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45+ Healthy Recipes for a Kalejunkie Thanksgiving
November 18, 2023
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and in my opinion, it is one of the best holidays out there. Why? Because any holiday centered around food and community is one that gets my stamp of approval! Whether you’re hosting your family for a large Thanksgiving gathering or looking for the perfect recipe to bring to a potluck Friendsgiving, I’ve got you covered. Welcome to the ultimate roundup of Healthy Recipes for a Kalejunkie Thanksgiving!
This year, I am bringing you the best-of-the-best: over 45+ recipes spanning across easy 5-minute appetizers, show-stopping side dishes, main courses to impress the turkey-less crowd, salads that are anything but boring, flavorful gluten-free desserts, and, of course, the most festive and fun holiday drinks. What could be better than that?
If you’re looking for simple, healthy recipes for your Thanksgivng dinner, or simply looking for my take on Thanksgiving Dinner, these recipes are sure to bring your friends, family, and loved ones together over delicious and healthy food.
Appetizers
If you’re looking for flavorful appetizers that come together in just a matter of minutes, then these recipes are perfect for you. Most of these come together with minimal ingredients, and are a delicious way to whet your appetite before the big Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you’re looking for a delicious vegan appetizer that will satisfy even the most devout meat eaters, or a fun alternative to bread rolls with butter, these recipes are a simple and easy way to kickstart your Thanksgiving feast.
1) 5-Minute Marinated Feta
A delicious holiday appetizer that comes together in only 5 minutes? Sign me up! This 5-Minute Marinated Feta is a simple and delicious way to enjoy feta cheese with pita chips, crackers, as part of a charcuterie board, or even on a salad! Simply add your feta, along with a few key ingredients, to a large jar and you'll have the perfect marinated feta ready in minutes!
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2) Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
When it comes to comfort food, the most cozy, comforting dishes involve three key ingredients: bread, cheese, and garlic. And lucky for you, this recipe includes all three! That's right, my Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread is a cozy, comforting, and incredibly cheesy dish that is perfect to warm you up on a cool winter night, or entertain guests at all of your holiday parties! This dish is NOT gluten-free or dairy-free, but trust me when I say that it is worth it!
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3) Oven Baked Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts
If you're on the hunt for the perfect crispy, crunchy dish that makes for a delicious appetizer or snack any time of day, then look no further because this is it. My Oven Baked Crispy Parmesan Artichoke Hearts are a crunchy and delicious treat that is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you are making these for your weeknight family dinner, or for feeding a crowd, I guarantee that you will fall in-love with this recipe!
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4) Viral TikTok Butter Board
This viral recipe is the best thing since charcuterie boards… and it is currently taking TikTok by storm. That's right, my version of the TikTok Viral Butter Board is a fun and creative recipe will have you enjoying traditional bread and butter like never before. Plus, it comes together in only 10 minutes, and is perfect for serving a large crowd. With the holidays right around the corner, this is the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket and make for all of your holiday events!
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5) Miso Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Looking for the perfect, easy side dish to compliment your weeknight dinners? Well, look no further because I've got you. My Miso Roasted Sweet Potatoes are SO delicious and super easy to whip up on a weekday night. Oh, and they're gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and Paleo-friendly.
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6) Vegan Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
The perfect appetizer anytime that you need a fool-proof dish that's sure to delight; these Vegan Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms are delicious, hearty, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Pop out a tray of these for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or eat them all yourself – I'm not judging! This recipe requires less than 10 simple ingredients, and is gluten-free and paleo-friendly too!
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Side Dishes
While most people think Thanksgiving is about the turkey, for me, it’s all about the side dishes. Think: flavorful, plant-forward dishes that are sure to shine all on their own. This year, I’m introducing brand new side dishes that have been a knockout success with my family. From my spiced roasted carrots with a creamy lemony whipped feta dip to a sourdough stuffing that is way better than stovetop, these recipes will make your Thanksgiving leftovers something to look forward to – if there are any left!
7) Spiced Roasted Carrots with Lemony Whipped Feta
Warm roasted carrots sit atop a bed of creamy whipped feta for a Thanksgiving side dish that will please both the vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, at your dinner table. Introducing my Spiced Roasted Carrots with Lemony Whipped Feta, a delicious and easy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It's made from perfectly spiced carrots, a creamy homemade whipped feta dip that comes together in seconds, and is garnished with fresh herbs and pomegranate arils for a bright flavor profile that is sure to stand out!
