9 Olympic Athlete-Approved Beauty Solutions That Go for Gold

Raven Ishak
Aug 16, 2016

As you already know, the 2016 Olympic games are well under way, and we can’t seem to get enough. With Team USA taking the lead in the medal count, you’d better believe we’re all about the red, white and blue. Obviously, these amazing athletes have inspired us all in more ways than one. Whether they’re spending countless days (read: years) training in the pool or conquering the balance beam (we see you, Simone Biles), each athlete has sacrificed everything in order to go for gold. We couldn’t help but wonder how (under all that pressure, no less) each athlete is able to protect and restore their skin and hair after years of harsh conditions. Here are nine champion-tested beauty products you need in your gym bag ASAP.

(Photo via Sean M. Haffey/Getty)

1. NB·Ceutical S.O.S. Instant Rescue ($125): This is the first time women’s rugby is playing in the Olympic games (go team!), and if Olympic athlete Alev Kelter uses one product to keep those tough environmental conditions at bay, it’s going to be this little guy. S.O.S Instant Rescue will automatically give your skin relief from burns, hypersensitivity and allergies. You can use it in delicate areas like your lips and eyes, or even to repair scarring. And it’s great for chafing, chapped lips and after shaving. Honestly, this foolproof product can do it all.

Jenny Arthur, Weightlifting

(Photo via Sean M. Haffey/Getty)

2. ama la Soothing Moisture Cream ($72): If you’re a weightlifter, you know it’s tough to keep your hands smooth and callus-free. That’s where this soothing moisture cream comes in. Olympic athletes like Jenny Arthur use this product to comfort and restore rough hands after a long day of training. Made with desert fig, Napal leaf and organic argan seed, it will help reduce inflammation and protect skin from redness.

Ibtihaj Muhammad, Fencing

(Photo via Ezra Shaw/Getty)

3. SweetSpot Labs Grapefruit Verbena On-the-go Wipes ($13): Fencing is the sport to watch this Olympic games, and we seriously can’t keep our eyes off of Ibtihaj Muhammad. But after a fierce match, their uniforms can get a little… um, sweaty. Cue these grapefruit wipes. They’re small enough to fit in any bag and are made with 98% natural ingredients. Plus, they’re specifically designed for women, with an infusion of antioxidants to help keep us pH balanced and feeling so fresh and so clean.

Hope Solo, Soccer

(Photo via Bruno Zanardo/Getty)

4. Olive Tree Body Care Pain Relief Balm ($8): You’ll get a kick out of this pain relief balm (see what we did there?). Hope Solo is just one of the many talented ladies repping the US on the women’s soccer team, and we’re pretty sure she’s in need of a pain relief balm after her badass games. Made with rosemary and eucalyptus, this heaven in a stick will temporarily relieve aches and pains from muscles and joints.

Maya Moore, Basketball

(Photo via Harry How/Getty)

5. Raceday Skincare Chamois Balm ($18): If you play basketball like Maya Moore, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on this nifty product. Protect yourself from chafing by applying a small amount to areas that are prone to friction. The olive oil, shea butter, calendula oil and beeswax will soothe rough skin, and athletes in particular will benefit from the anti-fungal properties of lavender and tea tree oil.

Evelyn Stevens, Cycling

(Photo via Harry How/Getty)

6. Raceday Skincare Pro Shine Pre-Race Oil ($18): It’s not easy being a cyclist, especially in the Olympic games. They have to deal with harsh weather conditions and a lot of chafing (Evelyn Stevens knows what we’re talking about). To avoid discomfort, it’s important to use products, like this pre-race oil, to keep your legs looking and feeling good. After rubbing into your legs 15-30 minutes before your race, the essential oils and cayenne will stimulate blood flow and give your gams a nice shine.

Kerri Walsh Jennings, Beach Volleyball

(Photo via Harry How/Getty)

7. COOLA Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 ($20): If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, you may have enjoyed some volleyball fun in the sun this summer. But if you want to protect your skin from nasty sunburns like Kerri Walsh Jennings, then you need to use high-performing products like this sport spray. This one-and-done spray has anti-aging properties and will nourish and repair your skin with a formula made from over 70 percent organic ingredients, like cucumber, algae and strawberry extracts, along with red raspberry seed oil.

Simone Biles, Gymnastics

(Photo via Alex Livesey/Getty)

8. Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer ($15): Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about tiny wonder Simone Biles. And if you know anything about gymnastics, you know they use their hands — a lot. It’s super important for gold medal gymnasts like Simone to keep their hands as pristine as possible so that chafing, dry skin and irritation don’t interfere with their performance. This hand healer is perfect for getting rid of dryness, calluses and damaged cuticles. And if your feet or elbows are damaged, feel free it use it there as well!

