5 Documentaries Every YouTube Fangirl Needs to Watch

Ashley Macey
Jul 23, 2016

Just ask Youtube millionaires: It is possible to make it big on YouTube. Not only are our fave online celebs selling merchandise, writing books and scoring their own Netflix series, YouTube stars are also creating fabulous feature film documentaries — you know, in their spare time. Whether you’re looking to discover the day-to-day happenings of your favorite YouTuber or are craving a meta-exploration of the platform itself, here are five documentaries you should DL pronto if YouTube is your go-to streaming service.

1. Snervous: If you haven’t heard of all the fabulousness that is Tyler Oakley, you’ve probably been living in a hole for several years (our condolences, BTW). In this documentary, we catch Tyler (who rose to Youtube stardom because of his seriously funny and exuberant personality) on his sold-out international Slumber Party tour and get a behind-the-scene look at sketchy interactions with fans, a trip to his hometown and his candid relationship with bestie Cory Kuhl.

Watch It:Android, iOS, Amazon and Hulu

2. SHIFT: YouTube Star Documentary: If your dream job is becoming Internet famous, you’re not alone: A recent UK study found that 40 percent of 16-24-year-olds would rather be a YouTube star than a doctor, lawyer or pop star. In this 23-minute mini-doc the SHIFT team interviews three big YouTubers (Austin Pamaj, Convos With My 2 Year Old and IFHT) to discuss how exactly they got famous online AND how others can do it too. Career change, anyone?

Watch It:YouTube

3. Please Subscribe: This star-studded documentary may be a few years old (it was released in 2012), but it’s as relevant today as it was four years ago. With candid interviews with mega-stars like Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart and Joe Penna, it’s an inside look at YouTube from the creators’ perspective that’s definitely worth checking out.

Watch It:iOS and IndieReign

4. A Trip to Unicorn Island: YouTube has been testing out original content this year with their YouTube Original Red movies and series (we’re super excited about the Gigi Gorgeous documentary in the works!) and Lily Singh’s awesome doc is proof that it was, indeed, an awesome idea. Following her world tour, Lily’s badass humor, stellar moves and relevant life advice definitely makes this a must-watch. Plus, there’s an interview with Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Because why not.

Watch It:YouTube Red

5. The Creators: This original documentary directed by Oscar-nominated Nanette Burstein is packed with our favorite online celebs. From Zoella to TomSka to Niki & Sammy — there’re almost too many peeps we love in this doc to keep our inner fangirls quiet.

Watch It:YouTube

Who is your favorite YouTuber to watch online? Tell us @BritandCo.

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

(Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty)

The Best 'Hot Ones' Episodes To Binge When You're Feeling Spicy

“Hot Ones: it’s the show with hot questions, and even hotter wings.” It's the mantra for the best online interview series, hosted by First We Feast. Hot Ones is a slightly different – and dare I say devilish – interview show, and has become *pretty* iconic in the realm of great web series. The episodes always bring the humor, plus host Sean’ Evans' interviewing skills are impressively unmatched.

Evans comes in hot AF on his guests with deep-dive questions as they move through the interview eating hot wings of varying spice levels. The stakes rise higher as they scale the Scovilles and interview questions amp up, a combo which usually unravels guests (unless you’re Lorde) in a super comedic fashion.

Though I wouldn’t wish the Hot Ones spice challenge upon myself (or anyone I care about) it makes for a unique concept that I can’t help but keep coming back to. Seeing your favorite celebrities reveal their authentic selves in an interview while ingesting insane amounts of spice is always a fun time.

If you're new to Hot Ones or may have missed some of the standout moments from the 400 episode-long series, I handpicked a few of the best episodes to give you a boost of humor this week. Check out our faves below, and keep an eye out for more awesome celeb guests coming this year!

Amelia Dimoldenberg

The queen of chicken herself, Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg, appeared on this week's episode of Hot Ones and we can't get enough! Right off the bat, Sean calls her his "chicken-fueled talk show host, sister in arms" which was so funny, I had to rewind. They talk about how she interacts with her own guests, surprising props, and her iconic red carpet interviews. In her signature chaos, Amelia breaks out a portable fan to try and cool her tongue, but she actually does remarkably well compared to the tears and freak outs we've seen before!

