How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in (Almost!) Every State

Feb 06, 2016

We’ve already popped the champagne at midnight, and maybe, just maybe, we’ve managed to hold onto our New Year’s resolutions, but the celebrations aren’t over yet. That’s because the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is right around the corner. Pull out your best Chinese New Year decorations and dig up your fave noodle recipes, because this year we’ve found where you can celebrate the Year of the Monkey all over the USA.

Alabama: The 2016 Chinese New Year Festival in Birmingham promises games, traditional dance and enough food to feel like you’re back at the Thanksgiving table. (Photo via Birmingham Chinese Festival Association)

Alaska: Join the Alaska Chinese Association for a joint Chinese New Year and 40th anniversary party. The party takes place in Anchorage on February 8 and is open to members for $20.

Arizona: The three-day Chinese Culture & Cuisine Festival in Phoenix promises traditional Chinese cuisine and dance, martial art demonstrations and dragon and lion dances.

Arkansas: Calling all students of the University of Arkansas. On February 6, the Chinese Students + Scholars Association will host a celebration of the New Year, free to enrolled students of the Fayetteville campus.

California: Hope you’re ready to party, LA. Head out to the 117th Annual Golden Dragon Parade + Chinese New Year Festival on February 13 (free to the public too!) or enjoy any one of the other events happening, like the Chinatown tour or Chinatown 5K/10K race.

Colorado: Head out to Highland Ranch in Denver for their Chinese New Year event on February 6, featuring on-stage performances, cuisine and fun for all ages.

Connecticut: Spend your day at Lunarfest, a crazy creative event chock full of activities for kids and adults alike. Kick things off with the lion dance parade and then try your hand at dumpling-making, learning a bit of Mandarin or crafting a lantern.

Delaware: On February 20, the Delaware Art Museum will play host to the Chinese New Year Celebration: Year of the Monkey. Your jam-packed day will include a gallery scavenger hunt, traditional Chinese art activities, calligraphy lessons and more.

Florida: Folks in Orlando can make their way to the Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival on February 14 for what could arguably be the most unique V-day date idea. Chinese cuisine, dancing and martial arts are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at this free event. (Photo via Central Florida Dragon Parade)

Georgia: The 2016 Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival is a two-day event that promises fantastic ethnic food, arts and crafts and folks songs and dance. Admission is five dollars per person.

Hawaii: In Oahu? First, we’re jealous. Second, head over to Chinatown for their Chinese New Year extravaganza, featuring traditional lion and dragon dances, Kung fu exhibitions and of course, a parade.

Idaho: Idahoans can celebrate at the annual Idaho Chinese New Year Party on February 13 at Brandt Fine Arts and Convocation Center. Admission is eight dollars, but kids 12 and under get in free.

Illinois: Home to one of the nation’s largest Chinatowns, Chicago is filled to the brim with activities to celebrate. Check out the Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade or visit the Garfield Park Conservatory to throw a wish up on their monkey tree. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. (Photo via Choose Chicago)

Indiana: The Indianapolis Chinese Performance Arts presents the Year of the Monkey, a night filled with Chinese music, dances, acrobats and traditional instruments.

Iowa: Any dinner party that pairs wine with each course is a winner in our book. Head over to the Tassel Ridge Winery to enjoy a four-course meal and wine pairings to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Monkey.

Kansas: Hey K-State students! You can head over to the university on February 7 for their annual New Year celebration. Activities take place from 11am-6pm.

Kentucky: Feeling like tackling a creative DIY? Members of the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington get to make Chinese lanterns and paper fish kites at their annual Chinese New Year event.

Maine: Drawing in over 750 attendees, the Chinese + American Friendship Association’s Chinese New Year Celebration is one of the most anticipated events in Maine each year. Speakers include NY Times best-selling author, Tess Gerritsen, and activities include martial arts, Chinese folk song and dance performances. (photo via CAFAM Maine)

Maryland: Stop by the Lakeforest Mall between February 1-14 to explore traditional decor and exhibits as well as live music on the weekends. Shopping and culture? We’ll take it!

Massachusetts: Join community members in Salem for the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival, featuring drop-in art activities, performances and a special peak inside the life of monks.

Michigan: Stop by the Detroit Institute of Art to check out a classical southern style lion dance and demonstrations of a variety of Kung Fu forms. In addition, visitors can browse the more than 2,600 Asian artifacts that call the Institute home.

