Friendsgiving drinks should be easy to pour, easy to refill, and easy to refuse. You do not need a cocktail program. A pitcher of something nonalcoholic, water on the table, and a short list of wine or beer if you choose to serve alcohol will cover almost any gathering. If you want a pairing idea for turkey, you can point to what wine pairs with Thanksgiving turkey if that guide is useful, but a Friendsgiving potluck does not require matching a pour to every dish. See Friendsgiving menu ideas for the food side.
Start with drinks everyone can have
Put out water first. Then add one communal option such as sparkling cider, a citrus punch, iced tea, or warm apple cider, depending on the weather and your stove space. Make the nonalcoholic drink easy to see, not an afterthought in the back of the fridge. If you mix a punch, keep perishable additions cold and do not leave dairy-based drinks out for more than 2 hours. A self-serve pitcher reduces traffic in a small kitchen.
If you serve alcohol
Keep the choices narrow: one white, one red, or a few beers is enough. Do not pressure anyone to drink, and have a plan for guests who need a safe ride home. Serve food with alcohol, and keep an eye on refills without turning into a bartender who never sits down. If your group prefers a single simple cocktail, batch it in a pitcher so you are not mixing drinks all night. This is a dinner, not a tasting flight.
Logistics in a small space
Use a side table or a clear section of counter as the drink station so people are not opening the fridge every five minutes. Ask someone on the sign-up to bring ice, extra cups, or a backup cider. Collect empties as the night goes on, and do not leave it all for the host after the last guest sits down. For apartment hosting and etiquette, see how to host Friendsgiving in a small apartment and Friendsgiving etiquette. More planning pages are in the Friendsgiving guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 2-Cup and 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup Set — A glass measuring cup helps you mix a simple punch or spiced cider.
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Qt Stainless Mixing Bowl — A large mixing bowl can stand in as a punch bowl if you add a ladle.
- Everyday White 16-Inch Porcelain Turkey Platter — A small tray is useful for carrying glasses in a crowded room.
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Frequently asked questions
What drinks should I serve at Friendsgiving?
Start with water and one nonalcoholic pitcher drink. Add a short wine or beer selection only if you want to serve alcohol.
Do I need a cocktail menu?
No. If you want a cocktail, make one batched drink so you are not mixing all night.
Who should bring drinks?
You can assign drinks and ice on the potluck sign-up, just like sides and dessert.