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8) Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
There is no dish that is more quintessential to American cooking than mashed potatoes. Think: creamy, cheesy, smooth potatoes often topped with chives, fresh herbs, and a whole lot of butter. My version of mashed potatoes isn't your typical recipe – after all, they aren't called the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes for nothing! These potatoes are loaded with herbs, topped with buttery caramelized onions, and are perfect for serving on your Thanksgiving dinner table.
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9) The Best Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Romesco Dipping Sauce
Crispy smashed brussels sprouts served alongside a creamy, homemade dip makes for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or plant-based side dish for your holiday get togethers, Thanksgiving celebrations, or anytime that you need to feed a crowd! Introducing The Best Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Romesco Dipping Sauce, aka the only way that you need to cook brussles sprouts from hereon out! The brussles sprouts come out perfectly crispy, and the Romesco dipping sauce is so good, you'll want to drink it. Believe me when I say that this recipe will have you loving brussels sprouts in a whole new way!
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10) One Pot Sourdough Wild Mushroom Stuffing
A cozy, comforting bowl of stuffing is the perfect compliment to any Thanksgiving dinner table. Filled with tender chunks of bread, hearty chicken broth, and an array of fresh herbs, this side dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and holds a taste of nostalgia in every bite. My One Pot Sourdough Wild Mushroom Stuffing is my simple, easy, and hearty take on the traditional stuffing recipe. Made from tangy sourdough bread and a medley of wild mushrooms that get more flavorful over time, this recipe will have you looking forward to your annual Thanksgiving leftovers!
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11) Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli
If you're looking for a recipe that proves that vegetables don't have to be boring, then look no further than this one. My Lemon Parmesan Smashed Broccoli is my new favorite way to prepare broccoli – and I know that it will be yours, too. Made with only 5 simple ingredients, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly and perfect for serving alongside your favorite chicken or fish dishes, or simply snacking on alone!
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12) Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash
One of the most underrated fall flavors, in my opinion, is the deliciousness of roasted delicata squash. It's tender, it's sweet, and pairs perfectly with salty cheese and flavorful herbs. And in my humble opinion, there is no better way to enjoy this perfect fall veggie than by making my Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash. These tender squash pieces are perfect for snacking, or for serving alongside your favorite protein options, like my Easy Chicken Marsala. Yum!
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13) Paleo Cauliflower Sausage Stuffing
Two words: Paleo. Stuffing. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, I promise that it isn't! If you're paleo, gluten-free, or otherwise don't deal with too much bread (no judgement here) then you're going to love my Paleo Cauliflower Sausage Stuffing. Not only is it everything that you love about stuffing, but it's bread free. And YES, it's delicious. Don't believe me yet? Just make it and see. I promise you'll be convinced.
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14) Lemon Basil Quinoa
This Lemon Basil Quinoa is the perfect addition to your life! It's a super flavorful quinoa dish, bursting with lemon and basil, and can be served hot or cold, and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish – it's all up to you!
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15) The Best Ever Vegan Stuffing
If you're someone who comes to Thanksgiving dinner for the turkey, but stays for the stuffing, then I made this recipe for YOU. This is truly The Best Ever Vegan Stuffing, and will blow the socks off of what you thought stuffing could be. This isn't your typical Stovetop recipe – it's BETTER, and I promise it's worth the extra time to make!
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16) The Best Paleo Bacon Sausage Stuffing
This stuffing is so delicious and flavorful, I guarantee you won't miss the bread! It's packed with italian sausage, bacon, and of course lots of veggies too! Butternut squash is perfect this time of year!
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Salads
In the midst of a sea of decadent bread rolls and perfectly-cooked turkeys, there is one Thanksgiving dish that often gets overlooked: the salad. A rich, flavorful salad is the perfect way to get in some extra veggies, support your digestion, and add some variety to your Thanksgiving dinner. And my salads are anything but ordinary. Made with real, whole foods and creamy homemade dressings that are so good, you could drink them, these salads will be ones that your guests can’t stop talking about!
