NYC’s Thanksgiving Parade Cocktails – Drinks to Sip While Watching the Balloons
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of NYC’s most cherished traditions. From the larger-than-life floats to the whimsical balloons and marching bands, it’s the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving Day festivities. This year, why not elevate your parade viewing experience with cocktails inspired by the parade’s most iconic characters and floats?
Here are a few festive and fun cocktails to sip as you enjoy the spectacle.
1. Snoopy Spritz
Inspired by the beloved Snoopy balloon, this bubbly cocktail is as lighthearted as the famous beagle himself.
Ingredients:
2 oz cranberry juice
1 oz orange liqueur (optional for extra zing)
Top with champagne or sparkling wine
Fresh cranberries and an orange twist for garnish
How to Make It:
Fill a flute or wine glass with ice.
Add cranberry juice and orange liqueur.
Top with champagne and garnish.
Why It’s Perfect: The bright, fruity flavors match Snoopy’s cheerful personality and the joy of the parade.
2. Tom Turkey Toddy
This warming drink is inspired by the centerpiece of Thanksgiving—the turkey. It’s a cozy way to start your day as you watch the floats roll by.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz maple syrup
4 oz hot water
Dash of cinnamon
Lemon wheel and cinnamon stick for garnish
How to Make It:
In a mug, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and hot water.
Stir well and garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel.
Why It’s Perfect: The maple syrup and cinnamon evoke the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving dinner.
3. Big Apple Mule
A nod to the city that hosts the parade, this cocktail celebrates NYC’s nickname, the Big Apple.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
4 oz apple cider
1 oz lime juice
Top with ginger beer
Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
How to Make It:
In a copper mug or glass, mix vodka, apple cider, and lime juice over ice.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Why It’s Perfect: The apple cider adds a seasonal twist to the classic Moscow Mule, making it parade-ready.
4. Pikachu Punch
This vibrant cocktail is as electrifying as the Pikachu balloon and fun for a crowd.
Ingredients:
1 cup orange juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup grenadine
1 cup vodka (or skip for a mocktail version)
Top with soda water
Orange slices and maraschino cherries for garnish
How to Make It:
In a punch bowl or pitcher, mix orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and vodka.
Stir well and top with soda water before serving.
Garnish with orange slices and cherries.
Why It’s Perfect: This bright, fruity punch is ideal for sharing with family and friends as you enjoy the parade.
5. Blue’s Brew
Inspired by Blue from "Blue’s Clues," this blue-hued cocktail is both whimsical and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 oz blue curaçao
2 oz gin
1 oz lime juice
Top with tonic water
Lime wheel for garnish
How to Make It:
In a glass filled with ice, combine blue curaçao, gin, and lime juice.
Stir gently and top with tonic water.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Why It’s Perfect: Its striking color and refreshing taste make it a standout addition to your morning.
6. Float-tini
This elegant cocktail celebrates the artistry of the parade’s elaborate floats.
Ingredients:
1 oz elderflower liqueur
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
Dash of lavender syrup
Lemon twist for garnish
How to Make It:
Shake elderflower liqueur, gin, lemon juice, and lavender syrup with ice.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Why It’s Perfect: Its floral and citrus notes add sophistication, just like the beautifully crafted floats in the parade.
7. The Marching Mojito
This refreshing drink is inspired by the parade’s lively marching bands.
Ingredients:
2 oz white rum
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
Mint leaves
Top with club soda
How to Make It:
Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass.
Add rum and fill with ice.
Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig.
Why It’s Perfect: Its crisp, invigorating flavors match the energy of the bands.
Elevate Your Thanksgiving with Art of the Cocktail
Want to impress your guests with parade-inspired cocktails this Thanksgiving? Let Art of the Cocktail mixologists craft custom drinks for your holiday gathering.
What We Offer:
Custom Menus: Parade-themed cocktails tailored to your preferences.
Interactive Experiences: Guests can learn to make their favorite drinks.
Stress-Free Hosting: We handle the bar so you can enjoy the parade—and the party.
Cheers to Thanksgiving Traditions
Whether you’re sipping a Snoopy Spritz or warming up with a Tom Turkey Toddy, these parade-inspired cocktails are the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving in NYC style.
Book Art of the Cocktail mixologists today to make your holiday celebration truly unforgettable.
