Cocktails with Kate & James: Thanksgiving 2021

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Kate Kennedy November 19, 2021

It’s that time of year once again when we gather with family and friends and stuff our faces with delicious food, wine, and of course, cocktails. James and I have two perfect additions to your Thanksgiving cocktail rotation. Both are impressive yet easy to make and pack a bit of a punch to keep you in line during those beloved family arguments. I mean, conversations.

Kate’s Cranberry Manhattan

  • 3 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey (whatever your personal preference is)
  • 1 and 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cranberry sauce
  • Dash of bitters

Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist and cranberry.

James’ Thankful Cosmopolitan

  • 3 ounces vodka
  • 1 ½ ounces triple sec
  • Prosecco
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Fresh pomegranate seeds
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh rosemary
  • White sugar

First, you’ll want to prepare your herbed simple syrup. Add equal parts white sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Add fresh thyme and rosemary (a little goes a long way here). Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and pour into a container. Once completely cooled you are free to use it. 

Next, add your cranberries, pomegranate seeds, fresh lemon and lime, and a half-ounce to an ounce of your herbed simple syrup to a shaker tin and muddle until it is completely mashed. Pour your vodka and triple sec into the same shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and top with prosecco. Garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme and a cranberry.

See these recipes in action

In case you missed it live, watch James and I make these delicious Thanksgiving-inspired cocktails Cocktails with Kate & James below.

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