the spirit and citrus combination that was commonly drunk in the British Navy by sailors looking to avoid scurvy by imbibing lemons and limes — which is where Brits get the nickname Limeys from.

Finally, sugar and water were added for taste. At this point, the drink is probably starting to sound familiar. (Grog, the rum-based favorite of pirates across the seven seas, is made from the same components, substituting whiskey for the sugarcane-based spirit.) When it comes to the official record, there are three main points of reference for the whiskey sour. The first written record comes in the seminal 1862 book The Bartender's Guide: How To Mix Drinks, by Jerry Thomas. The original recipe is below.

Original whiskey sour recipe

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon powdered white sugar (dissolved in a little seltzer or Apollinaris water)

The juice of half a small lemon

1 wine glass of bourbon or rye whiskey

Method:

Fill a small bar glass full of shaved ice.

Shake up the powered white sugar, lemon juice, and bourbon or rye whiskey and strain it into a claret glass.

(This recipe differs from the modern-day version in the style of glass and the type of ice used, but the prototype was there.)

The next reference comes from, of all places, an 1870 edition of the Waukesha Plainsdealer, a Wisconsin newspaper. And the final reference to the drink comes two years later, in 1872. A former ship steward, Elliot Staub, "invented" a drink — the whiskey sour — in a bar in Iquique (then part of Peru). Through these three origins, we come to, more or less, what we have today — a cocktail that mixes a spirit, a sour, and a sweet.

Now that you're read up and prepared for the day, it's time to dive in. Check out George Dickel's version of the original and then a few other takes on this iconic drink.

Whiskey sour recipe variants

Image used with permission by copyright holder

George Dickel Whisky Sour

(Pictured above)

Ingredients:

Method:

Shake and strain the ingredients into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry.

Dewar's Sour Rouge

(Created by Cyllan Hicks, New York City)\

Ingredients:

1 ounce rosemary honey syrup (1:1 honey and water with rosemary)

Method:

Shake all the ingredients and pour over rocks.

Add Lillet Rouge as a floater.

Garnish with lemon wheel and rosemary sprig.

Jeff's Redneck Sour

Ingredients:

5 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

2 dashes grapefruit bitters

Method:

Shake and strain ingredients into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Garnish with a half wheel of grapefruit.

Basil Hayden's Summer Sour

(By San Francisco Mixologist Matt Grippo) 

Ingredients:

1/2 part fresh lemon juice

2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Orange twist (for garnish)

Method:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

Strain into an iced-filled rocks glass.

Garnish with an orange twist.

Knob Creek Citrus Sour

(By Celebrity Chef Michael Symon)

Ingredients:

Method:

Muddle thyme and simple syrup thoroughly in the bottom of the shaker.

Combine with lemon juice, bourbon, and egg white.

Add ice and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Strain over ice and float with Orangina soda.

Garnish with a few sprigs of thyme.

Whiskey sour variation tips

Cravings in Amsterdam

The beauty of the whiskey sour is its simplicity, which also makes it endlessly customizable. Here are some exciting variations to explore in your home bar.

Fruity

Berry blast: Muddle fresh berries like raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a burst of fruity sweetness.

Tropical twist: Add a splash of pineapple juice, mango puree, or passion fruit liqueur for a tropical vibe.

Smoky and spicy

Smoky sour: Use peated scotch for a smoky flavor, pair it well with cherry or maple syrup.

Spicy sour: Add a few dashes of habanero or jalapeno bitters for a fiery kick.

Sweet and savory

Maple magic: Substitute maple syrup for simple syrup for a touch of autumnal sweetness.

What is the history of the New York Sour?

One of the most famous and unusual versions of the whiskey sour is a seemingly improbable variation that makes use of red wine. The New York Sour adds a float of red wine to the drink, which gives it a rich tannin flavor and a striking look. This variation was created in the 1880s and was originally known as a Continental Sour. And despite its name, according to the website Spirits Beacon it is thought to have been made first by a bartender in Chicago, not New York.

The drink quickly made its way to New York, though, where it caught on and became popular enough to be named after the city. It had many other names at the time, though, including the Southern Whiskey Sour and the Claret Snap.

A New York Sour is typically made with bourbon, as opposed to the whiskey sour ,which can be made with any type of whiskey, though there's no reason you can't add a red wine float to whatever version of the whiskey sour you happen to be enjoying. Strange as it may sound, the red whine adds a good deal of interest to the cocktail, so it's worth trying out at home if you haven't had it before.

