Story highlights Acclaimed mixologist Kellie Thorn offers three holiday drink recipes

All can be largely made in advance, cutting down on day-of stress

(CNN) When Thanksgiving arrives and your extended family is tumbling through your front door in a mess of coats, hats and scarves, it's best to have those ambitious cocktails you planned on serving prepared ahead of time.

Part of the art of entertaining is knowing how to curate a great atmosphere for friends and family while making it look effortless, says Kellie Thorn, beverage director for celebrity chef Hugh Acheson 's restaurants in Atlanta and beyond.

Thorn likens it to being "a swan gliding elegantly on top of the water, but underneath, your feet are kicking really fast."

The veteran bartender has lots of insights into serving flavor-complex cocktails while keeping a relaxed and jovial spirit in the kitchen. Part of that pacing, she says, is transition time. She suggests keeping cold bottles of Champagne or sherry in the fridge so you can pour an easy chilled beverage for your guests while you're working on the main event: dinner.

"Throw a drink in someone's hand (and keep one in your own hand at all times). It brings you back in touch with that joviality and ... will bridge whatever wait time you have while keeping you sane. Keep that smile and take deep breaths," Thorn said.

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