Minnesota: Head over to the Chinese Dance Theatre and celebrate the New Year by taking in a production of their latest event: One Earth, One Home.

Mississippi: Make your way to Mississippi State University on February 7 to take part in their annual Chinese New Year Gala, featuring a traditional Chinese cuisine dinner and cultural performances. Admission to this event is three dollars.

Missouri: The Acrobats of China is a fast-paced extravaganza to celebrate the New Year. Wine, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight parade make this a can’t-miss event.

Montana: The Mai Wah Society in Butte, Montana hosts what Reader’s Digest calls “One of the six most interesting processions in America.” An accompanying art show and reception will be held in tandem on February 13. (Photo via Mai Wah Society)

Nebraska:The Asian Community and Cultural Center in Lincoln will host its annual Lunar New Year event on February 13. This popular event is expected to draw crowds of over 700 guests.

Nevada: What happens at the Spring Festival, stays at the Spring Festival. The Chinese New Year in the Desert event will be held in multiple locations across an entire week. Participants can enjoy everything from parades and fashion shows to mixology demonstrations and ice shavings. (Photo via CNY in the Desert)

New Hampshire: For the second year in a row, the University of New Hampshire plays host to a traditional “Miaohui” or “Temple fair.” Participants can visit different booths and experience everything from rice cake pounding to traditional brush painting.

New Jersey: The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company is bringing the heat with their Year of the Monkey performance. You can count on witnessing a magical humanization of the Monkey King. Hello, jaw-dropping costume changes!

New Mexico: Time for a road trip to Albuquerque. Celebrate the holiday at the Chinese Culture Center, where the highlight of the day is the Dance of the Dragon, featuring a sixty-foot Chinese dragon that is operated by 10 people.

New York: You can’t really go wrong celebrating a holiday in the Big Apple, and the Chinese New Year is no exception. Head over to Chinatown on February 14 for one of the largest and most extravagant parades in the country. (Photo via Bryan Thomas/Getty)

North Carolina: The Charlotte Museum of History has been celebrating the New Year since November with their latest exhibition: “Enter the Dragon.” A celebration of the importance of the dragon as an iconic cultural symbol, this exhibit runs through the end of May.

Ohio: Clevelanders unite and make your way to Cleveland State University for the Lunar New Year Celebration, featuring a tea ceremony (so fancy), calligraphy, kung fu and so much more. (Photo via Hanban News)

Oklahoma: Keep things authentic in Oklahoma by grabbing dinner at Pho Lien Hoa in Oklahoma City. Loated in the heart of the Asian District, this restaurant specializes in the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, pho, aka the perfect, low-key way to celebrate the holiday.

Oregon: After being closed for renovations, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is reopening on Feb. 8 in time to celebrate the New Year. Be sure to get there early so you can participate in the traditional “Rolling in the Wealth,” a good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and coins through Lan Su’s front door.

Pennsylvania: If you’re in PA and looking to party, head over to Philadelphia. With events taking place in Philly’s Chinatown from February 6-14, you’re sure to find something that fits your fancy. From lion dances to museum exhibits, they have it all. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation).

Rhode Island: If there’s magic involved, we’re there. The University of Bryant hosts the Chinese New Year event on February 27 and promises martial arts, acrobatics and, yes, magic.

South Carolina: Make your way to the capital city and the South Carolina State Museum to celebrate the Chinese New Year with dinner, dancing, live entertainment and a silent auction.

South Dakota: Have kids, or maybe nephews and nieces in grades K-6? We have just the event for you. Help the youngins in your life explore a new culture at the Chinese New Year event at the Adams Museum.

Tennessee: Celebrate with Tennesseans across the state at the East Tennessee Chinese New Year Festival, a two-hour event on February 7 at the University of Tennessee Alumni Memorial Building.

Texas: Time to hit up H-town, Texans. Grab your friends and head over to Houston City Hall for the annual Texas Lunar Festival. The day is jam-packed with musical entertainment from traditional dance to modern jazz.

Utah: The gang’s all here at this celebration. Eighteen Chinese organizations throughout the state of Utah come together to put on the Chinese New Year Celebration, an event that attracts thousands each year.

Vermont: The Asian Cultural Center of Vermont has this event down. The 14th annual Lunar New Year Festival is free and welcome to all. You can count on celebrating the different cultures of Vietnam, Korea and China at this party.

