28 Thanksgiving Cocktails

A good Thanksgiving drink does two jobs. It gives guests something festive to hold while the turkey rests, and it tastes like fall without fighting the food.

These 28 Thanksgiving cocktails cover every part of the day. You will find big-batch sangrias for a crowd, crisp apple cider and cranberry drinks for dinner, creamy pumpkin martinis for dessert, and warm mugs of mulled wine for the end of the night.

1. Thanksgiving Sangria

Dry white wine, apple cider, bourbon, and orange liqueur make the base of this pitcher drink. Diced red and green apples, orange slices, pomegranate arils, cinnamon sticks, and fresh rosemary go in next.

Let it chill for at least one hour, or up to a full day, so the fruit soaks up the spice.

Pour it into glasses, spoon some fruit on top, and finish each one with an optional splash of ginger beer. One pitcher serves about 8, which covers most dinner tables.

Source details: feastandwest.com

2. Apple Cider Mimosas

Just two ingredients make this drink: chilled champagne and apple cider. The fun part is the rim.

Dip the top of each flute in water, then spin it through a cinnamon sugar mix so every sip starts sweet and spiced.

Pour in the cider first, then top it with champagne, using about twice as much bubbly as cider. It takes five minutes, so you can set out a tray of rimmed flutes before guests arrive and fill them as people walk in.

Source details: champagneandcoffeestains.com

3. Blood Orange Ginger Cranberry Mojito’s

Source details: heatherchristo.com

4. Apple Cider Margaritas

Cozy and refreshing at the same time, this margarita mixes silver tequila with apple cider, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and a teaspoon of pure maple syrup.

The rim is a treat on its own. Brush the glass with maple syrup, then dip it in sugar, cinnamon, and flaky salt.

Shake everything with ice for a full 30 seconds and strain it over fresh ice. For the best flavor, grab refrigerated apple cider instead of the shelf-stable kind. Apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise finish it off.

Source details: wellplated.com

5. Pumpkin Pie Martini

Dessert in a glass, this martini tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, half and half, pumpkin pie spice, and a little vanilla extract all go into the shaker.

Give it about 20 to 25 hard shakes, then strain it into a glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar.

A dollop of whipped cream and a final dusting of spice finish it off. Serve it with the pie course, or let it stand in for dessert entirely.

Source details: wholefully.com

6. Thanksgiving Punch (Mocktail Or Cocktail)

Source details: thymeandjoy.com

7. Apple Cider Sangria

Chopped apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise go into a pitcher with pinot grigio, apple cider, and an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

The secret is time. This sangria chills in the fridge overnight, so the wine soaks up the spice and the apples turn boozy.

Right before serving, stir in a splash of ginger beer for a gentle fizz, then pour it over ice. It serves 8, and making it a day ahead frees up your hands on Thanksgiving morning.

Source details: loveandlemons.com

8. Cranberry Maple Bourbon Smash

Deep red and topped with rosemary, this bourbon drink starts with a quick homemade syrup. Simmer maple syrup, water, and cranberries for about 5 minutes, until the berries burst, then strain and cool it.

One batch makes enough syrup for 6 cocktails.

For each drink, shake the syrup with bourbon and unsweetened cranberry juice, then strain it over ice. The maple softens the tart berries and the bourbon adds warmth. A rosemary sprig on top gives every sip a woodsy smell.

Source details: platingsandpairings.com

9. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Think of this one as a boozy iced pumpkin spice latte. Vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, and half an ounce of pumpkin spice syrup get shaken with ice until cold and creamy.

Before you pour, roll the rim of a rocks glass in maple syrup or honey, then in cinnamon sugar.

Fill the glass with ice, add the drink, and top it with a cinnamon stick and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. It is rich enough to sip slowly next to a slice of pie.

Source details: feastandwest.com

10. Spiced Pear Bourbon Cocktail

Picture a classic old fashioned with a cozy pear twist. A homemade spiced pear syrup sweetens the drink, while apple or pear brandy adds a second layer of fruit.

The recipe calls for a punchy bourbon, at least 90 proof, so the spirit holds its own against the sweet syrup.

