24 Thanksgiving Holiday Cocktails to Liven Up Your Thanksgiving Day
Whatever your fancy, cocktails can enhance and elevate the day (and dishes) by creating certain flavour combinations and emotions, bringing forth certain pairings with the food, and increasing the enjoyment of the dishes.
In this list of our favourite 24 Thanksgiving cocktails, we've tried to choose seasonal ingredients, such as cranberries, pumpkin, warming spirits and spices - ingredients that try and capture the essence of fall, and traditions combinations that mirror some of the food options often found.
There's a mix here of warm and cozy vibes, with some creative and fun drinks. Some late night sippers and some day-time bubbles. We've also tried to give you some suggested food pairing for each cocktail, or when in the day the cocktail could be suitable for to help you find the right balance and timing for the drinks.
Whatever your tipple on the day, enjoy our list of our favourite cocktails for the holiday, and Happy Thanksgiving all.
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Features 24 cocktails
1. Pear-Rosemary Twist
The delicate sweetness of pear and the herbal aroma of rosemary create a sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that feels like autumn in a glass. Its light, refreshing profile makes it a perfect pre-dinner drink to awaken the palate.
Food pairing: Roast turkey with pear and cranberry stuffing.
Ingredients
Method
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- First make the pear vodka by sealing pears and vodka in a jar and letting it stand at room temperature for two weeks
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- Next make the rosemary syrup
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- Heat up the sugar syrup and add the rosemary to infuse its flavours, before allowing to cool
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- To make the cocktail put ice in a pitcher and add vodka, rosemary syrup and pear nectar
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- Top up with sparkling water and stir
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- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and serve
2. Maple Old Fashioned
Rich maple syrup and smooth bourbon bring a deep, earthy warmth that embodies the cozy, rustic feel of Thanksgiving. The addition of bitters adds complexity, making it an ideal choice for sipping as the evening settles in.
Food pairing: Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a mixing glass, combine maple syrup and bitters
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- Add bourbon or rye and ice, then stir until well chilled
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- Strain into a lowball glass over a large ice cube
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- Garnish with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry for a touch of sweetness and color
3. Pumpkin Latte
This creamy, spiced latte mirrors the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie, with cinnamon and nutmeg adding a cozy holiday touch. It’s perfect as a dessert cocktail or an indulgent afternoon treat during Thanksgiving celebrations.
Food pairing: Pumpkin pie or pecan pie.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a large pan, mix the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar and ground cinnamon
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- Heat gently, whisking constantly until the mixture just reaches boiling point
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- Transfer the mixture to three Irish coffee glasses
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- To garnish, top the glasses with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar
4. Tequila Cranberry Cocktail
The tart cranberry juice and zesty lime offer a vibrant, refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty flavors of a Thanksgiving feast. This cocktail’s bright and festive presentation adds visual appeal to your holiday table.
Food pairing: Cranberry-glazed turkey breast.
Ingredients
Method
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- Wet the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and dip it into margarita salt (or sugar if preferred)
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- Fill the glass with ice
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- Pour in the tequila and top off with sweetened cranberry juice
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- Add a squeeze of lime juice and stir well
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- Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh cranberries
5. Spiced Port & Brandy Punch
A warm, aromatic punch combining ruby port, brandy, and cider creates a rich and inviting cocktail, enhanced by seasonal spices like cinnamon and cloves. This drink is perfect for serving a crowd while evoking the essence of the holidays.
Food pairing: Cheese and charcuterie platter with figs and nuts.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the ruby port, brandy, apple cider, cranberry juice, and fresh orange juice
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- Stir in the honey or brown sugar to taste
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- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange and lemon slices
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- Warm over low heat, allowing it to gently simmer for 20-30 minutes, being careful not to let it boil
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- Ladle into mugs, ensuring each serving includes a slice of citrus and a few cranberries
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- Garnish with an extra cinnamon stick if desired
6. Poinsettia
The combination of cranberry juice and champagne delivers a light and effervescent drink that feels celebratory and festive. Its simplicity and vibrant red hue make it a stunning addition to any Thanksgiving toast.
Food pairing: Roasted butternut squash salad.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour the triple sec and cranberry juice into a champagne flute and stir
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- Genttly top up with champagne
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- Add an orange slice garnish and serve
7. Mistletoe Margarita
This festive margarita combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the bright, citrusy notes of lime and orange liqueurs. It’s a colorful and refreshing cocktail that balances the richness of Thanksgiving dishes.
Food pairing: Spicy turkey tacos with cranberry salsa.
