Happy Friday, gang! If you’re reading this, you’ve made it through Thanksgiving — and that deserves a moment of celebration (and maybe a nap). This week on Fridays with Oscar, Kelly, and I are embracing the cozy, slower rhythm of the long weekend with two recipes that make the most of what the holiday left behind: Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup and a Cinnamon Espresso Martini. The soup is pure comfort — hearty, warming, and the best possible use for that turkey — while the martini is a little indulgent pick-me-up for those lazy afternoon hours. Together, they’re the perfect pairing for a weekend spent in pajamas, by the fire, and surrounded by the ones you love.
Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post
- 🍲 A hearty Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup that transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into comfort food gold
- ☕️ A Cinnamon Espresso Martini that’s rich, warming, and just a little indulgent
- 🍯 A bonus Cinnamon Syrup recipe you’ll use all season long
- 💡 Comprehensive FAQs for each recipe with make-ahead tips
- 🐾 A cozy check-in with Oscar & Ollie
- 👗 A look at what Beth and Kelly are wearing for a relaxed holiday weekend
Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup with Cinnamon Espresso Martinis
There’s a particular kind of magic in the days after Thanksgiving. The pressure is off, the fridge is full, and there’s nowhere you need to be. Kelly and I look forward to this weekend all year — not for the shopping or the bustle, but for the quiet. A pot of soup simmering on the stove, a cocktail in hand, and our furry companions curled up nearby. These recipes are made for exactly that: unhurried, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
☕️ Cinnamon Espresso Martini
A rich, velvety espresso martini with a warm cinnamon twist — the perfect indulgent pick-me-up for cozy holiday afternoons.
✨ Beth’s Tip: For the best foam, make sure your espresso is freshly brewed and still slightly warm when you add it to the shaker. The contrast with the ice creates that perfect creamy top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cinnamon Espresso Martini
Q: Can I make this without an espresso machine?
A: Absolutely! Strong-brewed coffee works well — just make it double-strength. You can also use instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water, or pick up a shot from your local coffee shop.
Q: What vodka works best for espresso martinis?
A: A clean, smooth vodka like Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Ketel One works beautifully. You want something that won’t compete with the coffee flavor.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: You can pre-mix the vodka, Kahlúa, and cinnamon syrup and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add fresh espresso and shake with ice. The espresso should be fresh for the best foam.
Q: What if I don’t have Kahlúa?
A: Any coffee liqueur will work — Mr. Black, Tia Maria, or even Baileys for a creamier version. Adjust the sweetness as needed since they vary.
Q: Why didn’t I get a good foam on top?
A: The foam comes from shaking vigorously with fresh espresso. Make sure your espresso is freshly made (slightly warm is ideal), shake hard for at least 15-20 seconds, and strain immediately into a chilled glass.
Q: Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
A: Yes! Replace the vodka with cold brew concentrate and skip the Kahlúa. Use the cinnamon syrup and a splash of vanilla extract. Shake with ice for that frothy top.
Q: What’s the significance of the three coffee beans?
A: Traditionally, the three coffee beans represent health, wealth, and happiness. Plus, they look beautiful floating on that foam!
Q: Can I use flavored vodka?
A: Vanilla vodka is a delicious option and complements the cinnamon and coffee beautifully.
Cinnamon Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz coffee liqueur Kahlúa
- 2 oz fresh espresso or strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 oz cinnamon syrup recipe below
- Ice
- 6 coffee beans for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish optional
Instructions:
- Chill glass: Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer while you make the drink.
- Combine ingredients: Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and cinnamon syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously: Shake hard for 15-20 seconds until well chilled and frothy on top.
- Strain: Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish: Float 3 coffee beans on the foam and add a cinnamon stick if desired.
- Serve immediately while cold and frothy.
Tips/Notes
Cinnamon Syrup
A warmly spiced simple syrup that elevates cocktails, coffee, and so much more — a holiday kitchen essential.Ingredients
Makes: About 1 cup Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for stronger flavor)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks over medium heat.
- Dissolve sugar: Stir until sugar is completely dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let cool completely with cinnamon sticks still in the syrup (this intensifies the flavor).
- Strain: Remove cinnamon sticks. Transfer syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle.
- Store: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🍲 Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
A soul-warming soup that transforms Thanksgiving turkey into a creamy, herb-kissed bowl of comfort — the best kind of leftovers reinvented.
✨ Kelly’s Tip: This soup freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze half for easy weeknight dinners. Just leave out the cream until reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! This soup works beautifully with rotisserie chicken any time of year. Shred about 3 cups of meat and proceed as directed.
Q: What if I don’t have leftover turkey broth?
