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These festive Thanksgiving cocktails and drinks feature seasonal flavors like apple cider, pomegranate, cranberry, bourbon, and warming spices. They’re easy drink recipes perfect for your holiday celebration!

Thanksgiving is full of traditions, and at my house I’m all about the signature drink. As cocktail experts, my husband Alex and I love to create a fun drink each year to add a sparkle to the meal.
I’ve spent years perfecting my approach to holiday drinks, moving away from overly sweet punch bowls toward balanced cocktails that complement the meal. The best Thanksgiving drinks are deliciously balanced with the flavors of fall, starring apple cider, pomegranate, cranberry, bourbon, infused with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Here are the drinks that consistently get rave reviews from my friends and family!
Best Thanksgiving cocktails and drinks
This Thanksgiving sangria is a festive cocktail that's perfect for serving to a crowd! Made with red wine and spiced simple syrup, it's infused with cozy, fruity flavor. Making up an 8-serving pitcher is our pick for a fun holiday drink!
The bubbly apple cider spritz is another great signature drink for Thanksgiving, pairing Aperol with apple cider and Prosecco. Build it right in the glass and top with an apple slice, and it’s a perfect way to start your dinner in style.
This ruby red Thanksgiving punch stars pomegranate juice and fresh citrus with a hint of maple syrup. It’s light, fruity, bubbly, and sweet tart: a true burst of refreshing flavors! This drink works spiked or non-alcoholic.
An ideal Thanksgiving cocktail is the Pumpkin Martini! It’s creamy, it’s cozy pie spiced, and it’s made with real pumpkin for the best natural flavor. Coat the glass rim in crushed graham crackers and you get a hint of crunchy sweet in each sip!
This Apple Cider Margarita is another perfect Thanksgiving drink. It’s tangy and balanced—the zingy tequila and lime pairs beautifully with the sweet cider. Top it off with a cinnamon sugar rim.
This pomegranate mojito is bright and beautiful, with a tangy minty flavor! Starring mint and bright red pomegranate juice, it makes a big pitcher that’s perfect for entertaining. This is one of our favorite mojito variations!
This Cranberry Bourbon cocktail is a great option for a signature Thanksgiving cocktail. It’s balanced, sweet tart, and complex, fruity with intriguing notes from sweet vermouth and bourbon.
This Pomegranate Prosecco Sparkler is the ideal festive, bubbly drink for the holiday! The combination of sweet tart pomegranate, orange perfume and airy bubbles makes it one of our fan favorite cocktails.
This is my favorite nonalcoholic Thanksgiving drink idea, pairing zingy cranberry juice with ginger beer and orange juice. It's so refreshing, I like it just as much as the cocktails!
Here’s a spin on the whiskey sour will have everyone talking! The bright berries add a fruity, tart intensity to the finish of each sip. Paired with bourbon, fresh orange and lemon juice, and maple syrup, it makes a punchy signature drink.
This Apple Sangria is made the traditional Spanish way, meaning it's bold and wine-forward. This fall variation features red and green apples and a hint of cinnamon. It’s crisp, cool and loaded with flavor, without overdosing on sweetness.
One of our favorite signature Thanksgiving drinks is this Pomegranate Gin Fizz! The classic Gin Fizz is sweet tart and refreshing, with a festive egg white foam. This pomegranate spin elevates it with a sweet tart flavor and brilliant jewel-toned color.
This Thanksgiving drink exudes all the fall vibes, pairing apple cider with sweet and spicy bourbon for a sophisticated drink. It’s got a hint of lemon and a surprise ingredient that rounds out the flavors into a meld that’s intriguing, complex, and highly drinkable.
This punch is bright and bubbly, topped with citrus fruits, berries and herbs. Sparkling wine makes sweet tart bubbles, complemented by ginger ale, orange liqueur and pineapple juice. It makes 12 servings and is ideal for any sort of gathering.
Here's an elegant Thanksgiving drink: the Pear Martini, featuring a delicate, sweet flavor. Pear comes in two waves: a muddled fresh pear brings brightness, and pear vodka infuses a strong fruity aroma.
A favorite boozy Thanksgiving cocktail is the Pumpkin Old Fashioned! This one is for bourbon-lovers: it’s a nuanced slow sipper with notes of vanilla, maple and spice. While it’s bright orange, it tastes just like the classic Old Fashioned you love, only cozier.
This Thanksgiving cocktail stars brilliant colors are perfect for this time of year: the New York Sour! This spin on the Whiskey Sour has two layers: the sour layer is sweet tart and perfectly balanced. Float red wine over the top and it adds intrigue, complexity, and a fruity acidity.
