Fall drinks that aren't a hot toddy

DENVER — Thanksgiving is just two Thursdays away. So here's a reminder for turkey--and don't forget the drinks. 

Here are four cocktails to shake up dinner and dessert that aren't the traditional autumn classics. 

> Video above: Smaller Thanksgiving turkeys in demand due to COVID-19

Apple Pie on the Rocks

Servings per recipe: 2 

Ingredients

• 2 oz caramel vodka
• 2 oz cinnamon whiskey
• 1 oz vanilla citrus liqueur
• 8 oz apple cider
• brown sugar, to garnish glass rim
• cinnamon sticks, garnish

Instructions

1. Add caramel vodka, cinnamon whiskey, liqueur and apple cider to a cocktail shaker. 
2. Add ice and shake until the liquids are chilled.
3. Add a little water to the glass rim and dip into the brown sugar.
4. Place ice into a glass tumbler and pour the cocktail into the glass. 
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

>> Read all the recipe notes and calorie information here 

Pear & Thyme Fizz

Servings per recipe: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups good-quality apple juice
• 1 ripe but firm pear, very thinly sliced
• 12 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur 
• 1 bottle sparkling wine

Instructions

1. In a pitcher, combine apple juice, pears, thyme and liqueur. 
2. Stir together, then refrigerate for 2 – 4 hours to let the pears and thyme infuse the juice.
3. Divide between 6 champagne flutes, discarding thyme, then fill the remainder of each glass with champagne. 
4. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve. 

>> See photos of this cocktail here

Fireball Caramel Cider

Servings per recipe: 8 - 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fireball whiskey
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 3 cups apple cider
• 2 bags of ice
• Cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill each small mason jar with 1.5 oz. Fireball, 1 tbsp. caramel, and 3 oz. apple cider. 
2. Top with ice, put the lid on the mason jar, and shake the cocktail.
3. Serve in small mason jars with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.

>> More information here on this fiery holiday drink

Thanksgiving Jungle Juice  

Servings per recipe: 8 - 10

Ingredients

• 2 bottles of red wine
• 4 cups ginger ale
• 3 cups cranberry juice
• 2/3 cup Fireball
• 2/3 cup whiskey
• 2 cups frozen cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 apple, cut into thin slices

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl.
2. Stir together.
3. Serve.

>> Go here for more information about this Thanksgiving punch

Plan on making any of these cocktails? Post them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #9Recipes for a chance to be featured. You can also send photos with 'Near Me' on the 9NEWS app⁠ or by texting 303-871-1491⁠.

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