17) Warm Roasted Veggie Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Warm roasted veggies come together with perfect curly kale and a sweet and tangy dressing for a salad that will be perfect on your Thanksgiving dinner table this year. That's right, my Warm Roasted Veggie Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a warm salad that is packed with a medley of vegetables that are spiced to perfection and paired with a homemade vinaigrette dressing. It's perfect for serving up on its own as a healthy and delicious dinner, or alongside your favorite mains.
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18) Hearty Kale Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
When it comes to the colder, winter months, salads often tend to get forgotten. After all, salads are known for being cold, refreshing, and light. However, if there was ever a perfect winter salad, it would have to be this one. Introducing my Hearty Kale Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette: a warm, comforting salad full of tender kale, cozy butternut squash, and a delicious homemade dijon vinaigrette. This salad is gluten-free, grain-free, and can easily be made dairy-free, so what are you waiting for? Run, don't walk, to your kitchen and go make this salad today!
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19) The Ultimate Kale Salad with Tahini Lemon Dressing
Locked and loaded kale salad topped with toasted quinoa, dried cranberries, shaved parmesan cheese, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a super creamy tahini-lemon-garlic dressing. This addicting salad is one that you will come back to, again and again! It's mind-blowing good!
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20) Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dijon Dressing
For all of my meal preppers: this recipe is for YOU. My Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dijon Dressing is the perfect make-ahead salad, because it stays fresh for days without getting wilted and soggy! That's right – prepare this salad ahead of time and have a crispy, crunchy, tangy salad available anytime that you want it. This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, and vegetarian-friendly as well!
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21) Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing
Say goodbye to boring salads, and hello00 to my Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing. This is THE ultimate salad for fall, loaded with tons of vibrant, fresh veggies, crisp fruit, and a little cheese. Oh, and not to mention, my maple tahini dressing that is absolutely to die for. If you've been looking for a good salad recipe, then look no further: you've found it!
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Dressings, Dips, & Sauces
While my Thanksgiving dishes are sure to stand out on their own, there is nothing wrong with using a little bit of sauce to take things to the next level. From the only cranberry sauce recipe that you’ll need, to flavorful dips that can be served as appetizers, sides, or snacks throughout the day, these dips are delicious and perfect for serving with chips, bread, or crudité.
22) Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
This recipe is incredibly special to me, because it's a riff off of my mother's recipe. Introducing my Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce, aka a delicious, healthy twist on your traditional Cranberry Sauce. My version is refined sugar-free, and only uses 7 ingredients! It's quick, simple, easy, and an absolute staple for your Thanksgiving Day dinner.
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23) 5-Minute Healthy Romesco Sauce
Made from roasted red peppers and flavorful tomatoes, romesco sauce is the perfect way to liven up fresh vegetables, warm pita bread, perfectly cooked chicken, and so much more. Introducing my 5-Minute Healthy Romesco Sauce – a bright sauce made from just a few simple and easy pantry ingredients. It's packed with flavor and is the best way to spice up almost any dish!
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24) Easy Chimichurri Sauce
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to add some flavor to your grilled meats, look no further than my Easy Chimichurri Sauce! This vibrant, herb-packed sauce hails from Argentina and is a staple at BBQs and asados (Argentinian BBQs). It's made with a blend of fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, and it's the perfect accompaniment to your favorite grilled steak, chicken, or even fish!
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25) Healthy White Bean Dip
If you're someone who loves a good dip, then be prepared to fall in-love with this recipe! My Healthy White Bean Dip is a delicious, flavorful, protein-packed dip that's perfect to serve with veggies, chips, or to simply eat by the spoon – I won't judge! Plus, this recipe happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly, making it the perfect healthy dip for everyone to enjoy!
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26) Not Your Grandma’s Cranberry Sauce
Here's my favorite cranberry sauce recipe! It's vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free, and whoa, it's paleo-friendly too!
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Main Courses
Turkey, who? Don’t get me wrong, I love a good turkey. But, if you’re looking for alternatives to the renowned star of the Thanksgiving dinner, then these recipes are sure to impress. Plus, there’s a variety of vegetarian-friendly options too, so everyone can have a dish to enjoy!
27) Easy Oven-Baked Tri-Tip Roast
If you're looking for a steak recipe that is juicy, tender, and practically melts in your mouth, then look no further than this one! My Easy Oven-Baked Tri-Tip Roast is perfectly cooked, perfectly delicious, and is seasoned with my signature spice blend that is truly crave-worthy. It doesn't get any better than this! I got this recipe from my mom, who made this all the time growing up, and I can't wait to share it with you (along with some AMAZING ways to serve it). This is a recipe you'll hang onto for ages!