*NSYNC

Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone, AKA *NSYNC stepped up to the Hot Ones challenge, beating the record for most wings on the table before they even took their first bite. In this episode, they talk about the making of their new single, “Better Place,” what it’s like to be in a boyband (although now, they’re more of a manband), crazy fan experience, and the infamous Star Wars casting rumors.

Sean and the boys struggle hilariously through the last of the hot sauces, but the crew still manages to answer all of the questions. Whether you were a die-hard fan of *NSYNC or only caught the tail-end of their Y2K run, you just can’t miss this monumental episode of Hot Ones.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Award-winning actor, best-selling cookbook author, and the founder and CEO of Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow, wasn't too enthused about the hot sauce-drenched wings in front of her when she first sat down at the Hot Ones table.

"I am full of regret," she says at the start. "I can't believe I'm here... I like hot sauce, I like spicy, but I don't think I'm equipped to be here." LOL, same! That's exactly what we'd say if we were on Hot Ones.

Though she hesitantly approaches the wing line-up throughout the interview, Gwyneth offers thoughtful insights on running a business, dishes on behind-the-scenes deets from her film work, and even reveals a best-kept secret cocktail recipe from the Paltrow family! This interview is totally worth watching to the end – Sean and Gwyneth team up for a hilarious post-show segment.

Jennifer Lawrence

J Law enters the Hot Ones ring looking iconic and glowy AF. The beaming look she begins with slowly turns to a glistening sweat, though, as she wades her way through the sauce lineup. The anecdotes she gives about her career throughout the interview (that watches more like a playful conversation between good friends) all testify to her commitment to acting. For example, she’s coughed up her swallowed nose ring on set *right* in front of Leo DiCaprio, and has torn her literal diaphragm while filming Mother. She’s increasingly “a little hurt” by the Hot Ones spice, but a little turns into a lot once Sean leads her to Da Bomb Beyond Insanity. We’re constantly amazed by Jennifer’s previous projects (like Silver Lining’s Playbook, The Hunger Games, and American Hustle), but feel just a tad curious about her Chili Pizza Sandwich concoction.

Rosalía

Rosalía states that she’s not really a hot sauce person before her Hot Ones interview starts, and as the spice grows, she discovers the “disturbing” nature of the show. The singer-songwriter’s energy is delightful and silly in general, so seeing her be herself while eating hot AF wings is just as fun in this episode. She runs through an entertaining anecdote about her time being a singer-for-hire in Barcelona, her favorite emotion-inducing instruments, and teaches us how to describe devilishly hot and spicy food in Spanish.

Megan Thee Stallion

Whatever Megan Thee Stallion does, I truly support and love her. She's a model, singer, rapper, fashion and beauty icon, and comedian rolled into one stunning and talented women. She always keeps it real, especially on her 2021 episode of Hot Ones. While literally indulging in some hot girl sh*t with the show's spice-filled sauce lineup, Megan carries on an engaging conversation about her love of anime, the top sonic influences to her music style, and music video behind-the-scenes. The moments where she's falling apart from the spice and needs to reel things back in are the funniest.

Paul Rudd

If you were anywhere on the internet when Paul Rudd's Hot Ones episode came out, you obviously know the iconic "hey, look at us" line that was meme'd for seemingly forever. Aside from relishing in those few seconds, and watching Paul be the super handsome actor, writer, producer and heartthrob he is, Sean leads a conversation that makes the episode barely an interview. It carries out so naturally, and the video feels like him and Paul are just two best pals hanging out. By the end, they pretty much are besties. The best moment from Paul Rudd's episode falls at the end of the video – watch the last minute, hot sauce-induced improv acting challenge play out above.