Shake it hard with ice and a squeeze of fresh lemon for 15 to 30 seconds, until the shaker turns frosty. Strain it into a coupe and sip it neat, or pour it over crushed ice.

Source details: findingtimeforcooking.com

11. Cranberry Margaritas

Bright red and tart, this margarita shakes cranberry juice with blanco tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip it in coarse salt first. The salty edge balances the tart berries.

Strain the drink over ice and garnish it with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig, which looks a little like a tiny pine branch. It takes five minutes and works just as well at Christmas parties.

Source details: loveandlemons.com

12. Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Fall in a mug is the best way to describe this one. Apple vodka and fresh apple cider get poured over ice, then topped with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime.

Plan on about 2 ounces of vodka and 4 ounces of cider per mug, and add more vodka if you like it stronger.

Swirl each drink with a cinnamon stick and tuck an apple slice on the rim. The recipe makes 2 servings in five minutes, and it scales up easily when the whole family wants one.

Source details: simplyscratch.com

13. Caramel Apple Sangria

Only four ingredients go into the pitcher: a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine, vodka, apple cider, and thinly sliced apples. Caramel vodka makes it taste even more like a caramel apple.

Let it chill for at least an hour so the flavors come together.

The fun step comes at serving time. Drizzle a thick layer of caramel syrup inside each glass, pour in the sangria, and top it with apple slices. One pitcher serves 8 to 10 people.

Source details: everydayelizabeth.com

14. Cranberry Gin Fizz

Cranberry sauce finds a second job in this simple gin drink. Shake gin with fresh-squeezed orange juice, a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce, and ice.

Strain it into a short glass over more ice and top it with seltzer for a light, fizzy finish.

The recipe saves a second spoonful of cranberry sauce for serving, plus fresh cranberries and an orange slice for garnish. It is a fun way to put extra sauce from the dinner table to good use.

Source details: nutmegnanny.com

15. Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

Three pours and you are done. Fill a glass with ice, add apple cider and bourbon, then top it off with ginger ale and stir lightly.

The ginger ale keeps it light and bubbly, so it is easy to sip through a long afternoon of football and appetizers.

The ratio is simple to remember: 3 ounces of cider, 2 ounces of bourbon, and 2 ounces of ginger ale. Garnish with a fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick, and you have a cozy drink in minutes.

Source details: kellystilwell.com

16. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Made with real pumpkin, this espresso martini gets two teaspoons of puree in the shaker, along with pumpkin pie spice, vodka, Kahlua, hot espresso, and your favorite creamer.

Add the espresso last so it does not melt all the ice right away.

Then shake hard for 15 to 30 seconds. That shaking builds the foamy top that makes an espresso martini look so good. Dairy-free creamer works just as well, and strong coffee can stand in for espresso.

Source details: nyssaskitchen.com

17. Pomegranate Margaritas

Ten drinks come out of one pitcher here, which makes this a smart pick for a holiday crowd. A full liter of tequila goes in with Cointreau, unsweetened pomegranate juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

Stir the mix together in a large glass pitcher ahead of time.

When guests are ready, shake one cup of the mix at a time with ice and strain it into a cocktail glass. A few pomegranate arils on top add a pop of deep red.

Source details: recipegirl.com

18. Hot Buttered Apple Cider Rum

Rich, warm, and spiced, this mug starts with a buttered rum batter of softened butter, apple butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. You can make it up to 2 weeks ahead and keep it in the fridge.

Mulling the cider is optional but worth it: simmer it with apples, orange, and whole spices for 15 to 20 minutes.

To serve, spoon batter into a thick mug, add dark spiced rum, and pour in the hot cider. Stir until the butter melts, then add whipped cream.

Source details: afullliving.com

19. Cranberry Whiskey Sour

Rye whiskey gives this sour its spicy backbone. Shake it with cranberry juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for 15 to 20 hard shakes, then strain it over ice.

If you can find it, use 100% cranberry juice, as the recipe suggests.

The garnish is what makes it pretty. Thread three fresh cranberries onto a cocktail pick and wrap a long strip of lemon peel around them. It is a festive pour that works for Thanksgiving and carries right into Christmas.

