38 Best Thanksgiving Cocktails to Enjoy this Holiday
If you're planning a Thanksgiving dinner, you've probably already given some thought to the menu. Of course you'll have the main turkey, along with Thanksgiving sides, Thanksgiving appetizers, and Turkey Day desserts. But don't forget about the Thanksgiving cocktails! From classic drinks that come together with bar-cart staples to inventive craft beverages, these are the best Thanksgiving cocktails to sip on this year.
These fall cocktails make the most of autumnal flavors like apple cider and pumpkin spice. They're a festive way to get everyone in a celebratory and grateful mood. Whip up one of these recipes, and you'll surely have your family and friends wondering if you're secretly a professional mixologist. Plus, many of these fall cocktails can easily be made into non-alcoholic mocktails for anyone who's skipping the booze or is too young to drink.
Look no further because we are sharing tons of Thanksgiving cocktail recipes and ideas so you can start brainstorming drinks that will go with the rest of the Thanksgiving menu. Cheers!
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
The classic cocktail gets an autumnal twist thanks to a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and a sugared rim. Plus, it pairs perfectly with pies, cookies, or any other fall desserts.
Get the Pumpkin Spice White Russian recipe.
Cantaloupe Thyme Shrub
This herbaceous drink made with mashed cantaloupe, sugar, thyme and rice vinegar is the perfect refreshing mocktail.
Get the Cantaloupe Thyme Shrub recipe.
Spicy Margarita
There's never a bad time for a spicy margarita, especially if it gets a kick from homemade sriracha syrup. This one is also easy to scale up if you're looking to make a big batch of them for a Thanksgiving crowd.
Get the Spicy Margarita recipe.
Espresso Martini
Here's one way to make sure everyone at Thanksgiving stays awake through the entire dinner. This simple cocktail requires just a few ingredients and is perfect for sipping.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
Negroni
The negroni is a classic cocktail that's spirit-forward and requires just a few bar-cart staples to come together. You can easily whip up a batch of these for the whole Thanksgiving crew.
Get the Negroni recipe.
Mexican Horchata
This mocktail is made with vanilla extract, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon — the perfect fall drink!
Get the Mexican Horchata recipe.
Classic Old-Fashioned
If you're craving a classic cocktail, then an old-fashioned is just what you need. This traditional libation serves citrus, cherries, bourbon and bitters to satisfy.
Get the Classic Old-Fashioned recipe.
Apple Cider Sangria
Celebrate with a little sangria this Thanksgiving. The rich colors of seasonal fruits, including crisp apple slices, should spice up your spectacular holiday tablescape.
Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
Mulled Cider
This cocktail includes apple cider, cinnamon sticks and just a little rum to add some warmth to your meal.
Get the Mulled Cider recipe.
Cranberry 75 Punch
With ingredients like cranberries and clementines, this fruity gin-based cocktail will be a fan favorite.
Get the Cranberry 75 Punch recipe.
Ginger-Sage Rye Cocktail
While ingredients like ginger, sage and rye are typically used in celebratory sides (like stuffing!), they also make for a sensational cocktail. A sprig of sage in your glass should be a stunning accent.
Get the Ginger-Sage Rye Cocktail recipe.
Maple Whiskey Sour
Transform your Thanksgiving menu with a little whiskey. Naturally, this maple syrup-sweetened bourbon beverage should whet your whistle — and provide a visual treat.
Get the Maple Whiskey Sour recipe.
RELATED: 20 Best Whiskey Brands That Won’t Break the Bank
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Thanksgiving is a moment for you to indulge a bit. Once you taste the layered flavors of this hot chocolate, you'll want another sip. Pour into glass mugs and present with toasted marshmallows for a stunning visual delight.
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
RELATED: 8 Best Hot Chocolate Mixes for the Perfect Cozy Cup
Apple Martini
Apple-tinis make for an incredible aperitif. So take your time and savor each sweet vodka-filled sip.
Get the Apple Martini recipe.
Cherry Simple Syrup
Every aspiring mixologist needs a go-to recipe to prepare a delectable drink for the holidays. This tangy simple syrup is perfect in a mocktail or as a mixer in your favorite boozy pick.
Get the Cherry Simple Syrup recipe.
Blackberry Mint Moscow Mule
Break out the jewel tones with this eye-catching cocktail. This sweet and sour Moscow Mule is a captivating take on a classic.
