With Thanksgiving just around the corner, 'tis the season for entertaining! From casual get together to elegant dinner parties, no menu is complete without a perfectly paired cocktail. Using readily available ingredients and fresh fall flavors, the following autumn-themed cocktails are perfect for any occasion. Armed with a cocktail shaker, muddler and a glass or two, holiday entertaining has never been easier or more delicious!

Pumpkin Martini

Serves 1

This creamy cocktail is like better than pie! Vanilla, pumpkin and a hint of chocolate make for an addictive combination!

• 1 oz milk or half-and-half
• 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 piece of star anise
• 3 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces creme de cacao
• 1 cinnamon stick to garnish

Combine pumpkin puree and star anise in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake to combine and allow mixture to sit and infuse for 3-5 minutes. Add vodka and creme de cacao and shake well. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with cinnamon stick. 

Rum Ginger Smash

Serves 1

Fresh apple and cream transform a Dark & Stormy into a spicy-sweet masterpiece.

• 2 inch piece of fresh apple, peeled
• 2 ounces spiced rum
• 1/2 ounce half-and-half, cream or milk
• 2 tsp ginger-infused simple syrup
• Dark chocolate, finely grated, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle apple with a wooden muddler or spoon. Add rum, dairy, ginger syrup and ice. Shake well to combine. 

Wet the rim of a cocktail glass and invert onto a shallow dish with the dark chocolate shavings. Strain into a cocktail glass, serve and enjoy.

Pomegranate Cider

Serves 8-10

• 1 qt/4 cups pomegranate juice
• 1 qt/4 cups fresh apple cider
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 2 whole cloves
• 10 cardamom pods
• 1 cup/8 oz spiced rum, brandy or calvados

Combine all ingredients but the liquor/rum in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to just keep liquid warm for 30 minutes. Stir in liquor of your choice (or not!). Strain into mugs and garnish with an orange twist or cinnamon stick. 

- Kelsey Ganes

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