Source details: charmingcocktails.com

20. Apple Cider Manhattan

Bourbon, sweet vermouth, apple cider, and maple syrup give the classic Manhattan a fall makeover. Two dashes of orange bitters tie the flavors together.

Instead of stirring, this version gets shaken hard with ice, then strained into a coupe glass.

A single Luxardo cherry is the only garnish it needs. The result is smooth and lightly sweet, with apple and maple softening the bourbon’s edge. Serve it before dinner, when guests are gathering and the kitchen smells like turkey.

Source details: inspiredbycharm.com

21. Spiced Pear Vodka Cocktail

Pear juice, vodka, fresh lemon, honey syrup, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice get shaken until well chilled. Strain it over ice, then top the glass with cold prosecco.

The bubbles make it feel a little fancy without extra work.

Go all out on the garnish if you like. A pear slice, a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary turn a simple glass into something that looks great on a holiday table. It is a lighter pick for guests who skip brown liquor.

Source details: thesocialsipper.com

22. Pumpkin Margaritas

Fall gets poured right into this margarita, with pumpkin puree shaken alongside tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, maple syrup, and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. It is gluten-free and vegan, too.

Start with the rim. Wet the edge of the glass in a little water, then dip it in cinnamon sugar.

Shake the drink ingredients once without ice, then add ice and shake for 10 more seconds. Strain it into a margarita glass and finish with a cinnamon stick if you like.

Source details: texanerin.com

23. Cranberry Mojitos

Mint and lime usually mean summer, but cranberry juice turns this mojito into a holiday drink. Muddle fresh lime juice and mint leaves in a small pitcher, then mix in simple syrup, cranberry juice, and white rum.

Fill the pitcher about three quarters full of ice and give it a good stir.

Pour into ice-filled glasses, top each one with club soda, and drop in a few cranberries. The recipe makes 4 drinks, and you will need 8 to 9 limes for a full cup of juice.

Source details: dinnersdishesanddesserts.com

24. Apple Cider Vodka Cocktail

Muddled fresh fruit gives this simple drink a crisp, bright flavor. Chopped apple and lime wedges get crushed in the bottom of a cocktail shaker first.

Add vodka and apple cider, shake it with ice, and strain it into a rocks glass.

A splash of club soda on top adds a light fizz. With four main ingredients and five minutes of work, it is easy to make round after round, and a thin apple slice makes a pretty garnish.

Source details: platingsandpairings.com

25. Cranberry Mimosas

Holiday mornings call for something festive, and this mimosa mixes tart cranberry, sweet orange, and bubbles in one glass. Pour cranberry juice over ice, add orange juice, then top with champagne or Prosecco.

Chill everything first so the drinks stay cold and bubbly.

The recipe makes 12 servings in 12-ounce glasses, using 2 bottles of bubbly plus 4 cups each of cranberry and orange juice. Slip an orange slice on each rim and serve it with Thanksgiving brunch.

Source details: recipegirl.com

26. Mulled Wine

Warm and fragrant, this mulled wine fills the kitchen with the smell of spice. A bottle of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, goes into a saucepan with brandy, water, honey, a cinnamon stick, and star anise.

Squeeze in fresh lemon and orange juice, bring it to a boil, then simmer on low for 15 minutes.

Ladle it into mugs and serve it warm with orange slices. The recipe makes 4 servings, and it is a cozy way to end the night once the dishes are done.

Source details: jocooks.com

27. Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour

Source details: casualepicure.com

28. Hot Toddy

Simple and soothing, the hot toddy is a classic nightcap. Pour whiskey, a tablespoon of honey, and fresh lemon juice into a mug, then top it with boiling water.

A cinnamon stick adds gentle spice as it sits in the mug, and a lemon round floats on top.

It takes about 10 minutes and only six ingredients, most of which are probably in your kitchen already. After a big turkey dinner, a warm mug of this is an easy way to slow down.

Source details: jocooks.com

Still planning the menu? Browse our Thanksgiving appetizers, Thanksgiving side dishes, and Thanksgiving desserts.