Virginia: They do say Virginia is for lovers. We’re guessing that’s why their annual Chinese New Year Celebration, featuring entertainment and crazy amounts of food, is taking place on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Washington: On Saturday, February 13, make your way to Hing Hay Park for a Lunar New Year celebration that boasts itself as the largest event in the region. Try your hand at martial arts or check out traditional lion dances.

West Virginia: The Lantern Festival Party on February 13 is hosted by the Chinese Professionals Association of West Virginia. With performances and dinner offered, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Wisconsin: The entire community is welcome to join the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as they celebrate the year of the monkey on February 20. The annual Chinese New Year Gala will feature community performances and dragon dances.

Wyoming: Grab the kids and head to the Paul Smith Children’s Village for an exploration of the Chinese New Year. Kids and parents alike will learn about the Lunar New Year and the meaning behind the Year of the Monkey.

Are you celebrating Chinese New Year? Tweet us your plans @BritandCo!

(Editor’s Note: Brit + Co was unable to find events in Louisiana and North Dakota at the time of publication.)

13 Quick & Easy Ways To Calm Down When You’re Stressed Out

Lately, we've been faced with anxiety everywhere we turn. It's okay if (like us), you don't always know how to deal with the toughest of times, especially when the tough times never seem to end. If you are feeling that way, we're right there with you! Our team has always shared the ways we cope with our personal stressors over the years, and we wanna share these quick and easy tips for how to calm down with you! Keep reading for our recommendations — hopefully they can help the next time you're feeling anxious.

Thirdman

Intentional Thoughts

I'm someone who has a hard time letting things go; I can agonize over one thought or situation for days! Because of this, I focus a lot on taking thoughts captive, which just means pinpointing anxious thoughts and replacing them with what I know is true.

When I have an anxious thought, I do a creative visualization exercise in which I imagine it's inside a bubble floating over my head. Then I slam an imaginary door over the memory and lock it. Then the bubble explodes and the thought doesn't exist anymore. It's not necessarily pretending like it never happened, but it does allow me to exercise some control over what I allow myself to spend time and energy thinking about.

—Choe Williams, Entertainment Editor

Mikhail Nilov

Breathing Techniques

My mom is a Pre-K teacher and suggested I try the breathing exercises she does with her kids who are just four years old (I'm 31 for context). The first is called Mountain Breathing, which entails holding up your hand and tracing the outline of your fingers. As you climb up the mountain (or your finger), inhale, and as you trace down into the valley between your fingers, exhale. Another breathing visualization she recommends is as you inhale, imagine yourself breathing in to smell the flowers, and exhale to blow out a candle. These little imaginative scenarios help me get out of my head and focus on my breathing when I need a little reset throughout the day.

Hammock Swinging

Whenever I'm feeling super stressed, I head for the hammock I setup in my front yard. Just as rocking can soothe babies, swinging in a hammock is a powerful soother for adults too! I feel super chilled afterwards and am usually getting some Vitamin D while I'm at it for a win-win.

Painting

During the pandemic, I revisited arts and crafts with soft pastels. I started mixing the colors and doing gradient shadings on card stock with my hands, and it proved to be a super meditative way to decompress. The end result is DIY art you can share or pin on your fridge or wall.

—Alison Ives, Head Of Content

KoolShooters

Breathing Techniques

Nothing calms me down quite like alternate-nostril breathing. I first learned about this technique in my yoga classes, but the practice (called Nadi Shodhana in Sanskrit) dates back to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which was thought to be written sometime between 200 BC and 200 CE. Put simply, you sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and cover one nostril while you breathe in through the other. Then, you switch which nostril you're holding closed, and breathe out. In modern times, the connection between vagal nerve tone (which is correlated with anxiety and emotional regulation) and alternate-nostril breathing is becoming more and more mainstream, which may eventually help us better understand why this practice is so naturally calming.

Tarot Reading

Tarot can mean a lot of different things to different people. For me, I use tarot cards as a method to help me understand what lessons I'm learning at any given time. This has allowed me to view stressors in my life as learning experiences, which has helped me stay calm in numerous crises. I personally like to light some incense or a scented candle, sit quietly, and pull a card to see what resonates. That said, tarot and its associated images and meanings can be scary or triggering if you don't have a deep and gentle understanding of what the cards mean. I recommend Lindsay Mack's classes and podcasts for anyone who wants to learn about tarot in a non-judgemental, non-predictive, trauma-informed way.