Ingredients
Method
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- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice
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- Add tequila, orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, white cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup
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- Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds
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- Strain the liquid into a glass with fresh ice
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- Garnish the glass with 4 cranberries and a sprig of rosemary
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- Serve and enjoy!
8. Pumpkin Spice Margarita
he pumpkin purée and cinnamon elevate this margarita, infusing it with the warm, spiced flavors of fall while maintaining its refreshing citrus base. It’s a unique and seasonal twist on a classic cocktail.
Food pairing: Roasted acorn squash with maple glaze.
Ingredients
Method
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- Combine fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, tequila, pumpkin purée and a splash of Cointreau with a scoop of ice in a cocktail shaker
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- Shake well and strain the concoction over ice and a splash of water into a whisky glass
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- Garnish with an orange twist and a pinch of cinnamon and serve
9. Calabaza Nog
A rich, spiced pumpkin nog combines the indulgence of a classic eggnog with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and seasonal spices. It’s a decadent and warming treat for after dinner.
Food pairing: Bread pudding with caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Method
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- First you need to make the spiced pumpkin syrup
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- In a saucepan, add a cup of brown sugar, a cup of water, half a cup of pumpkin purée, and a teaspoon each of nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cinnamon
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- Over medium heat until slightly thickened
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- Remove from the heat and place a vanilla pod into the syrup and chill overnight
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- Strain through a cheesecloth and store in a covered container, in a fridge, for up to one week
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- Once the pumpkin syrup is ready, add all the ingredients except the bitters into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Double shake before double straining into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Add the bitters and garnish with some freshly shaven nutmeg, then serve
10. Cranberry Collins
This twist on the classic Collins uses cranberry juice to add a tart, fruity punch, making it festive and light. Its sparkling soda water base refreshes the palate, making it ideal to sip between courses.
Food pairing: Cranberry and goat cheese crostini.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all ingredients except soda water to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes, and top up with the soda water
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- Garnish with a lime wheel and serve
11. Pumpkin Sazerac
This cocktail combines the bold, bittersweet notes of a classic Sazerac with the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin syrup. It’s a sophisticated and seasonal option for whiskey lovers at your gathering.
Food pairing: Duck breast with orange and spice glaze.
Ingredients
Method
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- Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe and discard the excess
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- In a mixing glass, combine cognac (or rye whiskey), pumpkin syrup, and bitters with ice
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- Stir until well-chilled
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- Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist
12. Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
Whiskey and pumpkin come together in a comforting, spiced cocktail that’s festive and perfect for the season.
Food pairing: Pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a shaker, combine pumpkin syrup, whiskey, orange juice, and orange bitters
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- Add ice and shake well
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- Strain into a glass, and if desired, top with ginger beer
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- Serve immediately
13. Warm Bourbon Cider
The spiced cider and bourbon provide a warm, comforting sip that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it evokes the aromas and flavors of classic fall desserts.
Food pairing: Apple pie or spiced apple crumble.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a large pan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
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- When the liquid is hot but not boiling, remove from heat and add your bourbon whisky of choice
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- Stir to distribute the spices, pour into a heat resistant glass and serve
14. Frangipane Old Fashioned
Amaretto and maple syrup add a nutty, sweet depth to the traditional Old Fashioned, making it reminiscent of classic holiday desserts. It’s a dessert-like cocktail with a warming kick of bourbon to round it out.
Food pairing: Pecan pie or almond tart.
Ingredients
Method
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- Fill a rocks glass with ice, then add the bourbon, amaretto, maple syrup, and bitters
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- Stir for 30-40 seconds and top with extra ice as desired
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- Garnish with a strip of orange zest and toasted marshmallow
15. Paloma
The bright grapefruit and lime notes in a Paloma make it a refreshingly zesty choice that pairs beautifully with heavier Thanksgiving dishes. The addition of a pinch of salt and bubbly soda water creates a balanced, effervescent finish.
Food pairing: Citrus-glazed ham.
Ingredients
Method
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- Start by preparing a glass (ideally a highball glass) by running a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into a small plate of salt to coat the edge
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- Fill the glass with ice cubes
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- Pour in the tequila, followed by the grapefruit juice and lime juice
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- Add a pinch of salt to the mixture
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- Gently top off the drink with soda water, preferably grapefruit soda water for an extra citrusy kick
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- Stir the drink gently to mix all the ingredients
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- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a lime wedge, and enjoy your refreshing Paloma!
16. Pumpkin Caipirinha
This Brazilian-inspired cocktail takes the earthy richness of pumpkin purée and blends it with the bright, tangy flavors of lime and ginger. It’s a creative and unexpected autumn twist on a tropical classic.