Lizzo

Musician, rapper, beauty queen, Instagram icon, and Yitty CEO Lizzo hopped on Hot Ones last summer to chat all things music theory, red carpet fashion and career starts. Among insightful responses about how formal music training shaped her budding career, and talk about the cities with the best music scenes, Sean pops off with a mega-throwback Lizzo fact. His hardcore interview research often surprises guests, and Lizzo's case is no exception. Watch as Sean throws Nardwuar-like interview knowledge at Lizzo about her first years as an underground rapper, and how well she excitedly receives it.

Viola Davis

Acting and producing powerhouse Viola Davis delivered some truly unfiltered reactions to the Hot Ones sauce lineup. Between gracefully answered questions about her background in theater, and what goes into making a movie like The Woman King, Viola's responses to the spice just adds so much magic to the already amazing interview. She starts getting scared around the 69,000 Scoville mark, so the fact that she kept composure that far in to the episode is amazing. The best quote from Viola from this series? "My lips are burning off... and I've got some lips."

Midsommar and A Good Person actress Florence Pugh is scared of the hot sauce lineup from the start of her episode. Shockingly, she powers through the Scovilles with only a trace of her initial hesitance. Her sweat-filled episode first dives into the real behind-the-scenes of eating on camera with a hilarious Flo anecdote from the set of Hawkeye – she got to eat mac n cheese all day at work, which is a true dream of ours. Just have to LOL. Flo throws out recipe pairing ideas for each hot sauce she and Sean enjoy down the line, which shows her chef’s headspace, a la Cooking With Flo. This 2023 episode leaves her in legit tears and sweat.. But we’d be in the same exact state after all that!

Gordon Ramsey

For maybe the most highly anticipated Hot Ones round, multi-Michelin star holder and restauranteur Gordon Ramsay stepped up to the sauces. Of course he had to harshly critique the Hot Ones wings themselves, and with the spiciest sauces they're coated in. The episode is full of snarky banter between Gordon and Sean, and of course, a healthy amount of spice-retaliating profanity. Jokes aside, the fact that you can tell each of them is having an absolute ball in the interview is my favorite part. But, the segment where Sean makes scrambled eggs for Gordon is pretty funny, too.

Mille Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things and Enola Holmes joined Hot Ones in 2022 for a pretty panic-filled episode. She was smooth sailing until the duo chowed down on the Da Domb hot sauce about halfway through the interview. From then on, it was pure melodrama and pain. Millie thought she had it at the beginning, when she makes a stab at Tom Holland's Hot Ones performance, but it subsequently all crumbles under her, and the irony is hilarious.

Emma Chamberlain

Miss Emma Chamberlain approaches the beginning of her Hot Ones episode with the utmost confidence, and the chemistry she has with Sean throughout the episode makes for a charming watch. Sean's questions explore the range outside of Emma's YouTube career (though their discussion about editing styles is pretty neat), tapping into coffee nerd moments from her brand Chamberlain Coffee, exploring her famous Architectural Digest home renovations, and even chatting about homemade nut milk. Emma slowly ends up in tears due to the Scoville spices and resorts to praying to the ghosts of Hot Ones guests past, but she rocked the challenge either way.

Khloe Kardashian

Khloe K prefaces her Hot Ones visit by admitting that she doesn't eat chicken or hot sauce, which gives the impression that she probably won't be able to handle the heat with ease. The episode quickly proves that assumption wrong, and she goes all the way without reasonable struggle. Sean talks with Khloe about the behind-the-scenes workings of reality TV and her perspectives on lifelong fame, which made the episode a really eye-opening experience for me. It's entertaining to watch Khloe succumb to the spice, because we don't usually see the more authentic side of a highly-tailored personality like hers. You can tell Sean wants to learn a lot in his interviews, and in Khloe's case, he gets curious about self-care, and hilariously whips out a notepad to take notes on her coveted skincare advice.

Agree with our picks for the best Hot Ones episodes? Get more spicy entertainment takes directly to your inbox when you sign up for our newsletter!