—Maggie McCracken, Former Senior Editor

Gustavo Fring

Sensory Accessories

My recent ways of coping/de-stressing have primarily been spiky sensory finger rings, which are a huge help when I need to get something done and can't stop my day to destress. I grab one of these guys which I have all over the place (most of my jacket pockets + purses), and it helps to calm me down and reset my focus.

Meditation On The Move

Another thing I do that I am trying to integrate into my daily routine is guided meditation walks. As someone who hasn't mastered sitting meditation I've found some on Headspace that I'm enjoying that are specifically for going on a walk through a city.

—Claire Shadomy, Former Graphic Designer

Kate Branch

Baths...

In times of high stress, or after a long day, my go-to is always a candle-lit bath soak. I put a large scoop of Epsom salts in the tub with a few drops of my favorite essential oil and place tea lights all around the tub. It’s like my secret getaway from the rest of the world. I always make a point to leave my phone in the other room too so I utilize the time to just relax in silence. Water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's “rest and digest” response. It always gets my heart rate and blood pressure down.

...And Sound Baths

Sound baths are a meditative experience where you’re “bathed” in sound waves. I love to watch them online but you can also create your own experience. I find meditating with a singing bowl so relaxing. It can take a little practice, but once you’ve nailed the hand movement, it’s an interactive way to ease stress and channel your focus elsewhere.

—Allison Cimo, Former Social Media Manager

Brady Knoll

Take A Hike

Pretty much every day in 2020 I walked the trails near my house and I started to pick up a small rock each time. I'd fidget with it while I cleared my mind and let nature calm my nerves. I would throw the rock back into nature after my hike and it felt like a release for all of my worries.

Bedtime Music

My daughter and I listen to Doze sleep music on Headspace before we go to bed. It calms her late-night zoomies (and mine) and gets her to sleep in minutes!

—Theresa Gonzalez, Branded Content Editor

Anastasia Shuraeva

Journaling

What I use for my anxiety is the Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal. I have a safe word in place for when I feel myself spiraling or I'm not able to control my thoughts and breathing.

—Brittney Davis, Account Manager

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Pick For November Is In!

Did you know November is National Native American Heritage Month? Reese Witherspoon does, and she's excited for readers to get to know Nemonte Nenquimo's story with her book club. Indigenous people have long deserved to have their stories and activism championed, so we're excited one of the year's most inspiring memoirs will be in more readers' hands! Here's everything you should know about the latest book club pick!

When did Reese's Book Club announce its November pick?

Instagram/ReesesBookClub

Reese's Book Club made the exciting announcement almost a week ago — and it was met with plenty excitement from fans! One person wrote, "Yes! This is SUCH. AN. AMAZING. MEMOIR. 👏" while another said, "Incredibly powerful and moving 🥹🤍."

We can't wait to dig into this inspiring read!

What has Reese Witherspoon said about it?

Reese's Book Club

Reese Witherspoon is excited about November's pick for several reasons. She said it's "an unforgettable memoir about fighting for your home and your heart" before adding how she was "moved by this story." You know if Reese was moved, it's gonna be a good one — that woman knows how to pick a book!

What is 'We Will Be Jaguars' about?

Instagram/ReesesBookClub

Unlike most of Reese's Book Club picks, We Will Be Jaguars is Nemonte Nenquimo's memoir. Beginning with her birth in Ecuador's Amazon forest, Nenquimo found herself belonging to the Waorani tribe. From learning how to identify the healing components of nature and telling stories, she was immersed in her tribe's culture until she decided to briefly leave to study with missionaries.

However, Nenquimo answered her ancestors call to remember where she comes from and she began focusing on climate change. She's led the initiative against Big Oil that's harming the Amazon and has gone toe to toe with various groups, even some of those she once studied with.

With her husband Mitch Anderson's help, she hopes We Will Be Jaguars continues debunking horrific myths about indigenous culture by introducing readers to their beautiful history.

Shop Reese's Book Club November Pick Here!

