15 Easy Big Batch Fall Cocktails for a Festive Friendsgiving

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Updated on October 24, 2023

Large-Batch Honey Buzz Cocktail

Whether you're hosting the Thanksgiving potluck or just showing up to a Friendsgiving gathering, these large-batch cocktails are sure to impress. Plus, they're so easy to make, just mix and go for ready-to-serve drinks all night long. Find recipes like warm spiked cider, big bowls of punch and even a fall twist on a margarita.

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Honey Buzz Cocktail

While gin lets the grapefruit shine through, this punch recipe also works with bourbon. Using the angostura bitters is optional, but the cinnamon-clove flavor gives this drink a bit of holiday-appropriate spice.

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Slow-Cooker Hot Cider with Brandy

Brew up a batch of warm apple cider with ease in this no-sugar-added drink recipe. The hot toddy stays warm and party-ready in your crock pot all night long.

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Spiced Rum Apple Spritzer Pitcher Cocktail

Spiced Rum Apple Spritzer Pitcher Cocktail

Spiced rum adds a kick to this apple spritzer cocktail made with sweet apple cider. Club soda gives it its signature spritz—be sure to add it just before serving to preserve the bubbles.

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Pomegranate Gimlets

pomegranate gimlets

Cookbook author and TV show host Ina Garten gives the classic gimlet recipe a modern twist. She says, "I like to serve these pomegranate gimlets with fig and cheese toast, which is simply toasted bread spread with fig preserves and goat cheese; they take no time to make, and they're sweet and savory with the cocktail. But even something simple like salted cashews is good in a pinch."

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Big-Batch Hot Bourbon Cocktail with Maple & Apple Cider

Big-Batch Hot Bourbon Cocktail with Maple & Apple Cider

Grab a mug and get all the flavors of fall—apple, maple and spices—in this warm mulled cider cocktail. And this version, with a hint of ginger liqueur for extra spice, is just as enjoyable whether you're sipping it around a bonfire or on your couch with a cozy blanket. It's like a New England autumn evening in drinkable form. If you'd like to make this alcohol-free for a family gathering and spike each glass individually, add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) bourbon and 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) ginger liqueur to each cup of mulled cider.

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Blood Orange Margaritas

Fresh blood orange juice gives this stunning pink cocktail just the right balance of sweet and sour. For the perfect finish, upgrade the salt rim on your glass by mixing in a little orange zest to add to both the presentation and flavor of these margaritas.

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Apple Pie Mimosa

Apple Pie Mimosa

This three-ingredient mimosa combines bubbly Champagne with sweet apple cider. Cinnamon sticks add extra spice.

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Pomegranate Margaritas

Who says margaritas are just for summer? This pomegranate twist on a cocktail favorite is good all year long—elegant enough for the holidays and fun enough for an outdoor barbecue.

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Hot Cider with Apple Brandy & Spices

A natural, cloudy apple cider is delicious for this spicy and aromatic winter warmer, but if you desire a sparkling-clear drink, apple juice can be substituted. Calvados, which is a French apple brandy, adds richness. If you wish to omit it, just add more cider or juice.

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Beet Margaritas

Drink your vegetables at happy hour with these beet margaritas, also known as "margabeetas." These cocktails get their gorgeous pink hue naturally from inherently sweet beet juice. You can buy the juice in the produce section of most grocery stores or juice your own at home.

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Bourbon Caramel Apple Cocktail

Bourbon Caramel Apple Cocktail

Bourbon gets a fall makeover when combined with apple cider and sweet caramel sauce.

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Cranberry-Prosecco Cocktail

Cranberry-Prosecco Cocktail

A splash of cranberry juice in sparkling wine and a garnish of cranberries and rosemary sprigs make an exceptionally festive party-ready cocktail that's easy to prepare, too.

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Cran Razzy

To keep calories in check, we like to use seltzer along with juice in drinks like vodka and cranberry. This version gets a raspberry twist with cranberry-raspberry juice and raspberries for garnish. For the prettiest garnish, start with big, plump fresh raspberries and freeze them yourself.

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Very Merry Punch

There was a time when every household had its own recipe for spiced hot-wine punch. Folks would roam from house to house, testing each one. With the blend of flavors in this punch, revelers might never move on to other houses on the block.

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Slow-Cooker Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine — Victor Protasio

Fill your kitchen with the smell of warm spices like cloves and cardamom when you make slow-cooker mulled wine. This warm drink is the perfect antidote to a chilly winter's night.

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