The post The whiskey sour cocktail: History, evolution, and different takes on the classic appeared first on The Manual.

Nocino Sour Cocktail

The Nocino Sour is a bittersweet, tart, and nutty cocktail made with Italian nocino liqueur, rye whiskey, lemon juice, amaretto, simple syrup, and an egg white. The cocktail is served in a rocks glass over ice and has a rich, frothy texture. 

Nocino, Italy's classic walnut liqueur, has nutty, baking-spice notes. It's made with green, unripe walnuts and is flavored with citrus peels. It is also sometimes flavored with a range of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, or even coffee beans. The liqueur is typically enjoyed around the December holidays.

While nocino is often sipped on its own in a cordial glass, it is a flavorful and versatile cocktail ingredient. This cocktail recipe was developed by Scott Tacinelli and Angie Rito, co-owners of New York's Don Angie and San Sabino who make their own nocino each year. Tacinelli and Rito use their homemade liqueur in a Nocino Sour, but any excellent store bought version will do, too. 

This recipe follows the conventions of a classic sour cocktail which features a base liquor, citrus juice, and a sweetener. In this case, a duo of liqueurs, nocino and amaretto, contribute both sweetness and savory depth. The nocino and amaretto add a subtle nutty flavor and richness to the drink.  Rye whiskey serves as the spirit base for this drink and its caramel, spiced flavor blends harmoniously with the duo of liqueurs. Lemon juice contributes brightness and a pop of tart notes that balance out the sweeter ingredients. While some sours are made without an egg white, the addition of it here creates a frothy and rich-textured cocktail. One large egg yields about 1 ounce of egg white, so this recipe can easily be doubled to make two cocktails.

52 Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails That Will Liven Up The Adults' Table

52 Festive Thanksgiving CocktailsPHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

It's true, you could just break open your favorite bottle of wine this Thanksgiving, but! We think serving a fun cocktail too will make your dinner all the more special. From fall-inspired cocktails to ones that taste like pecan or apple pie to classic drinks that pair perfectly with turkey, these 52 Thanksgiving cocktails are FAR more festive than a plain ol' bottle of red.

The holidays are the perfect time to brush up on your home bartending skills. We love mixing up a signature cocktail to complement our Thanksgiving feast, as it adds that certain special something to the table. Thankfully, the most classic cocktails also happen to be some of the simplest too. Our recipes for our Big Apple Manhattans, our brown sugar old-fashioneds, and our amaretto sours only need around 5 ingredients from your bar cart, if you can believe it. Looking for something with a little more of a spin for the holiday? Try our apple cider spritz, our pumpkin spice mules, our pecan pie martinis, our pumpkin margaritas, or our cranberry apple sangria all fit the bill.

In the mood for a warming nightcap? We've got plenty of drinks that will warm you up on a crisp night, like our mulled wine, our spiked pumpkin chai lattes, our hot toddies, or our Irish coffee. We also have tons of tips from bartenders on how you can make the best holiday cocktails, so you can stay merry all season long.

Pro tip: These fall cocktails taste even better with our favorite Thanksgiving apps or a slice of pumpkin or apple pie. Crowd still thirsty? For more festive drinks, try our amazing Thanksgiving punch ideas and fall sangrias too.

Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Cranberry adds a festive, blood-red twist to your favorite cocktail, the Aperol spritz. If you don't want it to be too sweet, you can swap the cranberry juice cocktail for 100% cranberry juice.

Get the Cranberry Aperol Spritz recipe.

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

We give classic summer sangria a fall twist by adding in sparkling apple cider (of course), white wine, and Fireball. Our apple cider sangria is a fan-favorite, but this bubbly version feels a bit fancier, making it worthy of your holiday dinner.

Get the Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Thanksgiving Jungle Juice

We love a big-batch cocktail because it not only saves you time at the home bar, but they're so easy to mix up. This classed up, festive spin on jungle juice is for when you want to be the designated drunk uncle at Thanksgiving.

Get the Thanksgiving Jungle Juice recipe.

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Pumpkin Margaritas

The combination of pumpkin pie filling, pumpkin spice syrup (optional; see below for method), and reposado tequila creates a beautiful autumnal blend. The aged tequila adds a rich brown sugar flavor that mixes perfectly with the pumpkin ingredients, while the bright acidity from the lime balances the cocktail and provides that classic margarita tang.