Amazon

We Will Be Jaguarsby Nemonte Nenquimo and Mitch Anderson

Need more reading inspiration for the upcoming year? Check out the new books we can't wait to read!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

28 Tasty Thanksgiving Cocktails That Are Full Of Boozy Fall Flavor

The rush of the holidays and planning the perfect holiday feast is no joke — finding the best Thanksgiving cocktails, roasting a delicious turkey and, of course, getting creative with leftovers — it all makes it hard to kick back and relax. We think you should find a moment for yourself (or with a few pals) and celebrate the wonderful flavors we love so much this time of year.

Instead of going for the tired pumpkin spice latte, think more along the lines of a boozyfall cocktail. Picture bourbon cocktails with cinnamon, caramel, apple… you know, all the autumn classics. We don't recommend sampling these Thanksgiving cocktails all in one night, but let's just say it'll be difficult to only choose one. We can't wait to try these Thanksgiving cocktails!

Brit + Co

Nespresso White Russian

Combining booze with coffee makes it somewhat more acceptable to knock one back during that late-morning, gathering-before-dinner time period, no? We love any excuse to get cozy with Nespresso, and this White Russian concoction will have you feeling all the warm, Thanksgiving-y vibes.

Brit + Co

S'moretini

Whether it's too cold to sit outside and snack on some s'mores, or you don't have a fire pit to roast marshmallows (although Gilmore Girlsdid show us how to use our stovetops...), this Thanksgiving cocktail is a great alternative to the sticky dessert. The chocolate andgraham cracker coating on the rim is just the cherry on top!

Brit + Co

Rum Toddy

This cocktail recipe is great because there's a good chance you already have the majority of the ingredients in your kitchen! Just put everything you need in a thermos, stir it up, and you're good to go. Not only will toddies keep you warm on cold days, but they're good for sore throats and fighting the chills if you're feeling a lil' under the weather.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz

Swap your cranberry sauce for a cranberry cocktail complete with ginger beer, pears, and limes. Make sure you keep some whole cranberries and rosemary sprigs for the finishing touch. Even if you've never made cocktails before, this drink is so easy that anyone can make it!

Brit + Co

Clementine Whiskey Smash

Sweet clementine juice and rich whiskey are the perfect match in this fun Thanksgiving drink, plus you can adjust the amount of whiskey that goes in depending on how strong you'd like the drink. Go easy for a fresh taste or add a bit more if you want something warmer.

Brit + Co

Wild Turkey Cocktails

Now, we know what you're thinking: "there is no way I'm drinking a cocktail that has turkey in it." But you don't have to worry because the 'wild turkey' in this recipe actually comes from Wild Turkey American Honey! Make one for an afternoon apéritif or an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed. Now the only question is, who let the (wild) turkeys out?!

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

We're suckers for all things pumpkin spice, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in a little PSL-inspired boozy bevvy. This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is super easy to make — and even easier to devour.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Is The New Black Cocktail

From cranberry sauce to cranberry garlands, this red berry is definitely a holiday season staple – and now you can add it to yourbar cart! Think of this drink as an upgraded vodka cranberry, with a more sophisticated look. If you're not able to get black vodka, just sub black food coloring to achieve the same finished product.

Brit + Co

Chai Hot Toddy

If you're not a huge pumpkin person, then you have to try this spiced, creamy Thanksgiving cocktail while you wait for eggnog season. Your classic chai gets a makeover with some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk (YUM!) that give it a whole new holiday edge. You can also experiment with different spices and adding in a shot of espresso to change things up.

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-car Cocktail

As far as we're concerned, apple cider season should last all winter long. This easy cocktail only has four ingredients (apple cider, brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice) which means there's no excuse to not have this on your Thanksgiving menu! Need a simple alternative for the under-21 crew? Nix the alcohol, but keep the glasses for an upscale apple cider mocktail.

Brit + Co

Convergent Opera Cake Cocktail

This cold brew concoction is perfect for getting you buzzed in more than one way. It's the perfect after-dinner dose of caffeine you need to avoid a food coma, but it'll also give you all the Thanksgiving feels.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Zinger Jam Jar Cocktail

We love jam and we love cocktails, so why not put them together? This cranberry zinger (which is basically the queen of mixed Thanksgiving cocktails) will certainly make you feel all kinds of bubbly. All you gotta do is pour your favorite gin and cranberry juice over ice, and then top with a spoonful of your go-to jam. Top it off with ginger ale, and you're done!

Brit + Co

Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail

Ginger has just the right amount of warmth to keep you toasty during holiday gatherings. This delicious ginger beer concoction will be a total crowd pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving gatherings.

