Thanksgiving Cocktails

Be thankful for this bevy of Thanksgiving cocktails and mocktails to enjoy on Turkey Day! From cranberry and pomegranate drinks to those with champagne and bourbon, there’s something for everyone’s palette here in this list of 30 cocktails for Thanksgiving Day.

an apple cider mimosa on a wooden coaster with cinnamon sticks, an apple and a pitcher of apple cider

Thanksgiving cocktails don’t have to be difficult.

After all, you’re already planning a big meal, right? Or maybe someone just asked you to bring a drink recipe.

As I describe in my holiday cocktail ebook, Holiday Spirits, I don’t want you to stress about the drinks.

You’ve totally got this.

In fact, I pulled together 30 Thanksgiving cocktail recipes for you. Many of them are from my site, but I feature quite a few from around the internet as well.

Thanksgiving cocktail flavors

There are a few flavors that show up over and over again in Thanksgiving cocktails:

  • apple cider
  • cranberry juice
  • pomegranate juice
  • ginger beer
  • coffee
  • pumpkin spice
  • cinnamon
  • chai
  • orange
  • rosemary
  • pecan

Just thinking about those flavors gets me excited for Turkey Day! It’s my favorite holiday, after all.

a bowl of cranberry sauce with a cranberry sauce old-fashioned

Tips for making Thanksgiving cocktails

Cocktails aren’t as complicated as turkey or pie. They might even be easier than this easy orange bourbon cranberry sauce.

I suggest stocking your bar for a party, so that you’re ready for anything.

But I also suggest making at least one signature cocktail.

This could be a pitcher, punch or warm drink that is available to guests throughout your party. It could also be a mimosa bar.

Or, you can whip up a round of drinks when guests arrive and enjoy another round with or after dessert.

During dinner, guests can sip on beer, wine or champagne to keep it simple.

Make sure you always have a non-alcoholic option for people, even if it’s zero-proof spirits or a signature mocktail. A pretty pitcher of citrus spa water is another favorite of mine.

Thanksgiving cocktail recipes

But trust me, you’ve got this! So let’s get into those recipes without any further ado.

From martinis to mimosas and margaritas to jello shots, there is something for everyone here.

I hope you find something new that you love, and want to make year after year! Or, perhaps you want to try them all?

Before Dinner

Serve up these cocktails before you carve the bird, while your guests snack on appetizers and mingle.

1
The Asian Pear Moscow Mule cocktail is tart and succulent. The ginger beer will warm you right up. Perfect for sipping all fall long, even for Thanksgiving!
Asian Pear Moscow Mule
This Asian Pear Mule combines ginger beer, pear vodka, lime juice and a pretty Asian pear and cinnamon stick garnish.
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2
a pumpkin spice mule in a glass and copper mug with a cinnamon stick on top, surrounded by mini pie pumpkins
Pumpkin Spice Mule
The pumpkin spice mule has all the flavors of fall: pumpkin, ginger and spices with a bite of lime for balance. It uses a homemade pumpkin spice syrup.
GET THE RECIPE
3
A Ginger Pumpkin Beer Shandy is a fall cocktail that's reminiscent of pumpkin pie. Sip on this lovely hybrid of sweet, non-alcoholic ginger beer and a spicy, tart pumpkin ale for Thanksgiving and other autumn get-togethers. (via feastandwest.com)
Ginger Pumpkin Beer Shandy
The Ginger Pumpkin Beer Shandy is a lovely fall sipper that's perfect for holiday entertaining! It combines ginger beer and pumpkin ale with a cinnamon sugar rim.
GET THE RECIPE
4
www.familyfoodonthetable.com
Pomegranate Martini
Make a Pomegranate Martini with just 3 ingredients. It makes a bold, beautiful and delicious cocktail for sipping on Turkey Day.
Read More
5
www.offtheeatenpathblog.com
Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail
This pretty, festive cocktail pulls together homemade vanilla whiskey with apple cider and spices.
Read More
6
two applejack moscow mules with red apples on a white background
Applejack Moscow Mule
Add applejack (also known as apple brandy) to a Moscow mule cocktail for a bright, crisp apple flavor.
Get the Recipe
7
Say cheers with a Sparkling Pomegranate Port Wine Cocktail! This rutilant drink marries the sweetness of Port wine with tart pomegranate and a hint of orange flavor, topped with a bit of bubbly champagne. (via feastandwest.com)
Pomegranate Bourbon Fizz
Made with pomegranate, bourbon and ginger ale, this drink is refreshing and fun, perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends.
GET THE RECIPE
8
www.thespeckledpalate.com
Apple Cider Margaritas
These pretty apple cider margaritas feature a cinnamon rim. Drink them before or after your holiday meal.
Read More
9
a pomegranate yule mule with a leafy garnish and pomegranate seeds on top
Pomegranate Mule
Ruby red pomegranate juice is the star of these festive holiday cocktails. Make them with gin or vodka.
Get the Recipe

Brunch Drinks

If you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal earlier in the day, you may wish for some brunch-like drinks. Or, sip on these while you cook. (Safely, of course.)

