The 38 Best Thanksgiving Cocktails and Mocktails for Everyone at the Table
Whip up these easy drinks this fall!
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.
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.
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.
Samantha (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Delish, where she edits the most-talked-about food news and features on the internet. In her previous role as Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, she taste-tested hundreds of products and recipes (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.
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