Maksim Chmerkovskiy Apologizes to Vanessa Lachey for Missing “DWTS” Amid Feud Rumors

Kat Armstrong
Oct 04, 2017

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Vanessa Lachey have been one of the top-scoring couples on season 25 of Dancing With the Stars, but outside the ballroom, their partnership has had some ups and downs. After Chmerkovskiy missed this week’s episode due to “personal issues,” some reports claimed that he and Lachey had been clashing offscreen, and that Chmerkovskiy’s absence was related to growing tension between them. Now, both stars have spoken out about the situation.

Chmerkovskiy took to Twitter on Wednesday to apologize to Lachey for missing their dance, and to let fans know that he’s excited to move forward with her. “As you are all aware, I had to leave the show last week to take care of some personal issues. I take full responsibility for my absence…” he wrote, “…and want to apologize to my partner Vanessa. We are both looking forward to dancing for our fans next week!”

Lachey, for her part, cleared the air over what has been going on during rehearsals, where tensions often run high. Speaking to Us Weekly, she said, “I just know that when I’m on set, he’s my coach and I’m the student, so I listen a lot more and I don’t speak up as much because this is a field I don’t know.”

She also had high praise for her partner and choreographer, telling the mag, “He’s trained me and taught me so many amazing, wonderful new things, just like any trainer would or teacher would.”

As for competing against her husband, 98 Degrees boy bander Nick Lachey, the former MTV VJ said that their on-screen competition has done wonders for their home life. “We’ve been together for 11 years now, so through this we’re supporting each other, and it’s fun to come home to somebody who understands what you’re going through,” she told Us Weekly.

And there’s another perk too. The mom of three hopes that all the moves they’re learning from their professional partners will come in handy down the line: She wants to be able to embarrass their kids at “every single school function” in the future.

Did your parents ever embarrass you with dance moves? Tell us @BritandCo!

(Photo via ABC/Eric McCandless)

This Wild 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Part 2 Fan Theory Actually Makes Perfect Sense

Outer Banks season 4 part 1 gave us everything we had hoped for: action, adventure, and plenty of JJ and Kiara couple goodness. And a return to the OBX allows this senior season to recapture the first season's magic. “There’s all this action and adventure, but it’s really about the bond between the friends,” co-creator Shannon Burke tells Tudum.

After premiering on October 10, the series is still holding the number one spot on the Netflix Top 10. And the good news is we're only halfway through the season! The less-than-great news? We have to wait a little longer before we can watch the second five episodes. Here's everything you need to know about Outer Banks season 4 part 2.

Is Madelyn Cline's Sarah Cameron pregnant?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After the part 2 trailer dropped, fans immediately wondered if Sarah will announce a pregnancy. After all, Kiara's shock is exactly how I've responded to my BFF's telling me they're pregnant...And now that we know season 5will be the final installment of the show, I'm more convinced than ever this theory could be true.

The central plot and drama of each season has focused on a different character since the pilot: season 1 was about John B., season 2 was about Pope, season 3 revolved around Kiara, and now season 4 places JJ at the center. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah like never before — and creators Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke told Tudum that the feature-length finale sets up season 5 perfectly. TLDR; I'm expecting us to get some serious Sarah Cameron drama!

Madelyn Cline actually told People that she's excited to see Sarah and John B. get some good news for a change. "We've had enough [drama]. We have 3 seasons worth," she joked. "I feel like they have been fighting each other quite a bit and I've been tired of it. Because I'm tired of people coming for me."

Is Outer Banks season 4 in two parts?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Yes, Outer Banks season 4 is dropping on Netflix in two parts, and part 2 will arrive on November 7. While this isn't the same effect as watching episodes weekly, it still provides time for fans to talk about their theories, and even rewatch the first part before the second premieres!

What is the release date for Outer Banks season 4?

Netflix

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2 Release Date

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 will premiere on Netflix November 7. Part 1 is available to stream now.

How many episodes are there in Outer Banks season 4 part 2?

Netflix

Part 2 will have five episodes, meaning Outer Banks season 4 will have 10 episodes total. Here are the part 2 episode titles!

  • “The Town Council”
  • “Mothers and Fathers”
  • “Decision Day”
  • “The Storm”
  • “The Blue Crown”

Who's in the Outer Banks season 4 part 2 cast?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Outer Banks Season 4 Cast

The cast of Outer Banks includes Chase Stokes as John B., Madelyn Cline as Sarah, Madison Bailey as Kiara, Jonathan Daviss as Pope, Rudy Pankow as JJ, Carlacia Grant as Cleo, Drew Starkey as Rafe, and Austin North as Topper. We'll also see Fiona Palomo will star as Sofia, J. Anthony Crane as Chandler Groff, Pollyanna McIntosh as Dalia, Brianna Brown as Hollis Robinson, Rigo Sanchez as Lightner, Mia Challis as Ruthie, and Cullen Moss as Shoupe.