Katie Ledecky, Swimming

(Photo via Adam Pretty/Getty)

9. David Mallett Mask No.1: L’Hydration ($75): We love a good swim meet, especially if it involves star athlete Katie Ledecky. With hours and hours spent in the pool, it’s no wonder she wants to keep her hair protected from all the chlorine. This mask will hydrate the heck out of damaged tresses courtesy of a powerful vegetable protein that will deeply penetrate and revitalize strands. Hair on fleek? We think so.

Are you watching the Olympics? Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty inspo!

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

4 Ways Watching The Paris Olympics IRL Is Totally Different Than On TV

There's a mixture of anticipation and excitement as you approach any arena, whether you're going to a sports game, a concert, or any kind of performance. However, knowing that you're about to watch an Olympic event with your own eyes is something else entirely.

By some stroke of random luck, I've had the opportunity to spend the summer in Paris during the 2024 Olympics. Okay, my French grandmother needed some grandaughterly help, but still — I'm here! And what are the odds she would need that THIS summer of all summers?

Initially, I had no intention of attending the Olympics, and was rather peeved that the city would become a chaotic mess with all the tourists and infrastructure being built to host this worldwide celebration. But when the opportunity arose for me to attend beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower Stadium (and for only $30, no less!), I just couldn't pass it up.

As a former high school volleyball player, I marched into the stadium more excited than ever. The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and the views were breathtaking.

Morgan Legret

Once we sat down, the game started almost immediately. I kept thinking to myself how intimate the stadium felt. I mean, I’m at arguably one of the most important sports competitions in the world, and my college football stadium is bigger than this. As a result, you can’t help but feel grateful to be there.

For beach volleyball, you get to see two games. We started off by watching Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa from Brazil and Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho from Australia. In each of the three sets, the first team to reach 21 points wins. The first set went to Brazil, Australia took the lead in the second set, and ultimately won the game in the last set. As I watched them, I was sweating my butt off in the stands, thinking to myself how hot the athletes must be.

Morgan Legret

Between points, or when the players took breaks for water and shade, there were two main 'hype men' or MCs who really got the crowd going. We did the wave, we danced, we waved our flags, and just all around celebrated our respective countries. It was so beautiful to watch everyone being so prideful and patriotic, regardless of whether or not their team was on the field. We even got a visit from Phryge (the 2024 Olympic mascot and my favorite part, personally), who made his appearance as the crowd roared for the little red hat.

Morgan Legret

The second game was Spain vs. Switzerland. I was very excited for this because I have some skin in the game — my grandma is half Spanish and I have a lot of friends from there, so I rooted for España in solidarity! Liliana Fernandez and Paula Soria of Spain faced off against Swiss players Nina Brunner and Tanja Huberli. I was on the edge of my seat the entire game, but ultimately Switzerland took home the win in the first two sets.

This experience is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I feel extremely lucky to have witnessed such solidarity in a world of uncertainty and division. Not to mention, the incredible athleticism and sportsmanship displayed by these women (go girlbosses!) and what they're doing for their respective countries.

It is really true what they say: nothing compares to the real thing. Here are three ways watching the Olympics IRL are so different than watching it on TV.

Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images

1. Phryge is even cuter than pictures can do justice

If you're wondering what exactly Phryge, the Olympic mascot, really is — you're not alone. According to the Associated Press, it's been top of mind for a ton of Olympic-goers. And while it may look strange to some, it's actually a personified version of the "bonnet phrygien," a hat often worn to represent the revolutionary efforts in 1780s France. Regardless of the history, though, he was just adorable — basically the cute, less sassy younger sibling to the Duolingo owl.

2. The hype men are way better than commercial breaks

Instead of ads for cars and Coca-cola, when there are breaks in the games, hype me take the stage! They encourage group activities like the wave and other dances while the athletes towel off and grab some water. I honestly had such a good time while they kept us activated and excited!

Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

3. The games are way more intimate than the TV can show

There's something that feels so larger-than-life about the Olympics — and they really are in terms of the energy and excitement. But when it comes to the actual stadium, the entire experience felt intimate. Like I said before, the whole space felt smaller than some high school stadiums, so everyone was close to the action. Meanwhile, when I've watched other matches at home, I felt so detached and far away from it all...almost like it was this abstract thing that was happening, but wasn't particularly concrete.

4. Seeing the camaraderie amongst every country was electric

Even though everyone's specific teams and countries weren't necessarily represented in the matches at hand, the entire crowd pridefully waved their countries flags and cheered on the athletes in front of them alike. It was so incredibly different than being at home where you cheer with your friends and family, likely only watching specific events and usually for the same team. I adored seeing how it didn't matter where you were from or what the match was — everyone was happy to be here and cheer for the Olympics of it all.

BRB while I plot my way into the 2028 L.A. Olympics!