Wholefully

Two Ingredient Apple Cider Mimosas

If mimosas (especially apple cider mimosas) don't scream fall brunch, we don't know what does. Since it's only two ingredients, you don't have to worry about trying to put together a complex Thanksgiving cocktail recipe while also preparing dinner. Sounds like a win-win.

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Hot Cider

Add 1 gallon apple cider, 1 tbsp whole allspice, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 4 star anise to a pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes before adding 1.5 cups of Dos Hombres Mezcal to spike the sip!

Home & Plate

Salted Caramel Apple Martini

Martinis make us feel sophisticated and mysterious, but there's one thing that's no mystery: cocktail hour will never be the same after you serve this sweet, tart drink to your family and friends. All you *really* need is a little caramel vodka and apple cider, and you're good to go. Don't forget to chill your martini glasses beforehand to keep things cool.

JoLynn Shane

Apple Cider Mojito Recipe

Mojitos might usually be a summer drink for you, but the addition of apple cider makes this one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you could sip on. The cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe is totally worth the extra prep time. This drink is also loaded with fresh mint and cinnamon sticks for a fall flavor combo you can't miss.

Joyful Healthy Eats

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Everyone knows that what makes a Moscow mule a true mule is the ginger beer. Well, with this easy Thanksgiving cocktail, what makes it is the hard apple cider instead of the regular kind.

Inspired by Charm

Apple Pie Sangria

Apple desserts are a must-have during the holiday season, and this apple pie-inspired sangria might just become our top pick. This is the *perfect* Thanksgiving cocktail to put out in a big pitcher and sip on during dinner, while watching the football game, or even when you're stuck cleaning up dishes.

Baked by Rachel

Apple Cider Whiskey Smash

This is an ahh-mazing seasonal twist on a traditional whiskey drink. With just three quick ingredients (whiskey, lemon juice, and apple cider) you can even make a big batch of this Thanksgiving-y drink *before* the holiday whirlwind begins.

Cookie + Kate

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

We consider November 1 to be the official start of maple season. Even if whiskey isn't your thing, it might be after sampling this cup of Thanksgiving goodness. A little maple syrup goes a long way when you're working with this recipe!

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Naughty Toddy

Mix together 1 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .25 oz honey, 1 oz whiskey, and 2 oz natural apple juice together before heating it up on the stove to make this Thanksgiving cocktail. Garnsih with a lemon wheel, and prepare to be warm AF.

Gimme Some Oven

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberries might be reminiscent of Christmas, but cranberry sauce is basically a Thanksgiving delicacy… which is why we had to give this seasonal margarita our stamp of approval. The squeeze of lime and the salted rim puts this cocktail over the (very delicious) edge, and if you want to get extra fancy with it, there's also a recipe to make your own homemade cranberry juice.

Holly & Flora

Bourbon + Spiced Pear Cocktail

With herbs like sage and thyme topped off with allspice and cinnamon, we're totally in love with this unique Thanksgiving cocktail. Not only does the ginger liqueur give this drink a little kick, but including agave means that it's totally sugar-free.

Baker by Nature

Cranberry + Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

If you're really craving some sweetness, this is the exact drink you should go for. It calls for two cups of cranberries on top of two cups of sugar to yield four cocktails. It's safe to say you'll be perked up after just a few sips.

The Sweetest Occasion

Salted Caramel White Russian

This cocktail is creamy, sweet, and totally dessert-like, which makes it a great addition to post-dinner conversation. You could literally forget the pies and cobblers (but what's Thanksgiving without some pie?) and just drink this instead. Don't worry if you're dairy-free – just swap the caramel sauce for a coconut-based caramel instead.

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Okayyy – this warm drink gives us all the fall feels. Red wine and brandy warmed in a crockpot with spices and orange sounds like total heaven to us. Not to mention that you can leave this to simmer throughout the day, so your guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about it! (viaWell Plated)

Domesticate Me

Spiced Cider Margaritas

For many, the lime margarita is a staple on Taco Tuesday, but maybe it's time to mix it up? We think YES. Cozy up by the fire with a glass of this spiced cider that's spiked with tequila and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples. That — and the cinnamon sugar rim — sounds right up our alley.

Want more mouthwatering holiday recipes and Thanksgiving cocktails? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more inspiration!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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