Planning the holiday menu when you are in recovery from an addiction to alcohol might be challenging. There are many delicious options for non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving that will fit right in with the most festive of gatherings, though. Try these Thanksgiving-themed beverages that feature the tastes of the season, including cranberries and pumpkin.
Challenges and Strategies for a Sober Thanksgiving
Dinners or parties during the Thanksgiving holiday can involve questions about why you are not drinking or even pressure to have “just one.” It’s critical for your continued recovery success that you stay strong and enjoy non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving and throughout the year. Try to celebrate the holiday with those who are supportive and understanding of your need to remain sober in your recovery.
When you are hosting a gathering, inform everyone that yours will be a sober celebration and there will be no alcohol. When you are attending a dinner or event hosted by someone else, either bring your own beverages as a contribution to the celebration or make sure the host understands why you need non-alcoholic drinks to be served.
Punch for Everyone
When you are expecting a group for a celebration or dinner, break out the punch bowl for these tasty non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving. In fact, the first choice is called Thanksgiving Punch and features cranberries, apple cider and sparkling grape juice. Spiced syrup makes this punch extra special and can be made from brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice mix.
Another punch idea that reflects the taste of the season is Salted Caramel Apple Punch. A blend of apple cider, orange juice and ginger ale that’s sweetened with a homemade salted caramel syrup and adorned with diced apples, this punch can be made ahead of time and chilled for serving at the Thanksgiving table. For a little extra fun, make decorative ice cubes by cutting the apples into small pieces and adding them to ice cube trays, along with enough water to cover them, and freeze.
If your Thanksgiving gathering is going to be a large group of supportive family members and friends, consider the Big Bunch Punch. Easy to prepare, the punch features the flavors of cranberry juice cocktail, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade and ginger ale.
Refreshing Cold Drinks
For a touch of citrus at your Thanksgiving table, mix a liter of ginger ale with a six-ounce can of frozen orange juice concentrate. Stir to mix, then garnish with a thinly sliced medium orange. The sparkling and bright citrus flavor will complement all of your menu items.
Turn a simple apple cider into a creative and festive treat. Apple-Cinnamon Cider Cups are easy to make non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving that will delight all of your guests. Served in hollowed-out apples, the cider can be chilled or warmed. For extra flavor, serve with cinnamon-stick straws.
Hosting the family for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning? Serve up Pumpkin Smoothies. Like chilled pumpkin pie in a glass, this thick and creamy drink features pumpkin puree, a very ripe banana, Greek yogurt, honey and pumpkin pie spice.
Focus On Your Recovery Success
Thanksgiving is a joyous time, mostly, but it can also bring some unneeded stress when you are gathering with friends and family members you may not have seen in a while. No matter which non-alcoholic drink you choose for your Thanksgiving celebrations, stay focused on the fact that you are in recovery from your addiction to alcohol and you have a lot to be thankful for this year.
If you are attending a gathering hosted by a family member or friend, arrange to drive yourself so you will have a way to leave if the stress gets to be too much for you. Consider attending a support group meeting afterward to recharge your recovery efforts.
If you are hosting the event, you have more opportunity to set the rules about only allowing non-alcoholic drinks, but you may still need to step out to breathe occasionally. You can literally go outside for some fresh air or simply excuse yourself to go check on something in the kitchen.
Addiction Treatment in Tennessee
If you are struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, know that you are not alone. Help is here. The team at Cumberland Heights understands how difficult it can be to overcome addiction. That’s why we provide clinically advanced care to people throughout the state of Tennessee. To learn more about addiction treatment through Cumberland Heights, contact our admissions team today.