10
an apple cider mimosa on a wooden coaster with cinnamon sticks, an apple and a pitcher of apple cider
Apple Cider Mimosa
An easy apple cider mimosa will be the highlight of your fall meals and Thanksgiving brunch! Everyone will love the festive apple garnish.
Get the Recipe
11
www.cakenknife.com
Pumpkin Pie Mimosa Recipe
These gorgeous pumpkin pie mimosas feature a cinnamon sugar rim and a whipped cream topping.
Read More
12
a champagne flute with a cranberry mimosa garnished with sugared cranberries
Cranberry Mimosas
Serve up a round of easy cranberry mimosas for a holiday party or brunch! This easy brunch cocktail is made with cranberry juice, triple sec and champagne.
Get the Recipe
13
Two glasses of a pink Yule Mule cocktail with ice, garnished with cranberries and rosemary sprigs, sit on a white surface adorned with scattered rosemary and cranberries.
Cranberry Mules
These "yule mules" are a festive, red-and-green holiday cocktail made with ginger beer, cranberry, vodka and rosemary.
GET THE RECIPE
14
a green champagne bottle pours champagne into a pomegranate mimosa
Pomegranate Mimosa
The Pomegranate Mimosa is a delicious choice for your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu.
Get the Recipe

Punches & Pitcher Drinks

These cocktails make a big batch and will serve a bigger crowd. Serve them in a punch bowl or in a pitcher.

15
a glass with gold polka dots with water, a cinnamon stick, rosemary and a slice of apple and orange
Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water
This festive Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water is perfect for the holidays! With flavors of fall fruits, warm spices and fresh herbs, this pretty beverage will be sure to delight all your guests.
Get the Recipe
16
www.peanutblossom.com
Pomegranate Prosecco Punch
Pomegranate prosecco punch is a festive, no-sugar-added drink to serve at your holiday parties.
GET THE RECIPE
17
Mulled wine in a gold cup with cinnamon sticks and orange slices.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine makes for a warm winter welcome for any gathering. Keep it on the stove to make your house smell warm and inviting.
GET THE RECIPE
18
www.mybakingaddiction.com
Sparkling Cranberry Rosemary Punch
This pretty cranberry punch is a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table.
Read More
19
A glass of spiced apple cider with cinnamon sticks.
Spiced Apple Cider Rum Punch
Spiced Apple Cider Rum Punch is the dreamiest fall cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving table! Homemade spiced rum really takes the cake. Er, pie…
GET THE RECIPE
20
Two glasses of Russian tea with cinnamon and star anise.
Russian Tea
Russian Tea is a warm, citrus tea punch for chilly days. Made without alcohol, you can keep it warm on the stove to share with all your guests.
GET THE RECIPE
21
joyfullymad.com
Spiced Cranberry Sangria
Spiced cranberry sangria is the perfect drink for celebrating Thanksgiving. It is made with red wine, lime and orange juice, plus fresh cranberries, oranges, limes and cinnamon. Make a batch or a few and gather around with your favorite people to celebrate the season!
GET THE RECIPE

After-Dinner Drinks

Sip on these cocktails after dinner, while you eat dessert or even after that if you want to keep the party going!

22
Gourmet Apple Cider Bourbon Jell-O Shots are not your average Jell-O shot, and they will be the star of your holiday party. Infuse bourbon with cinnamon and combine with Martinelli’s Apple Cider, sugar and gelatin to make this festive holiday treat that’s fun for the whole (21+!) family. (via feastandwest.com)
Apple Cider Bourbon Jell-O Shots
With all the flavors of autumn, these Apple Cider Jell-O Shots with Bourbon make a great holiday treat! Serve them up after dinner (or before!) to keep the party going.
Get the Recipe
23
www.cakenknife.com
Pecan Pie Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
Make a Pecan Pie Manhattan for dessert. It's a nutty version of the bourbon cocktail. Pecan pie bourbon brings a whole new level of flavor.
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24
a leftover cranberry sauce old-fashioned with a burning piece of rosemary
Cranberry Sauce Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Make a Cranberry Old-Fashioned cocktail with your leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving!
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25
www.theculinarycompass.com
White Chocolate Pumpkin Martini
This stunning cocktail melts together white chocolate, milk, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin puree and vanilla vodka for a thick and creamy dessert drink.
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26
cinnamon white Russian on a white background
Cinnamon White Russian
Sweet and spiced, the perfect holiday after-dinner cocktail! Made with cinnamon simple syrup, cream, vodka and coffee liqueur, it's a beautiful end to the night.
Get the Recipe
27
two pie pumpkins with a pumpkin spice old-fashioned
Pumpkin Spice Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Make a pumpkin spice old-fashioned to sip on while you enjoy the fall weather! Made with your favorite bourbon and pumpkin spice syrup, it is a perfect pumpkin pie nightcap.
GET THE RECIPE
28
A Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail is the fall and winter nightcap of your dreams. Made with chai tea ice cubes, the chai spices infuse slowly as the ice melts into the whiskey, letting more flavor seep in with every sip. (via feastandwest.com)
Chai Old-Fashioned Cocktail
The Chai Old-Fashioned Cocktail is made with chai tea ice cubes, and it's a lovely Thanksgiving nightcap. With flavors of cardamom, orange, tea and spices, each sip is more flavorful than the last thanks to the tea-infused ice cubes.
Get the Recipe
29
Two martini glasses with pumpkin decorations.
Autumn Spice Martini
This easy dessert martini cocktail is bursting with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and pumpkin.
GET THE RECIPE
30
a closeup of a pumpkin spice White Russian garnished with a cinnamon stick
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Sip on a Pumpkin Spice White Russian after your Thanksgiving meal. Made with coffee liqueur, it tastes like a boozy, iced pumpkin spice latte!
Get the Recipe
decorative icon of a beer stein.

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