29 Best Cocktails to Make for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s also the perfect time to toast the season with a festive drink in hand. Whether you’re looking for classic cocktails with a twist, cozy warm beverages, or crowd-pleasing big-batch drinks, this list has something for everyone. From traditional flavors like apple, cranberry, and pumpkin to creative combinations, these cocktails are sure to delight your guests and elevate your Thanksgiving celebration.

Classics with a Twist

  1. Cranberry Margarita
    Add a festive touch to a classic margarita by blending tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Garnish with sugared cranberries and a lime wheel for a refreshing, tangy sip.
  2. Apple Cider Mule
    This Thanksgiving spin on a Moscow Mule combines apple cider, vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Serve it in a copper mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice for added charm.
  3. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
    A creamy dessert drink featuring vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice syrup. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a decadent finish.
  4. Maple Old Fashioned
    Swap the sugar cube for maple syrup in this classic cocktail. Mix it with bourbon, bitters, and a twist of orange for a warm, autumn-inspired take on an old favorite.
  5. Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
    Add a hint of spice to the classic whiskey sour with homemade cinnamon syrup. Shake it with bourbon, lemon juice, and egg white for a frothy, tangy treat.

Fruity and Festive

  1. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
    Brighten your table with this vibrant cocktail. Combine gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and sparkling water. Top with pomegranate seeds for a festive presentation.
  2. Apple Sangria
    A crowd-pleaser made with white wine, apple brandy, sliced apples, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. This big-batch drink is perfect for entertaining.
  3. Cranberry Mojito
    Refreshing and light, this cocktail combines fresh mint leaves, lime juice, rum, and cranberry juice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and whole cranberries for a seasonal twist.
  4. Pear and Prosecco Sparkler
    Mix pear juice with prosecco and a splash of elderflower liqueur. Add a thin slice of fresh pear as a garnish for an elegant and bubbly Thanksgiving toast.
  5. Spiced Blackberry Smash
    This bourbon-based cocktail features muddled blackberries, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of soda. Serve it over ice for a bold, flavorful drink.

Warm and Cozy Cocktails

  1. Hot Buttered Rum
    A traditional favorite for the colder months, this drink combines dark rum with spiced butter, brown sugar, and hot water. It’s rich, warming, and perfect for sipping by the fire.
  2. Mulled Wine
    Simmer red wine with orange slices, cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and a touch of honey. This fragrant and comforting drink fills your home with holiday cheer.
  3. Hot Apple Toddy
    Combine apple cider with whiskey and spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve it warm in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
  4. Pumpkin Pie Martini
    Blend vodka, pumpkin puree, cream, and pumpkin spice syrup for a drink that tastes like liquid dessert. Rim the glass with crushed graham crackers for an extra festive touch.
  5. Spiked Hot Chocolate
    Enhance hot cocoa with a splash of peppermint schnapps, Irish cream, or bourbon. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a holiday vibe.

Unique and Creative Cocktails

  1. Chai Spiced Martini
    This unique cocktail combines vodka, chai tea concentrate, and cream. Shake it over ice and garnish with a dusting of cinnamon for a cozy yet sophisticated flavor.
  2. Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Fizz
    A refreshing combination of gin, grapefruit juice, rosemary syrup, and club soda. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a herbal aroma.
  3. Fig and Thyme Smash
    Muddle fresh figs and thyme with vodka and honey syrup. Add a splash of lemon juice and serve over ice for a cocktail that’s both earthy and sweet.
  4. Caramel Apple Martini
    A decadent drink made with vodka, apple cider, and caramel syrup. Rim the glass with caramel and sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
  5. Cranberry Bourbon Smash
    Mix bourbon, cranberry juice, fresh orange, and rosemary for a flavorful and festive drink. Serve over ice with a sprig of rosemary as a garnish.

Effortless Big-Batch Cocktails

  1. Holiday Punch
    A fruity punch made with rum, cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine. Garnish with cranberries and orange slices for a festive centerpiece.
  2. Spiced Pear Punch
    Pear juice, bourbon, lemon juice, and ginger ale come together in this refreshing and aromatic drink. Serve in a punch bowl with pear slices and cinnamon sticks.
  3. Thanksgiving Sangria
    A seasonal sangria made with red wine, brandy, apples, oranges, and a touch of cinnamon. Perfect for a crowd, it’s both easy to make and packed with fall flavors.
  4. Cider Champagne Punch
    Combine apple cider, champagne, and a splash of brandy. Add bitters and sliced apples for a sparkling fall drink.
  5. Pumpkin Spice Punch
    Mix pumpkin puree, dark rum, coconut milk, and cinnamon syrup for a creamy, tropical twist on Thanksgiving flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Favorites

  1. Cranberry Sparkler Mocktail
    Cranberry juice, ginger ale, and lime combine for a bright and bubbly drink everyone can enjoy.
  2. Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail
    Warm apple cider with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a splash of sparkling water for fizz.
  3. Virgin Mulled Wine
    Grape juice simmered with cloves, cinnamon, and oranges for a warm and cozy alcohol-free option.
  4. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Mocktail
    Blend pumpkin puree, vanilla ice cream, and cinnamon for a creamy, dessert-like drink that’s kid-friendly and festive.

These 29 Thanksgiving cocktails offer something for every taste, from fruity and fizzy to warm and indulgent. Whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself, these drinks will add a festive and flavorful touch to your holiday celebration.

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