A cranberry-orange welcome, with gin or without alcohol, and the thoughtful details that make the first glass feel special.
The first drink of the evening has a lovely job to do. It gives arriving guests something to enjoy while coats come off, introductions begin and the kitchen finds its rhythm. For Thanksgiving, a cranberry-orange spritz brings color and a little sparkle to that moment.
Offer it with gin or without alcohol, in equally beautiful glasses. Both versions deserve the same care, the same garnish and a place on the tray.
Cranberry-orange gin spritz
Makes one drink
1½ ounces gin1 ounce unsweetened cranberry juice1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice½ ounce simple syrup, or to taste2 ounces chilled club sodaIceOrange peel and a rosemary sprig, for garnish
Add the gin, cranberry juice, orange juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake briefly to chill, then strain into a wine glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda and stir gently. Express the orange peel over the glass, then add it with the rosemary.
The zero-proof cranberry-orange spritz
Makes one drink
1 ounce unsweetened cranberry juice1½ ounces freshly squeezed orange juice¼ ounce simple syrup, or to taste3 ounces chilled club sodaIceOrange peel and a rosemary sprig, for garnish
Stir the cranberry juice, orange juice and simple syrup in a wine glass filled with ice. Add the club soda, stir gently and finish with the orange peel and rosemary. Taste before serving; cranberry juices vary considerably in tartness.
A note on sweetness
These proportions use unsweetened cranberry juice. If you use sweetened cranberry juice cocktail, begin without syrup and add a little only if needed. For simple syrup, stir equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved, then cool completely before mixing.
Prepare the welcome
Measure the juices before guests arrive and keep them chilled. Prepare garnishes, set out glasses and fill an ice bucket close to serving time. Mix the gin version separately from the alcohol-free base, and label both clearly. Add ice and sparkling water to each glass when serving so the drinks stay bright.
For six gin spritzes, combine 9 ounces gin, 6 ounces cranberry juice, 6 ounces orange juice and up to 3 ounces syrup. Pour one-sixth of the chilled base over ice in each glass and top each with 2 ounces club soda.
For six zero-proof spritzes, combine 6 ounces cranberry juice, 9 ounces orange juice and up to 1½ ounces syrup. Divide over ice and top each glass with 3 ounces club soda. Keep the pitchers distinct and use separate serving utensils.
Make the choice easy
Ask, “Would you like the gin spritz or the alcohol-free one?” as casually as you would offer still or sparkling water. There is no need to ask anyone why they prefer a particular glass. Keep water available throughout the gathering, too.
The finishing touch
A small tray, folded cocktail napkins and citrus peels prepared ahead make the welcome feel considered. Use modest rosemary sprigs so guests can sip comfortably. A welcome drink should be easy to hold while saying hello.
Akeshi’s Hosting Note
Give the alcohol-free option a proper glass and a beautiful finish. Every guest deserves the pleasure of being offered something thoughtfully made.
Find more ideas for thoughtful gatherings in The Art of Celebrating, available in our Shop, and explore the Food & Drink collection for your next cocktail hour.
