The Perfect Cocktail Recipes to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Weekend

As the air cools and the table fills with family favorites, Thanksgiving weekend isn’t just about the feast, it’s also about the moments in between. From Friendsgiving mixers to cozy fireside nightcaps, the right cocktail can bring just the right touch of sparkle to your celebrations.

This year, consider adding a few drinks that lean a little lighter, a little fresher, and a lot more fun. Each features a splash of St-Germain, the elegant French elderflower liqueur made from 10,000 handpicked blossoms. With its delicate notes of pear and honeysuckle, it offers a naturally sweet, floral base that makes any drink feel like an occasion.

Here are two refreshing cocktail recipes that’ll carry you effortlessly from Thanksgiving dinner to the long weekend ahead.

Cocktail Recipes

The St-Germain Hugo Spritz

It’s official: the Hugo Spritz is having a moment. Once the “it-girl spritz of summer,” this lighter, brighter take on a classic Italian aperitif is just as welcome at a fall gathering. With its balance of bubbles, floral notes, and freshness, it’s a cocktail that feels celebratory without being heavy.

The spritz itself dates back to the 1800s, when wine drinkers began diluting robust wines with soda water to create something easier and more refreshing. Fast-forward to today, and the St-Germain Hugo Spritz carries that same spirit – only with a modern twist. Celebrities like Morgan Stewart were spotted sipping one during golden hour in Italy, while Sophie Turner recently hosted friends at the St-Germain Terrace at Sea Containers London, glass in hand.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

• 2 oz MARTINI prosecco

• 2 oz sparkling water

• Mint sprig & lime wedge for garnish

Directions:

Add ice into a wine glass. Pour in St-Germain, then top with sparkling wine and soda water. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wedge — and you’ve got a cocktail that’s chic, refreshing, and effortlessly festive.

The St. Rita

If your Thanksgiving plans lean more “Friday night tacos and leftovers” than “formal sit-down dinner,” this is the perfect match. The St. Rita takes a classic crowd-pleasing margarita and adds a delicate floral twist. The elderflower softens the citrusy bite of lime and the boldness of tequila, creating a perfectly balanced sip that feels sophisticated but familiar.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz St-Germain

• 1½ oz tequila

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

• Lime wedge for garnish

Directions:

Combine St-Germain, tequila, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled, then strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and toast to a long weekend done right.

A Little Sparkle, a Lot of Flavor

Whether you’re hosting, toasting, or simply relaxing, these cocktails deliver a balance of brightness and flavor that pairs perfectly with the season. After all, Thanksgiving may be about gratitude, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a touch of glamour to the mix.

Raise a glass to family, friends, and good taste – the perfect ingredients for a long weekend well spent.