Get the Blackberry Mint Moscow Mule recipe.
Classic Bloody Mary
While the turkey's in the oven, you'll want to take a few sips (or more!) of this boozy brunch staple.
Get the Classic Bloody Mary recipe.
Beer Cocktails
Three cheers for a set of citrus beer cocktails. You'll want to enjoy all three flavors: lemon-gin, honey-bourbon or margarita-style.
Get the Beer Cocktails recipe.
RELATED: 15 Best Beers to Buy and Drink All Season Long
Pumpkin Martini
The star drink has arrived. Savor the sugary rim and indulge in a little vodka or whiskey (your choice). You'll want to add this treat to your collection of best pumpkin recipes.
Get the Pumpkin Martini recipe.
Eggnog
Thanksgiving's all about sharing, so don't hog the nog! Go on and take a few guilt-free sips before Christmas. Tip: Take a moment and freeze extra eggnog to add into your coffee for a creamy touch.
Get the Eggnog recipe.
Dark and Stormy
Nothing like a Dark and Stormy to take you through the holidays. This classic cocktail features the warm earthy colors that inspire us during Thanksgiving.
Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.
Gin Fizz
Get into a super-frothy concoction for the holiday. You'll love this easy-peasy classic made with with whipped egg whites.
Get the Gin Fizz recipe.
Citrus Whiskey Punch
This spiced punch boasts a cinnamon-infused simple syrup to uplift the citrus. Stir it up with a cinnamon stick for an extra kick after each sip of whiskey.
Get the Citrus Whiskey Punch recipe.
Classic Sidecar
All it takes is three ingredients to make this delicious cocktail: cognac, cointreau and fresh lemon juice.
Get the Classic Sidecar recipe.
Thyme Plum Moscow Mule
It's party thyme! Get into a refreshingly fragrant herbal plum Moscow Mule this Thanksgiving.
Get the Thyme Plum Moscow Mule recipe.
Ginger-Grape Sangria
This sangria offers a cornucopia of Thanksgiving colors thanks to the sweet and spicy flavors of grape and ginger.
Get the Ginger-Grape Sangria recipe.
Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch
If you want to sparkle this Thanksgiving, then serve some sparkling wine Mojito punch. This citrusy cocktail should pack a punch (right in the kisser!) for the holiday.
Get the Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch recipe.
Cherry Sidecar
Whether it's jubilee or cobbler, we live for a stunning cherry hue at the dinner table.
Get the Cherry Sidecar recipe.
Cherry Bomb Fizz
Dial "C" for champagne. This cherry bomb cocktail hits all the high notes.
Get the Cherry Bomb Fizz recipe.
Cherry Crush
This cherry cocktail serves sweet, sour and spicy notes thanks to hints of ginger, cinnamon and anise.
Get the Cherry Crush recipe.
Shirley Temple Drink
A non-alcoholic classic that hits the spot every time: all you need is three ingredients to make.
Get the Shirley Temple Drink recipe.
Ginger Bee Sting
Pairing ginger with a citrus (and a hint of cayenne) gives gourmands a chance to put on a mixology show for Thanksgiving. Spice up your menu with this Scotch-based cocktail once the holiday arrives.
Get the Ginger Bee Sting recipe.
Fall Punch
Serve pear nectar mixed with rum over ice for a festive, spiced cocktail you can sip on all season long.
Get the Fall Punch recipe.
Apple Cider Cocktail
This recipe is our fall-inspired take on a classic Old Fashioned with bourbon, bitters and orange peel. Ideal for sipping in a cozy fall sweater!
Get the Apple Cider Cocktail recipe.
Dirty Martini with Stuffed Olives
Serve this 2-ingredient cocktail for a classy affair.
Get the Dirty Martini with Stuffed Olives recipe.
Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria
Just mix up the orange, vanilla and honey base, then top with a bottle of wine!
Get the Vanilla-Citrus-Honey Sangria recipe.
Thinking Cap Cocktail
You don't actually have to do much thinking to make this laid-back cocktail: it's just sugar, bitters, bourbon and an orange peel.
Get the Thinking Cap Cocktail recipe.
Bees Knees
Made with lemon, honey and gin, this cocktail is spiked with black pepper for just enough spice.
Get the Bees Knees recipe.
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