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28) Loaded Spaghetti Squash Bowls
Tender spaghetti squash baked in olive oil and filled to the brim with stewed meat and marinara sauce is a match made in heaven – and these Loaded Spaghetti Squash Bowls have all of that and more! They're made from whole spaghetti squash filled with a homemade filling that can easily be made with your favorite meat or plant-based alternative. Whether you're low-carb, carnivore, or part of the plant-based crowd, this delicious recipe is naturally gluten and dairy-free, and is sure to pack quite the punch.
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29) How to Make Perfectly Juicy Chicken Every Single Time
If you've ever wondered how to make perfectly moist, juicy chicken without fail, then look no further because I've got not one, but TWO ways to make perfectly juicy chicken, every time. Chicken tends to be a lower fat protein, which means it can easily get dry if not prepared properly. But with these simple tips, you can officially say goodbye to dry chicken breasts, forever!
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30) How to Make The Perfect Pan Seared Steak
There are few things as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak. The crispy exterior, the tender, juicy interior, and the rich, meaty flavor make it a go-to for any special occasion. However, cooking a perfect steak can be quite challenging, even for experienced cooks. There are so many variables to consider, including the cut of meat, the seasoning, and the cooking method, which is why I am so excited to be sharing my tips for Making the PERFECT Pan Seared Steak. With these simple tips, your steaks will turn out juicy and delicious, every time!
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31) Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
If you are looking for a hearty and delicious holiday recipe that also happens to be gut-healthy friendly, then look no further, because this is it! This Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash is perfectly festive, rich in flavor, and is a delicious vegetarian-friendly option to serve your friends and family, this holiday season. Plus, it's also gluten-free!
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32) Healthy Armenian Stuffed Red Peppers (Dolma)
A classic Armenian recipe that comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Made from tender red bell peppers and ground meat cooked in a medley of different seasonings and broth, this cozy and comforting recipe is perfect for those colder months when you're craving a dish that's filling, without being heavy. My Healthy Armenian Stuffed Red Bell Peppers (aka Dolma) are a recipe taken straight from my bestselling cookbook, LOVE TO EAT, and is a recipe that the whole family is sure to enjoy!
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33) Quick & Easy Salmon with Tomato Lemon Sauce
If you're looking for a simple, yet delicious weeknight dinner that is bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, then I have the perfect recipe for you. My Quick & Easy Salmon with Tomato Lemon Sauce is bursting with flavor and makes for the perfect healthy dinner to throw together in a pinch. Plus, the sauce tastes even better the next day, making the perfect recipe for an easy meal prep!
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Desserts
And of course, no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without dessert. These desserts are simple, healthy, and delicious, and many of them cater to different diets, too. From low-sugar favorites that won’t make you miss the extra sugar, to a gluten-free take on your favorite (life changing) chocolate chip cookies, these desserts are truly made to impress!
34) Best Ever Mini Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin pie is an essential dish for the holiday season, and when it comes to making homemade pumpkin pie, it doesn't get any easier than this! These are the Best Ever Mini Pumpkin Pies that are perfect for serving a crowd. They're single-serving, hassle-free, and they come together in less time than it takes to make a full pie. Can you believe it?! Make these mini pies to impress your friends and family, and deliver the most quintessential holiday dessert!
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35) Chewy Paleo Maple Pecan Cookies
These Chewy Paleo Maple Pecan Cookies are the best maple cookies you’ll ever eat, and I will go on the record saying that. To get the perfect cooking texture, you’ll be using a combination of coconut sugar and maple syrup, a tip I learned so many years ago from NYT Cooking. Each cookie is then topped with an easy maple glaze that takes them to a whole new level! They’re also paleo, gluten free, grain free, and refined sugar free. Winning!
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36) Life Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
The name says it all. These Life Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies are in fact life changing and the best gluten-free, grain-free cookies around town. Just ask the thousands of people that have made them!
37) Best Ever Mini Pecan Pies
What's better than a pecan pie? Hands-down, it's a MINI pecan pie. After all, everything is better in mini form, and these pies are no exception! In fact, these may be the Best Ever Mini Pecan Pies, and I will go on the record saying it. These pies come together in a matter of minutes, with only 8 unique ingredients, and can easily be made gluten-free as well! Woohoo!