What's going to happen in part 2?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 2 Plot

Outer Banks season 4 part 1 ends with Pope and Sarah trapped in a crypt, Cleo and John B. recovering from a fight with Lightener, and JJ reeling from the revelation his birth father is a Kook. So, needless to say, part 2 is starting off with a bang.

Jonathan Daviss promises we'll see “explosions, craziness, Pogue activity" when part 2 drops next month. "A lot going on the cliffhanger, a lot of revelations happening, those things will be continued to be explored," he tells The Hollywood Reporter.

“I think it’s an identity crisis in Part Two," Rudy Pankow says of JJ's discovery. “Like, who am I? Where do I stand? What kind of person am I now? Are my friends gonna judge me? And who do I look up to now? I think that’s how it’s going to play out.”

But Madison Bailey is certain that Kiara will be there for JJ no matter what. “They are two people who are so independent that that’s why they work together and just being themselves and giving the space for the other person to be themselves," she says. "So, as long as there’s never a hold-up on that, then I think they’ll be alright.”

What has the cast said about Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Fans have been making JJ x Kiara edits to Taylor Swift songs since the show premiered in 2020, and Madison Bailey just revealed the ultimate Jiara song comes from Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department: “‘But Daddy I Love Him,’ that’s literally Kiara,” she tells Elite Daily. “I think Kiara’s just trying to keep up, honestly. She knows her boy is crazy. And does she stand by him? Yes.”

Meanwhile one relationship that has yet to be healed (if it ever will be) is Rafe and Sarah. After their father's death at the end of season 3, Madelyn Cline is convinced Rafe blames Sarah. “I think she feels a lot of guilt," Cline admits to The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s all very heavy and way too heavy for just a single conversation. It’s something that has to happen over time.”

“I think [Rafe's] accepting some responsibility," Drew Starkey adds. "I think he realizes how alone he is, and he wants to mend bridges and build connections again. So yeah, I don’t think he’s ever been able to fully express [himself], and he’s still struggling to express that in a certain way.”

Who is JJ's real dad?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ's biological father is Chandler Groff, who married Wes Genrette's daughter Larissa. That means JJ has been a Kook this whole time — and he's related to Frances Genrette, the man responsible for Blackbeard's death.

Is there going to be a season 5 of Outer Banks?

Getty Images for Netflix

Yes, Outer Banks is coming back for season 5, which will also be the last season of the show. "With a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke say in an official letter. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

And the fact the creators have “always known from the beginning what the last scene would be”makes me more excited than ever.

The season 5 announcement comes after the seven-city Pogue tour that included Brazil; Seattle Washington; Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; Toronto, Canada; and Santa Monica, California. The cast revealed the show had been renewed for season 4 during last year's event.

Stay tuned for the latest Outer Banks season 4 part 2 updates. Stream part 1 on Netflix now, and read up on Outer Banks' Rudy Pankow Just Shut Down Those Viral Breakup Rumors for more info on the cast.

This post has been updated.

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5 Easy Journal Prompts To Turn Your Day Around

Last night I realized I was pregnant during the height of the pandemic and the 2020 election cycle, but I didn't have any self-care practices in sight. I was chronically stressed and spent way too much time on social media when I should've been finding ways to ground myself. After a tough four years of navigating everything from motherhood to starting my career, I've finally started utilizing gratitude journaling as a tool to get through tough days.

I don't know how you may be feeling today, but I've created journal prompts you can refer to when you're scared, anxious, unsure of the future, and more. They're not meant to replace meditation or seeking therapy, but they are here for moments you need to check in with yourself.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Worried About The Future

Arina Krasnikova

Write Down 5 Things You're Grateful You Can See, Touch, Hear, And Smell

This is actually a practice I picked up in therapy to help redirect my anxious thoughts. It's something I often refer to when I'm fixated on the future and things that might happen. Any time you feel yourself not being present because you're worried about what's next, focus on things that are immediately in front of you or around you.

For example, here's what's reminding me to be present:

  • I can hear one of my favorite gospel songs playing and the subtle humming I'm doing.
  • I can see two lime green books on my desk.
  • I can smell the clean laundry my fiancé took out of the dryer.
  • I'm touching the keys on my keyboard as I type this.
Although they seem small, I'm grateful they're helping to keep me rooted in the present moment. So, what are you grateful you can see, touch, hear, and smell today?

Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Experiencing Sadness

Darina Belonogova

Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Today

Practicing gratitude when you're sad isn't so you can pretend the sadness doesn't exist. It's a very real emotion that calls for us to be curious about why we're feeling that way. However, if you feel like you're 'stuck' in your sadness, you can try writing down 3 things you're grateful for right now. Again, they don't have to be grandiose. They just have to make sense to you.

You could be grateful for:

  • Eating a delicious meal
  • Having a good night's sleep
  • Hearing your favorite song at the right moment
  • Morning snuggles with your pet or toddler
  • Having access to binge watch your favorite TV show when you need to escape reality for a bit

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down The People You're Grateful You Can Rely On

My hope is that everyone has at least one person they can rely on during difficult moments in life. I know everyone doesn't have huge villages for different reasons, but I'd rather focus on who is there.

This gratitude journaling idea doesn't require you to go in depth about why you're grateful for the people in your corner unless you want to. You can simply write their names down if that's all you have the bandwidth for.

Pavel Danilyuk

Recount A Memory That Always Makes You Smile

When in doubt, think about a moment that was hilarious or filled you with joy. It can be from your childhood, first year in college, or even your wedding day! The one memory that always makes me smile is from an interesting moment I told one of my uncles he looked like Santa Claus. I was around 5 or 6 years old, so it was a super innocent comment, but still it was hilarious nonetheless. No one in my family has let my uncle or me forget that moment. It's small, but it's one of the memories I'm grateful I can remember when I'm feeling sad.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You Feel You're Not Doing Enough

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down 1 Thing You've Grateful You've Accomplished

I know some journal prompts ask you to list multiple things you've recently accomplished, but I've found that makes me a little more anxious that necessary. If this sounds like you, I see you and think it's just as impactful to be grateful for one thing you've done that you're proud of. It could be as simple as:

  • "I had the strength to get out of bed today after wanting to do nothing more than hide under the covers."
  • "I did laundry and put everything away."
  • "I made myself a meal instead of ordering lunch like I usually do."
  • "I stuck to my budget this week."
  • "My presentation at work or school went really well."
  • "I made that scary phone call I've been putting off."
  • "I went for a walk around my neighborhood or local park."

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The One Reason 'Gilmore Girls' Is A Fall Show, According To Amy Sherman-Palladino

There's nothing more satisfying than starting your Gilmore Girls rewatch at the beginning of fall. There's just something about the crisp air paired with Amy Sherman-Palladino's quick, witty banter that just feels so right! And while you brew another pot of coffee, pile up the Lorelai-inspired junk food, and put on another episode, just know — none of this was accidental! Gilmore Girlscreator, Amy Sherman-Palladino told The Hollywood Reporterexactly why the show is so incredibly fall-coded.

The CW

Sherman-Palladino told The Hollywood Reporterthat she and her husband (co-creator Dan Sherman-Palladino) decided to take a fall trip to Connecticut right after Gilmore Girls finally sold. "We encountered that small-town feel, that feel of hayrides and pumpkin patches and hot apple cider. It almost felt ridiculous — the jaded woman that I am, I was like 'This is like central casting laid this out for us. People don't live like this,'" she said. "But they do in some places, and that creatively fed me the rest of the show. Most of the show is about Lorelai [Graham] creating this world that she and her daughter [Bledel] can both grow up in together."

I love the idea that Lorelai created this whimsical, almost storybook world for Rory for them both to grow up in. Because at the end of the day, Lorelai lived with rigidity and rules — only to leave that life as a child raising another child. So of course she would want to incorporate all the fun and fantastical things she felt like she missed out on. (BRB, sobbing)

The CW

Not only that, but fall is a very visceral season. Sherman-Palladino explained that the shift from summer to fall is "the most drastic change." She said, "It's temperature, but it's also visual, and it felt like this was the kind of place, if I was going to go through that journey, that's where I would set it. And when we shot the pilot, it was fall and it was cold and had that feeling, so it just sort of became our thing."

This means that Rory and Lorelai's constant growth and transformations throughout the show is always underscored by the shifting seasons, starting with fall from the very beginning and continued through A Year In The Life. The thematic through-line is just too good!

Leave it to our fave Amy Sherman-Palladino to cook up something that's both fun, funny, heartwarming, and incredibly on-theme down to the literal weather of it all. BRB while I continue my own rewatch and wait for Étoileto finally premiere!

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How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars For The Most Epic Christmas Dessert

In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!

Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.

Let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

For the shortbread crust:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
  4. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
  5. Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.

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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.

This post has been updated.

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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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