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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Get Fit Anywhere with These Free YouTube Resistance Band Workouts

When you're looking to refresh your workout at home, there are tons of YouTube workout videos to choose from, ranging from super easy to hardcore HIIT. Since they’re free, these videos are an awesome resource for trying out new exercises and switching up your workout routine. You may have seen resistance bands at the gym or received a new set during the holidays and wondered how you’re actually supposed to use them. Lucky for you, the world of YouTube workout videos is to help! Most of these workouts are short, meaning they’re easy to fit into your jam-packed sched. If you want to get a longer workout in, tack one of these onto the end of a run, or group a few videos from one of these channels together! Arm yourself with a yoga mat and a band, and you’re set to get your sweat on.

Not only are resistance bands a convenient option for working out at home, they’re also one of the best options for both travel and small space workouts, since they’re ultra-light and compact. Another perk? They’re crazy cheap and can be ordered online for under $15 (sometimes even less!). Seems like a small price to pay for being able to work out literally anywhere, right?

Shop These!

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5

Resistance Bands for Working Out With Handles

Resistance Bands Strength Training Starter Set

MONDAY

The BEST Band Workout

Start the week off right with this short but surprisingly sweat-inducing workout from the Tone It Up girls. Trainers Karena and Katrina have a cult following, and after doing a few of their YouTube workouts, we totally understand why. They’re super encouraging and engaging, and everything from their music to their attitude is fun and positive. Give this full-body workout a try and you’ll barely notice the 14 minutes fly by. (via Tone It Up)

TUESDAY

30-MIN INTENSE MINI BAND WORKOUT

Okay Tuesday, time to up the intensity. This full-body workout focuses on completing as many reps as you can in 50 seconds. @growingwithannanas provides a good vibes workout with energetic music and easy instruction.

WEDNESDAY

Full Body Mini RESISTANCE BAND Workout

Trainer Heather Robertson starts you off with lower body exercises using a mini band, then upper body and then finishes things off with ab exercises for a total body workout that feels amazing.

THURSDAY

15-Minute RESISTANCE BAND WORKOUT

On a time crunch? Sculpt and strengthen your body in this 15-min workout using a light to medium resistance band with handles. Trainer Mikala takes you through 45-second intervals to breeze through this full-body workout.

FRIDAY

Tighten & Tone Your Abs With a Resistance Band

In this workout, trainer Katia Pryce uses a handle-less resistance band to make your abs hurt so good. Don’t let the fact that you get to lay down for most of this workout fool you; this is a tough one, but Pryce does an amazing job of talking you through each move. Get ready for the soreness you’ll feel tomorrow. (via CosmoBody)

SATURDAY

Full Body Resistance Band Workout

This video is a full 30 minutes and you will feel the burn. We especially love the short cardio burst at the end of this workout, which really gets your heart rate up and ends the sweat sesh on a high note. (via GymRa)

SUNDAY

Thigh Trimmer & Butt Lifter Workout

You’ll need a few different circular bands to complete this workout from Cassey Ho of Blogilates, but the targeted toning you get in return is totally worth the minimal investment. Cassey is also fun and encouraging, which is probably why she has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube! (via Blogilates)

MIX IT UP

Resistance Band Arms & Abs Workout

Work your upper body and core with this 12-minute video that takes you from standing moves to planks and then to a floor abs series. We love that this channel also offers printables of their workouts, so you can do them without watching the video once you get the hang of the moves. (via The Live Fit Girl)

10-Minute Travel Resistance Band Workout

This workout from PopSugar Fitness and Fit Chicks Michelle Lovitt and Angie Akers utilizes super compact bow-tie bands, making it ideal for travel (or tiny apartments!) Be warned: The triceps series is absolutely killer, but you’ll feel strong and accomplished when you’re done. (via PopSugar Fitness)

Short Full Body Workout With Resistance Bands

No bands? No problem. Natalie Jill constructed all the moves in this video so that you can do them with or without resistance bands. Go ahead and add them in for a little extra intensity, but these exercises will have an impact no matter what. We also love that she explains how to use different types of bands for the same result, meaning you can adapt whichever kind you have to her workout. (via Natalie Jill Fitness)

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Images via Shutterstock.

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.

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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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