A: Store-bought chicken broth or turkey broth works perfectly. For extra flavor, simmer your turkey carcass with aromatics for a few hours to make homemade stock.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! The soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve added cream, you may need to thin it with a little broth when reheating.
Q: How do I freeze this soup?
A: Freeze the soup without the cream in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat on the stove, and stir in cream at the end.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the turkey and cream in the last 30 minutes.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad are perfect accompaniments. Leftover dinner rolls from Thanksgiving work wonderfully too!
Q: My soup is too thick. What should I do?
A: Wild rice absorbs liquid as it sits. Simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Q: Can I skip the cream for a lighter version?
A: Of course! The soup is delicious without cream — just add an extra cup of broth or water for the right consistency. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy option.
Leftover Turkey & Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup wild rice blend or long grain and wild rice mix
- 8 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 3 cups cooked turkey shredded or diced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale roughly chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and rice: Stir in garlic and wild rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in broth. Add bay leaves, thyme, and sage. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add turkey: Stir in shredded turkey and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with cream: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and spinach (if using). If not using heavy cream, add 1 cup water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are wilted. Remove bay leaves.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips/Notes
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🐾 Oscar & Ollie: The Long Weekend Crew
If there’s one thing Oscar and Ollie understand, it’s the art of relaxation. While Kelly and I were busy in the kitchen — stirring soup and shaking martinis — our furry companions had their own agenda: supervising from their favorite spots and occasionally wandering over to check on our progress.
Oscar has stationed himself near the kitchen, ever hopeful that a piece of turkey might find its way to the floor (and honestly, it might). Ollie, meanwhile, has claimed her spot in the warmest patch of sunlight, watching the proceedings with her characteristic Maine Coon elegance. There’s something so grounding about their presence during these quiet holiday moments — a reminder that the best parts of the weekend aren’t about productivity or plans, but simply being together.
Long Weekend Style
Beth’s Look
The long Thanksgiving weekend calls for outfits that are equal parts cozy and polished — because even when you’re stirring soup and shaking martinis, a little style goes a long way. Today I’m layering my Cashmere Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater in the softest camel under a Metallic Quilted Puffer Vest that adds just the right amount of festive shimmer without being over the top.
Shop Beth’s Look
I’ve paired them with my Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants — they’re surprisingly comfortable and add a bit of edge to the look — and finished with Suede Booties that are perfect for padding around the house or stepping out for a quick errand. It’s the kind of outfit that makes you feel put-together without trying too hard — exactly right for this slow, sweet stretch of the holiday.
Kelly’s Look
For me, the long weekend is all about comfort with a little personality. I’ve paired my J.Crew Perfect Cashmere Sweater in a rich chocolate brown with my Madewell Petite Darted Barrel Leg Jean — they have that relaxed, slightly cropped silhouette I love for lazy days at home.
The fun is in the accessories: a J.Crew Leopard Leather Belt adds a pop of print at the waist, and I’ve echoed it with my J.Crew Quinn Cutout Ballet Flats in a coordinating leopard pattern. It’s a simple formula — great sweater, great jeans, statement accessories — but it works every time. Cozy, cute, and ready for whatever the weekend brings.
🍂 Cheers to Slowing Down
As November draws to a close, Kelly and I are savoring these last quiet moments before the holiday rush truly begins. There’s a sweetness to this in-between time — the leftovers are still plentiful, the decorations are going up, and there’s no agenda beyond comfort and connection.
These recipes embody everything we love about this weekend: the soup is pure, practical comfort (because why wouldn’t you turn that turkey into something wonderful?), and the martini is a little treat for making it through the big day. Together, they’re an invitation to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the warmth of home.
🐾 Kelly, Oscar, Ollie, and I wish you all a relaxing holiday weekend!
For more cozy comfort recipes, check out: Golden Hour Recipes: Pear Cocktails & Simple Autumn Salad for Cozy Evenings
🎁 Black Friday Deals for Pets
Oscar and Ollie would never forgive us if we didn’t mention that Black Friday has some seriously good deals for our furry friends, too! Whether you’re shopping for a pup who deserves a cozy new bed, a kitty who’s been eyeing a cat tree, or just want to stock up on treats, here are a few of our favorite finds this weekend.
Pet Gift Guide
All week we have been gearing up for holiday shopping with Black Friday deals and steals, check out:
- Holiday Gift Guide Roundup 2025
- 10 Black Friday Deals You Don’t Want to Miss
- Early Black Friday Picks: The Best Fashion & Home Deals
- 10 Culinary Gifts Every Home Cook Needs
- 7 Fall & Winter Perfumes That Make The Perfect Gift
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