Get the Pumpkin Margaritas recipe.

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Apple Cider Hot Toddies

While pumpkin spice, in all of its many forms, may be the drink of fall, we think there's a strong case to be made for all things apple cider too: these extra sweet hot toddies are the ultimate proof.

Get the Apple Cider Hot Toddies recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte

We kicked a classic chai latte up a notch to create this spiked pumpkin version—in it, freshly steeped chai and a shot of whiskey get blended with milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup, then topped with whipped cream. It's the perfect after-dinner drink for a chilly Thanksgiving.

Get the Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte recipe.

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Gold Rush Cocktail

Fans of the whiskey sour to the front, please! The Gold Rush cocktail is the whiskey drink you're already in love with, with just a few changes. 1) It calls for honey instead of simple syrup, and doesn't call for any egg whites.

Get the Gold Rush Cocktail recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Pumpkin Spice White Russians

Your pumpkin spice latte, now all grown up! Whether you just want a fun nightcap or want to have a signature cocktail at Thanksgiving, these white Russians are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Pumpkin Spice White Russians recipe.

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas

This cocktail is perfect for when you've been cooking inside all day, and can't decide whether to grab a glass of red or white—reach for the apple cider and tequila instead! The hot honey here is the perfect sweet with a little heat, and Calvados adds hints of caramel apple and kettle corn.

Get the Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Manhattan

There are few cocktails more storied (or simple!) than the Manhattan. First stirred up in 1894 by a bartender at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, the defining characteristic is that it uses Scotch whiskey. Change up your bitters with a few dashes of walnut, lavender, or black cherry for a fun twist.

Get the Classic Manhattan recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Pumpkin Spice Mules

Moscow mules are one of our favorite drinks, but once the leaves start to change and we can't get pumpkin spice off our minds, we turn to this twist on the classic. If you can't find pumpkin pie vodka, regular vodka will work well too!

Get the Pumpkin Spice Mules recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Apple Pie Bourbon Shots

If you're truly looking to get your party started this holiday (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your next gathering. All you need are a few ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—too!

Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Pumpkin Pie Martini

In the fall, love starting our days off with a pumpkin spice latte, so we thought, why not finish the day with the same warming, spicy taste? Now you can with these pumpkin spice martinis.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Cranberry-Apple Sangria

Sangria is a perfect cocktail for the holidays because it's made all in one big pitcher and can be done ahead. Plus, your guests can help themselves to a festive cocktail while you finish up cooking. This recipe is fairly traditional but with a holiday twist, featuring flavors like tart cranberries and warm cinnamon.

Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Apple Cider Mimosas

Mimosas are the brunch cocktail; however, as the weather gets colder, we all start looking toward more comforting, autumnal flavors. This is the perfect, fall twist on the classic that's perfect for celebrating on Thanksgiving morning.

Get the Apple Cider Mimosas recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Amaretto Sour

If you're a tiramisu fanatic—it often includes amaretto, same as this drink—you're bound to love this bourbon cocktail. Think whiskey sour, but a little nuttier.

Get the Amaretto Sour recipe.

LUCY SCHAEFFER

(Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes

Looking for a quick way to level up your holiday punch bowl or cocktails without the hassle? These stunning ice cubes are an incredibly easy solution—and they'll make you look super-classy too! These ice cubes use pomegranate juice instead of water, adding both flavor and a vibrant red hue to what would otherwise be plain ice.

Get the (Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes recipe.

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Cranberry Paloma

The holidays usually usher in seasonal cocktails with cozy spices to stay warm in the winter, but we think bright, refreshing beverages should be enjoyed all year long. If you love sipping on margaritas and palomas but want a more festive recipe to enjoy during the holiday season, meet the cranberry paloma.

Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Lambrusco Smash

While a glass of Lambrusco is always good served on its own, it's also a fantastic starting point for a cocktail. The smoky mezcal, bright orange citrus, and spice from the ginger beer here tie together beautifully, giving you a zingy, sweet-ish, refreshing, and original cocktail.

Get the Lambrusco Smash recipe.

PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Kalimotxo Cola Punch

The last three months of the year mean it's time to party, and what better way to say party in a cocktail than punch? This kalimoxto-inspired sangria upgrade is literally a little bit of this, a little bit of that with a top off of everyone's favorite soda—an ice cold Coca-Cola.

Get the Kalimotxo Cola Punch recipe.

PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: BEN WEINER

Figgy Spritz

In this fall rendition of everyone's favorite summer spritz, we included a woodsy rosemary sprig and fig syrup to welcome fall's rich earthy flavors and make the easiest large format cocktail that will impress everyone at your holiday table. Thanksgiving's aperitivo hour just got a delicious upgrade.

Get the Figgy Spritz recipe.

PHOTO: MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Turkeytini

Shaken and poured into a chilled glass, dessert cocktails are the ultimate end-of-the-night treat, especially when they include mocha and bourbon. This boozy Turkeytini has all you need to complete your Thanksgiving feast with the decadent blend of creamy Baileys Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, Kahlúa, and bourbon.

Get the Turkeytini recipe.

PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Apple Cider Spritz

Easy breezy and ready for fall, this apple cider spritz offers a twist on a recent summer classic, the Aperol spritz. Waltzing right into the next season with spiced cider and a kiss of pumpkin spice, Aperol's orange-herbal aspects bring out the best in the cider flavors.

Get the Apple Cider Spritz recipe.

Lucy schaeffer

Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini

Turn your favorite wintery treat of frozen hot chocolate into a martini. A little vodka and Baileys will make it your new favorite cocktail. The frozen hot chocolate is simple and uses a pre-made hot chocolate mix, and everything gets blended together for a quick festive cocktail that would be a hit as an after Thanksgiving nightcap!

Get the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Green Apple Moscato Sangria

Moscato sangria fans—get ready to meet your new favorite shareable cocktail. Inspired by Olive Garden's now discontinued signature sangria, this copycat green apple moscato sangria is the perfect fall twist on the classic summer cocktail.

Get the Green Apple Moscato Sangria recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Pomegranate Martini

More like a cosmopolitan than a classic martini, this recipe replaces the cosmo's traditional cranberry juice with pomegranate. Garnish with a sugar rim and a fresh rosemary sprig for the perfect drink to serve at all your fall and winter gatherings.

Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Apple Cider Margaritas

Super-excited for fall and all the fun fall activities that come with it—pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving, apple picking? These cocktails are for you! They're the best of summery margaritas, plus spicy, seasonal apple cider.

Get the Apple Cider Margaritas recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Cranberry Mimosas

While the classic combo of four parts champagne and one part fresh orange juice can certainly hold its own, this recipe adds a fun holiday twist by swapping the orange juice with fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, rosemary, and a hint of lime.

Get the Cranberry Mimosas recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI

Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour

This wintery version of a whiskey sour features punchy ginger flavor and tangy cranberry juice. Though it requires minimal ingredients, it's full of strong, bright flavors that perfectly complement rich holiday hors d'oeuvres like baked brie and bacon-wrapped dates.

Get the Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour recipe.

Hearst Owned

Harvest Punch

Cider and ginger beer might seem like a weird pairing, but with fresh fruit and cinnamon (plus bubbly!), we promise you it more than works. For a small but just as rowdy brunch, make our caramel apple mimosas instead.

Get the Harvest Punch recipe.

Parker Feierbach

Mulled Wine

Making this mulled wine couldn't be easier: Combine a bottle of red wine with some orange slices, warm spices, honey, and brandy, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. THAT'S IT.

Get the Mulled Wine recipe.

Parker feierbach

Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

We crave cranberry cocktails all season long, and this is our go-to cocktail come holiday season. It's warm and spicy from the whiskey and ginger beer, but refreshing and tart from the cranberry and citrus.

Get the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour recipe.

Erik bernstein

Big Apple Manhattan

This Manhattan uses apple brandy to give it a fruity twist. It's a strong enough drink to handle any and all holiday hustling, and is perfect served alongside your turkey or any of our apple desserts.

Get the Big Apple Manhattan recipe.

Emily hlavac green

Whiskey Ginger

Make this extra special by making your own candied ginger garnish, up the ante with a slightly crisper ginger beer or an extra bold ginger ales, or just serve this with whatever ole whiskey and ginger ale you've got around. No matter what, it'll go great with your Turkey Day mains.

Get the Whiskey Ginger recipe.

LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY

Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa

Throwing more of a chill Friendsgiving this year? Let your Crockpot prepare your party drinks! The combo of chocolate and red wine might seem a little odd but trust us, it's perfect.

Get the Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa recipe.

