When hosting a big party or get together like Thanksgiving dinner, we always like to have a pre-made cocktail on hand when guests arrive. This does a few things: 1) helps get everyone situated and makes them feel welcome — 2) eliminates us from having to be bartender the entire evening — 3) sets the mood that we are here to have a good time. 

For a fall cocktail, the first place we turn to is the beautiful marriage of whiskey and apple cider. We have made and tweaked this recipe a number of times over the years and finally feel like we have the blend just right. Whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice and champagne combine to make the perfect chilled whiskey cocktail. It’s a little sweet from the cider, sparkling from the champagne, and has a nice twist of lemon to make it refreshing. Make a big batch to have on hand this Thanksgiving or for any other fall event- it’s a hit even with whiskey haters. 

Whiskey Cider Cocktails
Serving Size: 10 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes      Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whiskey 
• 6 cups apple cider
• 3 lemons, sliced 
• 1 bottle of chilled champagne- choose a dry variety so the drink isn’t too sweet
• cinnamon sticks for garnish- optional 

Directions: 

1. Make the cocktail by combining all of the ingredients in a large beverage dispenser. Give it a good stir so that the flavors combine. If you want to make this ahead of time, combine all of the ingredients except for the champagne. Add that just before serving so that the drink keeps some carbonation. 
2. Serve chilled, over ice.