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38) Vegan Pumpkin Graham Cracker Cheesecake
No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without dessert, and my Vegan Pumpkin Graham Cracker Cheesecake is the ULTIMATE dessert. A rich, creamy, pumpkin-y cheesecake situated atop a perfectly-crisp graham cracker crust is the perfect combination. Say "bye-bye" to pumpkin pie, because this recipe takes the cake!
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39) Incredible Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet
I truly believe that this recipe that you see right here – my Incredible Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet is one of the best recipes I have ever created. I know that is saying a lot, but I am one of those food bloggers that is very intentional about the content I put out into the world, so I wouldn't say it unless it was true. It's paleo, grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, and is a must-make recipe this Fall season!
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40) Warm Baked Apples With Cinnamon Granola
When you can't decide if you want breakfast or dessert, you indulge in these delicious Warm Baked Apples With Cinnamon Granola! These healthy stuffed apples are gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free! Add a scoop of ice cream, and you'll be amazed at how delicious healthy can be!
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41) Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
The creamiest and most delicious sweet potato casserole, with a gluten-free pecan crumble topping. Add this recipe to your recipe box for years to come!
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43) The Best Ever Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bars
These pumpkin pie bars are so good, you'll never make pumpkin pie in a tin anymore! They are gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, because no one wants a sugar crash this time of year!
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44) Shortcut Pecan Fudge Brownies
If you love a treat that's both a little sweet and a little salty, then prepare to fall in-love with this sweet and salty treat that comes together in a pinch! These are my Shortcut Pecan Fudge Brownies, a gooey, perfect fudge brownie that takes boxed brownie mix and kicks it up a notch, thanks to the crunchy pecan topping. This recipe is called a "shortcut" recipe since it uses boxed brownie mix, but don't let that stop you from making it – this recipe is proof that with a little magic, even boxed baked goods can become bakery-worthy treats!
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Drinks
What could be more fun than sharing a drink or two with the people that you love? These cocktails come together in a matter of seconds, with healthy ingredients that your family and friends are sure to love. Plus, a few of them can be prepared ahead of time, and most of them can be made into mocktails, so the whole family can enjoy!
45) Holiday Pomegranate Mimosas
A delicious holiday cocktail made with fruit-forward ice cubes? Sign me up! This Holiday Pomegranate Mimosa is a sweet and delicious twist on a traditional mimosa that is perfect for the holiday season. It's made with a little Prosecco and the help of delicious Pomegranate ice cubes, so your drink stays cold without being watery!
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46) Apple Cider Whiskey Smash
Your new favorite fall cocktail has the sweet taste of apple cider, but with the perfect spiked twist. That's right, my Apple Cider Whiskey Smash is a sweet, sour, and dare I say crave-able whiskey cocktail that is perfect for the fall season! Plus, this recipe comes together with only five ingredients, making it easy to whip up after a long day of apple picking… or whatever activities this season brings!
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47) Pomegranate Moscow Mules
The ONLY holiday cocktail recipe that you need this year has finally arrived! That’s right, my Pomegranate Moscow Mules are a delicious, refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. It’s bursting with fresh fruit and bright herbs for the ultimate cocktail recipe. Plus, this recipe can easily be made non-alcoholic, for a refreshing drink that everyone can enjoy!
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48) Easy Pumpkin Espresso Martini
The ultimate classic cocktail with a kick, an espresso martini is the perfect drink for when you're craving the buzz of a cocktail with a boost of caffeine. This twist on the classic espresso martini is not only perfectly sweet, spicy, and creamy, but is also festive and fun for the fall season. That's right, my Easy Pumpkin Espresso Martini comes together with just a few simple and easy ingredients and is the ultimate boozy cocktail to serve during Halloween-time, or fall in general!
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49) Greyhound Basil Mocktail
Whether this is a #SoberSummer for you, or you're just looking for fun alcohol-free mocktails, then get ready, because this mocktail recipe will change your life! My Greyhound Basil Mocktail is an alcohol-free twist on one of my favorite classic cocktails that will make you feel like you're on a fabulous summer vacation.
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If you decide to make any of these recipes, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below! And since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving! xx
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