Reston Home Insider: Thanksgiving refreshment for one and all

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it brings everyone together, especially in the kitchen which is the heart of the home.

This year, try making some cocktails to complement your Thanksgiving dinner that kids and adults can enjoy. Read below for my favorite recipes including one invented by my family!

For the Adults

• Ginger Bourbon Cider

4 cups fresh apple cider
4 cups ginger beer (World Market is a great place to buy ginger beer)
12 oz. bourbon
Ice
4 tsp white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Maple syrup

Mix cider, ginger beer and bourbon together in a pitcher. Pour a small amount of the maple syrup onto a plate. Mix sugar and cinnamon on a separate plate. Dip inverted glasses onto the syrup followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture. Pour ice into the glasses and top with the cider. This is also delicious served hot!

• Napalitos (invented by my father-in-law and I)

1 bottle Italian wine such as Montepulciano
½ bottle dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio
2 cinnamon sticks
1 clove
1 orange cut into slices

Pour all ingredients into a saucepan and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Serve in tea cups or small coffee mugs using the warm orange slices as a garnish. Easy!

For the Kids

• Shirley Temples

1 liter ginger ale or 7 Up
½ cup grenadine
1 lemon cut into wedges
Maraschino cherries for garnish

Mix soda and grenadine into a pitcher. Pour over ice in small glasses, garnish with the cherries and squeeze the lemon into the mixture for a slightly sour finish. Also good with a splash of lemonade; the acid of the lemons cuts the sweetness of the drink.

• Apple Pie Punch

4 cups 100% apple juice (no sugar added)
1 cup white grape juice
3 cups ginger ale or ginger beer (non-alcoholic) — ginger beer is tangy and less sweet than ginger ale
1 diced apple or sliced apples for garnish

Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

Lynn Cooper is a licensed REALTOR in Virginia with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Whether buying or selling, Lynn is 100% committed to her clients before, during and after the transaction. Connect with Lynn at 202-489-7894, [email protected] or @lynncooperrealestate.