Alright friends, raise your glasses, because we’re making a toast Tico-style this Thanksgiving.

And for a whole lot of expats living the "Pura Vida lifestyle", Turkey Day has officially made itself at home in Costa Rica.

Thanksgiving is basically the Super Bowl of gratitude, and making a toast is the perfect way to pause, breathe, and appreciate the blessings, the good peeps around you, and the memories you’ve stacked up over the year.

We’re wrapping up our mini Thanksgiving recipe series. Yep, the one where we devoured that “Tropical Thanksgiving Turkey” like champs, teamed it up with a creamy “Green Bean Casserole,” and didn’t forget the MVP: classic "Thanksgiving Stuffing."

Honestly, we wanted to keep going. Pecan pie? Needed. Cinnamon rolls? Always welcome. But November said zoom and disappeared faster than the last slice of pie, so those delicious recipes will have to stay on our future-to-make list.

For now, let’s bring everyone together, clink those glasses, and remember what this holiday is really about: gratitude, connection, and that warm, fuzzy energy.

Let’s talk sangria, specifically, this apple cider sangria that basically tastes like Thanksgiving in a glass. It’s sweet from the apple cider, full of fresh, crunchy apples, and carries that warm cinnamon–star anise spice vibe. It’s festive, it’s easy, and it’s a whole mood, even if Costa Rica is all sun, palm trees, and Pura Vida energy.

And don’t worry, everything is Costa Rica–friendly and easy to find.

• 3 apples, chopped.

• 4 cinnamon sticks.

• 4 star-anise (optional but fancy).

• 1 (750 mL) bottle of your favorite dry white wine (white wine + turkey = chef’s kiss).

• 1½ cups apple cider or apple juice.

• 2 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau at Walmart, Grand Marnier at PriceSmart, or your fave triple sec).

• 3½ oz ginger beer (optional, but adds a little sparkle).

• Ice.

Grab a big pitcher and toss in your apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.

Pour in the wine, apple cider, and orange liqueur. Give it a good stir.

Chill it overnight so the flavors can get all cozy together.

Right before serving, add the ginger beer and stir gently.

Serve over ice, sip, and enjoy your life choices.

Have a Pura Vida Thanksgiving, my friend.

Salud!