Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, sharing delicious food, and creating memories with loved ones. While the turkey takes center stage, the drinks you serve can set the tone for the entire celebration. A well-crafted cocktail not only complements the meal but also adds a touch of warmth, flavor, and festivity to the occasion.
From cozy sips infused with apple cider and pumpkin spice to sparkling cranberry creations that pop with color, Thanksgiving cocktails turn your holiday into a true celebration. In this guide, you’ll find both classic recipes and creative twists, plus make-ahead tips and mocktail options so everyone can join in the toast.
Essential Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cocktails
Before you start mixing, it helps to have a few seasonal staples on hand. These ingredients and tools will make crafting Thanksgiving cocktails simple and stress-free.
Seasonal Spirits and Mixers
Thanksgiving flavors shine when paired with the right base. Stock up on bourbon, whiskey, brandy, and spiced rum for cozy warmth, or vodka and gin for lighter drinks. Seasonal mixers like apple cider, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, maple syrup, and ginger beer bring the autumn flavors to life.
Garnishes
Garnishes do more than decorate—they elevate each sip. Cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and sugared cranberries instantly make a drink feel festive. Even a simple twist of citrus peel adds an aromatic touch.
Tools to Have on Hand
A cocktail shaker, muddler, jigger, and bar spoon are basics every home bartender needs. Don’t forget festive glassware—copper mugs for mules, coupe glasses for elegant sips, or mason jars for a rustic vibe.
15+ Thanksgiving Cocktails to Impress Your Guests
1.Apple Cider Sangria
If you want a Thanksgiving cocktail that’s festive but not overly rich, this Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect choice. It combines crisp apple cider, fresh chopped apples and pears, Pinot Grigio, ginger brandy, and a splash of club soda to create a drink that’s fruity, effervescent and seasonally perfect.
What makes it great: you get warm fall flavors and fresh fruit in every sip, yet it stays light enough to complement the meal rather than overwhelm it. Also it’s super easy to scale for a group and easy to prep ahead.
2. Hot Toddy
Looking for something warm, comforting, and simple, this classic Hot Toddy is just the drink. With just four or five ingredients whiskey, hot water, lemon, honey (optional cinnamon) this cocktail is ideal for chilly Thanksgiving evenings, or to offer guests who want something cozy before the feast.
It’s soothing, easy to make, and adjustable (more lemon, more or less sweetness) to suit different taste preferences. Perfect if you want a low-fuss, high-comfort drink that warms more than just your hands.
2. Mulled Wine
For hosts who want warmth, aroma, and a festive ambiance in a glass, this Mulled Wine recipe delivers. It’s loaded with spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise), citrus, and optionally brandy or orange liqueur, simmered so your home smells like the holidays.
What makes it especially good: it scales easily for large crowds, can be made hours ahead, and keeps guests warm (literally and figuratively). It’s also very customizable swap sweeteners, adjust spices, or use either red or white wine depending on mood or budget.
3. Cranberry Moscow Mule
If you’d like a drink that’s sparkling, tart, and festive, Spoonful of Flavor’s Cranberry Moscow Mule is a strong pick. It takes the classic Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime) and adds cranberry juice, turning it into a crisp cocktail with holiday colors and tang.
It offers a refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes, is great served cold, and gets bonus points for presentation (especially in a copper mug with garnishes). Also, it’s fast to pull together and easy to adjust sweetness or alcohol strength to your guests’ tastes.
3. Poinsettia
For a bubbly, elegant option that feels celebratory without being heavy, this Poinsettia Cocktail is ideal. It’s a three-ingredient Champagne cocktail with orange liqueur and cranberry juice; fresh, festive, and visually pretty.
What makes it unique: very little effort, yet high in party factor. It’s light on alcohol (so guests can enjoy more without getting weighed down), and the pops of cranberry and citrus make it festive.
Perfect as a toast after dinner or for brunch, or whenever you want sparkle without richness.
4. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
If you’re craving something fun, dessert-like, and perfectly seasonal, this Pumpkin Spice White Russian delivers. It updates the classic White Russian with pumpkin spice creamer, vodka, and Kahlúa, making each sip creamy, indulgent, and nostalgic.
The graham-cracker rim and optional whipped cream take it a step further. Great when you want a cocktail that feels like dessert. It’s ideal for cozy evenings, post-dinner sipping, or when warm spices and sweet comfort are what the heart wants most. Plus, it’s easy to make with ingredients many home bars already have.
5. Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
This Cinnamon Apple Bourbon Smash balances warmth, spice, and sparkle in a festive autumn hug in a glass. With homemade spiced cinnamon-maple syrup (with a subtle kick of cayenne), bourbon, apple butter, and a hit of citrus & ginger beer, it feels both cozy and celebratory.
It’s great for cold evening gatherings, for those who enjoy bold flavor without being too sweet, and for hosts who want something that looks and tastes like Thanksgiving in a drink. Also nice that the syrup can be made ahead and scaled for a crowd.
6. Maple Old Fashioned
For fans of timeless cocktails with a seasonal twist, the Maple Old Fashioned from Gimme Some Oven is a standout. Rather than the usual sugar cube, this version uses a hint of maple syrup to sweeten, letting the richness of good bourbon shine through.
Orange peel, bitters, optional cherry small touches that elevate without overwhelming. It leans warm, smooth, and subtly sweet, making it perfect alongside roast turkey or by a fireplace. If you want something sophisticated, simple, and rooted in fall flavors, this is your drink.
7. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Pomegranate Gin Fizz is for when you want something bright, bubbly, and festive. The drink combines gin with pomegranate juice, lime, orange simple syrup, and tonic for sparkle plus a beautiful holiday-red color.
There’s a spicy/floral touch thanks to a well-chosen gin, and it’s something lighter good contrast to heavy Thanksgiving fare. Also versatile: can be shaken up for individuals or batched for parties. Great for guests who prefer something refreshing, fruity, and elegant.
8. Chai Spiced Martini
If warmth, spice, and elegance are high on your holiday wish list, the Spiced Chai Martini offers all three. Combining rich chai tea (homemade concentrate ideally) with vodka and a hint of lemon, this cocktail feels luxe and comforting at once. The chai spices bring depth and aroma; the martini format gives it sophistication.
It’s suited for intimate gatherings, dessert cocktail lovers, or anyone wanting something less predictable. Plus, with flavor profiles familiar to many from chai lattes, it’s accessible yet elevated.
Non-Alcoholic (Mocktail) Options
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and Thanksgiving is about making sure every guest feels included. These mocktails bring the same festive flavors and beautiful presentation as their cocktail counterparts, so no one misses out on the fun.
9. Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch
Perfect for hosts who want a festive, non-alcoholic drink that still feels celebratory, this Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider Punch delivers bubbly charm with fall flavors. Apple cider brings warmth and depth, cranberry juice adds bright color and tartness, and sparkling water or soda gives that lively fizz guests love.
Serve it in a punch bowl with floating cranberries, apple slices, and maybe a sprig of rosemary to make it visually inviting. It’s great for family gatherings, kids, or anyone not drinking alcohol, but everyone still gets a toast.
Ideal for Thanksgiving because it complements food without competing with flavors.
10. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Mocktail
If you want dessert and a drink in one, the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Mocktail is a headliner. Blending pumpkin purée, milk (or dairy-free option), vanilla, and warming pumpkin-pie spices, it tastes like a slice of Thanksgiving pie in a glass, but easier to sip and share. The whipped cream topping and optional graham cracker or cinnamon sugar rim add nostalgic indulgence.
Perfect for kids, dessert lovers, or anyone who wants something sweet after dinner without heavy alcohol. Choose this mocktail when you want cozy, dessert-style comfort in every sip.
11. Citrus & Rosemary Spritzer
For a refreshingly light, aromatic, and elegant drink, this Rosemary Citrus Spritzer is a standout. With fresh citrus juices (like orange and lemon), sparkling water or soda, and rosemary’s herbal fragrance, it feels crisp yet festive.
The rosemary sprig garnish adds both aroma and visual appeal. It’s ideal for balancing richer Thanksgiving dishes; palate-cleansing, lively, and pretty. Especially good if you want guests to have a mocktail option that doesn’t feel “kid-ish,” but is thoughtfully composed. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare last-minute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare cocktails ahead of time?
Yes. Many cocktails, especially sangrias, punches, and mulled wine, can be made in advance. For sparkling cocktails, add the fizzy element right before serving to keep them fresh.
2. How many cocktail options should I offer?
Two to three choices is plenty. Aim for one classic, one creative seasonal drink, and one non-alcoholic mocktail so every guest has something to enjoy.
3. What’s the best way to keep drinks cold or warm?
Use insulated pitchers or punch bowls for chilled drinks, and a slow cooker or stovetop for warm cocktails like mulled wine or hot toddies.
4. How can I adapt cocktails for kids or non-drinkers?
Simply swap out the alcohol for sparkling water, cider, or juice while keeping the same garnishes and presentation. This way, mocktails look and feel just as festive as the cocktails.