Food pairing: Pumpkin soup or roasted root vegetables.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pop some pumpkin pieces in a blender to make a smooth pumpkin purée
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- Then, muddle together half a lime, agave nectar and fresh grated ginger in the bottom of a cocktail shaker
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- Add cachaça and pumpkin purée with a scoop of ice and thoroughly shake the mixture to combine
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- Strain over ice and garnish with nutmeg and a lime wheel, and serve
17. Peach Ginger Smash
The combination of juicy peach nectar, zingy fresh ginger, and warming bourbon creates a cocktail that’s both vibrant and soothing. It bridges the gap between summer’s sweetness and autumn’s comforting warmth.
Food pairing: Glazed honey ham or roasted pork tenderloin.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a bottom of a mixing glass muddle the ginger with the mint sprigs
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- Add this mixture to a cocktail shaker with ice and add the rest of the ingredients
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- Shake then pour into a lowball glass
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- Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve
18. Campfire Crackle
A rich blend of whiskey, crème de cassis, and warm spiced apple juice creates a cocktail that feels like a fireside gathering in a glass. The cinnamon and ginger flavors make it perfect for chilly holiday evenings.
Food pairing: Baked brie with cranberry chutney.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a heatproof jug, combine the whisky and crème de cassis
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- In a small pan, gently warm the apple and ginger juice with the cinnamon sticks for 15 minutes, taking care not to let it simmer
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- Pour the warm juice into the jug and stir to combine
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- Serve in heatproof mugs while still warm
19. Rosemary Old Fashioned
This earthy, herbal twist on the classic Old Fashioned highlights the fragrant essence of rosemary, balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the robustness of bourbon. It’s a sophisticated cocktail that pairs well with Thanksgiving’s savory dishes.
Food pairing: Herb-roasted turkey or garlic mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle fresh rosemary with sugar and a few dashes of bitters in a glass until the rosemary releases its oils
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- Add ice cubes and pour in the bourbon
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- Stir well to combine and chill the drink
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- Fine strain into another glass with fresh ice to ensure no rosemary bits are left in the drink
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- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a twist of lemon for an extra aromatic touch
20. Coffee Cardamom & Orange
The rich, deep flavors of coffee liqueur are elevated by the bright zest of orange juice and the exotic warmth of cardamom. This unique combination makes for a vibrant and aromatic holiday cocktail.
Food pairing: Chocolate tart or orange-glazed duck.
Ingredients
Method
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- Crush the cardamom pods gently to release their aroma
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- Combine the coffee liqueur and orange juice in a shaker with ice, and add the cardamom pods
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- Shake well until chilled
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist
21. Glühwein
This German mulled wine blends red wine with citrus and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, creating a drink that fills the room with comforting holiday aromas. It’s the perfect choice for a festive gathering.
Food pairing: Gingerbread cookies or roasted chestnuts.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour the red wine into a large pot and begin heating over low heat (don't boil)
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- Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and star anise
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- Heat thoroughly, then add the oranges slices and the chopped whole lemon
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- Simmer the mixture about 45 minutes over low heat, again making sure not to boil
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- Strain into prewarmed glasses or mugs
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- Garnish with orange slices or a cinnamon stick and serve hot
22. Mulled Wine
A holiday classic, this spiced red wine is sweetened with honey and infused with citrus, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a fragrant and warming drink. It’s ideal for savoring after a long Thanksgiving meal.
Food pairing: Mince pies or spiced fruitcake.
Ingredients
Method
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- Warm an Irish coffee glass, then pour in all ingredients and stir
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- Top up with boiling water, garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve
23. Golden Tree
This luxurious cocktail combines dark rum, Cointreau, and vanilla liqueur with a touch of cinnamon, creating a velvety and indulgent drink. The egg white adds a frothy texture that feels celebratory.
Food pairing: Creme brûlée or spiced pumpkin cheesecake.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle the cinnamon in the bottom of a cocktail shaker before adding the rest of the ingredients
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- Shake hard until the outside of the cocktail shaker becomes frosted
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- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with an orange twist and serve
24. Hazelnut Hot Toddy
The nutty sweetness of hazelnut liqueur, combined with the rich depth of bourbon and warming spices, makes this drink a comforting winter warmer. It’s perfect for sipping after dinner as a dessert alternative.
Food pairing: Hazelnut praline or cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the Frangelico, bourbon, water, brown sugar, and vanilla
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- Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves
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- Heat on medium for about 5 minutes, until hot and the brown sugar has dissolved, but do not bring to a boil
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- Pour into cups, making 4 small servings or 2 large
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- Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks and fresh herbs if desired
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