EMILY HLAVAC GREEN

Holiday Punch

This holiday punch forgoes all the added sugar and instead derives its natural sweetness from apple cider. Add some spice from ginger beer and tartness from unsweetened cranberry juice, and you have a sophisticated, festive punch perfect for any party from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Get the Holiday Punch recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Brown Sugar Old-Fashioned

A little brown sugar makes this classic cocktail extra warm and cozy, adding a hint of caramel and makes this drink feel anything but old-fashioned. It's the only way we like to make it now!

Get the Brown Sugar Old-Fashioned recipe.

Emily Hlavac Green

Nutty Irishman

The sweetness and subtle nuttiness of the hazelnut liqueur Frangelico is the perfect partner to rich Irish cream. The almost inevitable whipped cream mustache that follows is highly worth it.

Get the Nutty Irishman recipe.

Lucy schaeffer

Irish Mule

We love how the oaky, vanilla-y flavors that come from your favorite whiskey are so well complemented by the fresh ginger and lime in a classic Moscow Mule. It's the perfect slight twist on the classic that will surprise your guests and have them thanking YOU this Thanksgiving.

Get the Irish Mule recipe.

Lucy Schaeffer

Washington Apple Shot

The Washington Apple Shot is a breed of the Washington Apple Cocktail made with whiskey—typically Canadian-style—apple schnapps, and cranberry juice. We also added pomegranate to jazz it up and make it extra crisp and refreshing.

Get the Washington Apple Shot recipe.

Erik bernstein

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot buttered rum is essentially the OG butter beer. Add in rum, butter, sugar, ice cream, and healthy dose of cinnamon, and you've got heartwarming wintertime magic in a glass.

Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe.

Park Feierbach

Red Sangria

Fruity, refreshing, and perfect for serving a crowd, sangria is one of our go-to cocktails to enjoy all year long. We love this classic combination of fruits, spices, and wine, we've also included all of our top tips on how to vary this wine cocktail to your specific tastes.

Get the Red Sangria recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Pecan Pie Martini

These martinis only look innocent. They might taste just like your favorite pecan pie, but trust us, they pack a punch.

Get the Pecan Pie Martini recipe.

Emily Hlavac Green

Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots

Pumpkin pie? Pudding shots? Obviously the two belong together! Fireball adds some more cinnamon flavor to the shots, but you can sub with all vodka if you prefer. If Fireball IS your thing, serve these shots right along with a Fireball pumpkin pie.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots recipe.

Emily Hlavac Green

Appletini

Apple schnapps brings sweet-tart green apple flavor, while a splash of Calvados (apple brandy) gives it a fiery kick. Warning: These babies are STRONG, so don't plan on going anywhere after consuming. 😂

Get the Appletini recipe.

Park Feierbach

Irish Coffee

Coffee cocktails like this one are the ideal double hit of caffeine and booze straight to the system, perfect for the start or end of the night. They're cozy, delicious, and best of all, incredibly easy to make.

Get the Irish Coffee recipe.

Parker feierbach

Apple Cider Sangria

Sangria might make you think of warm summer nights and tropical fruits, but this apple-based cocktail will have you ready for fall. Here, we went for a white wine sangria, rounded out with spicy ginger beer and sweet apple cider.

Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe.

Ethan Calabrese

Cranberry Jell-O Shots

Cranberry sauce? We thought you said "cranberry shots." We love these tart-sweet Jell-O shots, especially the sugar-coated cranberries. They're optional but highly encouraged—they make for a great chaser after you've downed the shot.

Get the Cranberry Jell-O Shots recipe.

Ethan Calabrese

Caramel Apple Mimosas

We've brainstormed endless mixers for bubbly that are so far beyond orange juice, but sweet apple cider might be our favorite. Go the extra mile and rim the glasses in caramel and cinnamon sugar—your friends will flip!

Get the Caramel Apple Mimosas recipe.

Ethan Calabrese

Fireball Sangria

Kick your red wine sangria up a notch with some Fireball! The cinnamon whiskey is the perfect transition into fall cocktails. If you can't find blood oranges, use cara cara or more navel oranges instead.

Get the Fireball Sangria recipe.

Parker feierbach

Cranberry Mules

We love this Thanksgiving twist on the iconic Moscow Mule. Now this is what we call a cup of cheer!

Get the Cranberry Mules recipe.

Hearst Digital Media

Pumpkin Pie Sangria

We don't know exactly how pumpkin goes with so many things, but we aren't mad about it. Especially when it means we can mix up sangria made with pumpkin pie vodka.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Sangria recipe.

Chelsea Lupkin

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