What are you looking forward to this Thanksgiving holiday? I’m looking forward to two glorious days off, piling my plate with mountains of food with family and friends, a little volunteer work, and… well… a few cocktails. I think cocktails are an essential part to any holiday gathering involving family and friends. Think of a cocktail or two as the social lubricant that leads to those moments when your Aunt Judy talked about her Spanish lover from her college years. Brilliant. What would Thanksgiving be without those moments?

Photos and recipes from Ms. Martha (Stewart)

Kir Royales

• ounces (6 tablespoons) creme de cassis
• 1 bottle Champagne or other sparkling white wine
• 6 strips tangerine or orange zest, for garnish

Just before serving, pour 1 tablespoon creme de cassis into each glass. Fill with Champagne, and garnish with zest.

Pear and Sparkling Cider Cocktails

• 2 cups pear nectar, chilled
• 2 cups sparkling apple cider, chilled
• 2 cups seltzer, chilled
• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon whiskey, such as Knob Creek
• 1 Bosc pear, unpeeled, cored, and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges

Stir together pear nectar, cider, seltzer, and whiskey in a pitcher. Divide pear wedges among glasses, and pour in cocktail. Serve immediately.

Pear and Cranberry Bellini

• 1 cup pear nectar
• 1 cup craberry juice cocktail
• 1 bottle Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine

In a small pitcher or large liquid measuring cup, combine pear nectar and cranberry juice cocktail. Pour 1/4 cup juice mixture into each of eight champagne glasses. Dividing evenly, top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

Tags | cocktail party, Cocktails, Entertaining, holiday, recipes, Thanksgiving