Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing a great meal, and making memories. And a delicious cocktail can make the celebration even better!
In this guide, we’ve picked the best Thanksgiving cocktails that bring in the cozy flavors of the season—like warm spices, apples, and maple. You’ll find recipes featuring vodka, bourbon, and other favorites, along with easy-to-make batch cocktails and tasty mocktails that everyone can enjoy. These drinks will fit right in with your holiday feast and bring extra warmth and cheer to your celebration.
20 Thanksgiving drinks and cocktails including recipes
Hot Toddy
As the evening cools down, warm up with a classic Hot Toddy. This comforting drink simply blends whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water, perfect for sipping by the fire. It’s the ultimate way to relax after a long day of Thanksgiving celebrations.
Spiced Hot Cider
As the temperature drops, warm up with a classic Spiced Hot Cider. Simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this cozy drink is perfect for sipping by the fire before the big meal. We like to add a splash of rum or bourbon for a little extra holiday cheer.
Cranberry Margarita
Bring a little tartness to the table with this Cranberry Margarita. A festive twist on the classic margarita, it combines tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice for a bright, refreshing drink.
Gold Rush Cocktail
Simple yet full of bold flavor, the Gold Rush Cocktail combines bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice for a refreshing, slightly sweet drink. It’s perfect for those who want to keep things classic but with a fall twist.
Maple Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned gets a cozy makeover with the addition of maple syrup. Swap out the usual sugar for a dash of maple, and stir it with your favorite bourbon and bitters. It’s simple but rich, and the perfect way to toast to a festive Thanksgiving dinner.
Apple Cider Mule
Swap out the usual ginger beer for something more festive. This seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule blends crisp apple cider with vodka and a splash of lime juice, topped off with spicy ginger beer. It’s refreshing and perfect for sipping before or after your Thanksgiving feast.
Angel Face Cocktail
This cocktail is an elegant combination of Calvados, Apricot Brandy and Gin which will make your Thanksgiving party a fancy gathering. Enjoy this mix as an after dinner to sip slowly in front of the fire.
Pomegranate Martini
Bright, tangy, and elegant, the Pomegranate Martini brings a splash of color to your Thanksgiving spread. This vibrant cocktail combines pomegranate juice, citron vodka, and a touch of lemon for a perfectly balanced sip that’s light enough to enjoy before the feast.
Mulled Wine
Get cozy with a steaming mug of Mulled Wine. Red wine is simmered with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange, filling the room with festive aromas. It’s an easy make-ahead option that’s sure to warm everyone up on a chilly Thanksgiving night.
Scarlett O’Hara Cocktail
This Southern charmer is a perfect match for Thanksgiving. Made with Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime, the Scarlett O’Hara Cocktail is sweet, tart, and refreshing—just the thing to sip on as you gather with friends and family.
Buttercup Cocktail
Smooth, sweet, and oh-so-sippable, the Buttercup Cocktail combines Genever, butterscotch schnapps, and a touch of sweet vermouth. It’s the perfect nightcap.
Bolero Cocktail
With its blend of rum, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth, the Bolero Cocktail brings a tropical twist to your Thanksgiving lineup. It’s light, refreshing, and just the thing to kick off the holiday festivities, especially for those looking for a brighter pre-dinner option.
Brown Derby Cocktail
A classic with a touch of Hollywood glamour, the Brown Derby is made with bourbon, grapefruit juice, and maple syrup. It’s citrusy and smooth, giving you a sophisticated sip that pairs perfectly with a pre-Thanksgiving toast.
Bourbon Apple Cider
Nothing says fall like bourbon and apple cider. This warm, spiced cocktail is made with bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon, making it a cozy option for when you need a little warmth between courses. Sip it by the fire or serve it as a welcome drink.
Pumpkin Martini
Skip the pie and sip your pumpkin instead. This creamy Pumpkin Martini blends pumpkin spice liqueur, vodka, and a touch of Irish cream for a dessert-like drink that’s both indulgent and festive. It’s the perfect after-dinner cocktail to end your Thanksgiving feast.
Maple Leaf Cocktail
Bring the flavors of fall to your glass with the Maple Leaf Cocktail. A simple yet rich blend of rye whiskey, lemon juice, and maple syrup, this drink has a smooth sweetness that feels right at home on a chilly Thanksgiving evening.
Vieux Carré
For those looking for something with depth, the Vieux Carré is an excellent choice. A New Orleans classic, this cocktail blends rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine, creating a rich and balanced drink. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of sophistication to your toast.
Golden Dream Drink
For something smooth and citrusy, the Golden Dream Drink is an ideal Thanksgiving option. A blend of orange juice, Galliano, triple sec, and cream, it’s light and creamy, bringing just the right touch of sweetness to your pre-dinner drinks.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Bring a little tartness to the table with the Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail. This Thanksgiving-ready drink combines bourbon, cranberry juice, and a touch of lemon juice and simple syrup, balancing sweet and tart for a perfect pre-feast sip.
Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Skip the Starbucks and make your own Pumpkin Spiced Latte for Thanksgiving. A mix of espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice, and a touch of milk. It’s cozy, festive, and just what you need to keep the energy up before or after the meal. We like to add a splash of rum or whiskey now and then to kick things up a notch.
FAQs
What drinks pair best with a Thanksgiving meal?
Drinks with fall flavors like apple cider, cranberry, bourbon, and maple syrup pair well with a Thanksgiving meal. Cocktails like the Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail or Maple Old Fashioned complement the rich dishes.
Can I make large-batch cocktails for Thanksgiving?
Yes, large-batch cocktails like Spiced Rum Punch or Mulled Wine are perfect for serving a crowd at Thanksgiving.
What is an easy cocktail to make for Thanksgiving?
A Hot Toddy or Cranberry Margarita is simple to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, making them great choices for Thanksgiving.
How can I add fall flavors to my Thanksgiving cocktails?
Use ingredients like apple cider, pumpkin spice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and bourbon to add fall flavors to your cocktails.
What is a good non-alcoholic cocktail for Thanksgiving?
Non-alcoholic options include Spiced Hot Cider and Pumpkin Spiced Latte, both of which offer comforting, festive flavors without alcohol.
What cocktails can I serve with Thanksgiving desserts?
Dessert-friendly cocktails like the Pumpkin Martini, Buttercup Cocktail, or Golden Dream Drink pair well with Thanksgiving desserts like pies and cakes.
Can I prepare Thanksgiving cocktails ahead of time?
Yes, you can make large-batch cocktails like Spiced Rum Punch or Mulled Wine ahead of time and reheat or serve them cold when guests arrive.