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Header image via Lars Baron/Getty Images

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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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Simone Biles And Suni Lee Stack The Podium — Plus 9 Other Jaw-Dropping 2024 Olympic Moments

From beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower to surfing in Tahiti, the Paris Olympics have blown my mind thus far. I'm always super into Olympic season because sportsmanship, community, and pride for your country are such beautiful things to witness and celebrate collectively. I'm currently in Paris and have even been able to see a couple of events myself — and I gotta tell you, it's incredible to watch live. History is made left and right, every single day — especially when it comes to Team USA!

While the games continue, here are all the incredible moments we've seen so far!

Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images

Two Words: Celine Dion

After her shocking documentary came out, Celine Dion made a triumphant return to performing during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dion's very rare Stiff Person Syndrome made many wonder if the superstar would be able to sing again, and this performance put those rumors to rest. She blew us all away with her stunning vocal performance of "Hymn A L'Amour" — can anyone pass some tissues? 😭

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Simone Biles Made An Epic Comeback — And Won Gold With Her Team

Team USA Women's Gymnastics is back and better than ever baby! After a devastating experience in Tokyo, Simone Biles made an epic comeback with this insane floor routine, starting off with an intro I could not deem more appropriate to Taylor Swift's "Are You Ready For It?" And boy were we! Not only did Biles start off her Paris games with a bang, but she did with such elegance and ease. We are so happy to have her back!

Alongside the amazing performances from Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey, the team took home the gold medal!

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Women In Fencing Make History

Another incredible win for Team USA, and another historical moment for women! Lee Kiefer won two back-to-back gold medals this week in foil fencing. Her teammate, Lauren Scruggs took home the silver metal and became the first Black fencer to ever win an Olympic medal! Not only is this an incredible moment for the country, but for humankind. This is also the first time the United States has dominated the fencing podium since 1904! History was definitely made, to say the least!

Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Team USA Proves Rugby Isn't Just For Boys

They have the beauty, the brains, and now they have the BRONZE! The USA Women's Rugby Team is bringing home their first ever Olympic win in history. Rugby is notoriously an intense contact sport — it's fast, it's rough, and often more associated with a male demographic. But this team is showing everyone how truly amazing women sports are. And hey, they got Jason Kelce as a superfan, so you should be too!

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

True Meaning Of Teammates

Team USA swimmers Torri Huske and Gretchen Walsh both bring home medals after they competed side-by-side in the 100 meter butterfly. Though Walsh was the previous record holder, she congratulated Huske on the Gold as they both celebrated their momentous win, wrapped together around the American flag. We couldn't be happier for these amazing Olympic swimming medalists!

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

One Trick Pony Brings Home The Win With The Men's Gymnastics Team

Stephen Nedoroscik, also known as "Clark Kent" on Tik Tok waited all day to perform his pommel horse routine. Before he began his routine, he took off his glasses — which was a little concerning for spectators — and started his routine. We all quickly realized that he was no joke. He seemingly came out of nowhere and snatched the bronze medal with the rest of Team USA. Now, he's a media phenomenon, and we can't get enough of him!

PS: This is Team USA's first medal since 2008 for men's team gymnastics — so exciting!

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Cook'N Bacon Are So In Sync

Synchronized diving has been one of my fave Olympic sports to watch since I was a kid! It's so mesmerizing and obviously incredibly impressive. I am so happy for Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook (affectionately known as "Cook'N Bacon") for brining home the silver medal! This is an amazing achievement for them both, but especially for Team USA who hasn't been on the diving podium since 2012. Wow!

Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images

Batten Biked To Silver

Haley Batten took home the silver medal for women's mountain biking race — the best finish for Team USA ever! Her wheel literally broke in the middle of the race, and she still managed to medal. So while the win was incredible to begin with, the fact that she persevered and overcame the odds makes it that much more amazing!

Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Ledecky Lead The Pack

We already knew Katie Ledecky was incredible, but she only further cemented her jaw-dropping skills during the women's 1500 meter freestyle final! In the longest swimming event at the Olympics, Ledecky consistently lead the pack throughout, and finished over 10 seconds before her silver medal counterpart. She's currently tied with Dara Torres, Natalie Coughlin and Jenny Thompson for the most medals won by a female swimmer — and she doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon, setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics according to ESPN! We can't wait to see what she does next!

Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Simone And Suni Stack The Podium

After dominating the team finals, Team USA brought home more hardware for women's gymnastics in the individual competition! Suni Lee faced fierce competition in the battle for bronze, needing to nail her final rotation on her floor routine, and did she ever! Lee scored a 13.666, cementing her spot on the podium.

Afterwards, Biles was neck-in-neck for the gold medal against Brazilian gymnast Rebecca Andrade. Andrade gave an incredible performance, definitely earning a lot of pride for Brazil, but at the end of the day Biles upped the ante with what Laurie Hernandez described as one of the hardest routines out there. Earning a 15.066, Biles won the gold medal — the first time an American gymnast has won two gold medals in the individual competition since 1968 according to Today!

Looking to stay in-the-know on all things Olympics? Be sure to follow us on Tiktok!

Header image via Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

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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.

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

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