Here’s a Thanksgiving drink that’s ideal for sipping by the fire on a chilly evening. This hot buttered rum is lightly creamy and cozy-spiced with cinnamon and allspice, and spirit-forward with boozy dark rum.
The Bees Knees is a 1920's cocktail that's great for holidays. Combine honey syrup with lemon and gin, and you’ve got a refreshing cocktail that goes down easy.
Try a hot toddy as a cozy hot drink for Thanksgiving! Apple cider brings just the right sweet tart nuance to the flavor. Mix up a big batch for guests and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
What better way to start the Thanksgiving fun than a great Mulled Wine? It fills your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of allspice and cinnamon. This recipe balances bold fruity wine with mulling spices, citrus, and oak and vanilla notes.
Fireball and Apple Cider makes a quick and easy Thanksgiving cocktail. These two pair perfectly: spicy cinnamon blends seamlessly with tangy sweet cider for a drink that tastes like a sophisticated craft cocktail.
Here’s a tasty, sweet tart spin on the vodka martini: the Cranberry Martini! It’s zingy and balanced, starring Cointreau orange liqueur and fresh lemon juice. The bright red cranberry makes it an ideal signature Thanksgiving drink.
The Gold Rush might sound like a 1920’s mixed drink, but it’s actually a modern take on the classic whiskey sour. The zing of the lemon, the nuance of the honey, and the spicy whiskey finish make it a memorable drink for entertaining.
The Bourbon Manhattan is a fun boozy Thanksgiving cocktail. A Manhattan is classically made with spicy rye whiskey, but the notes of oak, vanilla and caramel oak in bourbon are the perfect match for sweet vermouth.
This fall spin on the Old Fashioned uses maple syrup instead of sugar, along with the classic whiskey and bitters. The maple syrup adds hints of caramel and vanilla that give even more nuance and sophistication to each sip.
Here's a brilliant bright red Thanksgiving cocktail starring St Germain elderflower liqueur and cranberry juice! It comes out sweet tart and perfectly balanced, with subtle floral finish.
Here's an easy drink that's festive and sophisticated: the Kir Royale! This famous French cocktail stars black currant liqueur and sparkling wine, and the berries and bubbles suit each other perfectly.
Everyone loves a classic Moscow Mule, and this seasonal spin makes it into the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail It pairs apples and ginger in a bubbly, effervescent mix that looks perfectly cozy nestled in a copper mug.
This bright red drink is absolutely stunning to look at, and the sweet tart flavor is crisp and refreshing. The Cranberry Margarita has all the character of the classic margarita, but a beautiful new look and tart nuance to the flavor.
This spiked apple cider hits all the cozy notes, and it makes your house smell like a fall wonderland. Rum complements the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise perfectly. For Thanksgiving, make a separate non-alcoholic batch for the kids, or add the rum after serving.
Here's a spin on a classic cocktail that might be even better than the original: the Pomegranate Cosmo! This sweet tart drink pairs pomegranate, vodka, and orange liqueur in a symphony of flavor.
Looking for a sweet Thanksgiving drink? Try the Baileys White Russian! Using Baileys Irish cream instead of heavy cream adds even more sophistication to this classic drink.
For a great Thanksgiving cocktail, look no further than this Apple Cider Martini! It’s tangy and balanced, with just the right interplay between sweet tart cider and citrusy orange liqueur, and it's got a hint of cinnamon on the finish.
When it comes to entertaining, the Moscow Mule is ideal. It’s tangy and refreshing, easy to make right in the glass, and everyone always loves it! This Thanksgiving drink has loads of sweet tart flavor, balancing crisp cranberry with tangy lime and spicy ginger.
A spiced apple cider syrup infuses cozy flavor with fresh lime and tequila, making it the season’s signature drink! For Thanksgiving, use the pitcher variation to share with a crowd.
This unique variation on the classic Hot Toddy stars the fruity, sweet taste of brandy with apple and cinnamon. Adding hot water opens up the flavor of the liquor so you can appreciate the complexity in each sip.
Sweet tart pomegranate juice pairs perfectly with tequila and lime, balanced with the orange perfume of Cointreau. You can use either pomegranate juice or fresh-squeezed juice from the fruit, making it perfect for whatever you have on hand.
Here’s one of the most sophisticated cocktails for entertaining: the French 75! It’s tangy, bubbly, and a bit botanical, and it makes every occasion more festive! Perfect for entertaining, this classic French cocktail is just right for a Thanksgiving dinner.
To round out a Thanksgiving meal, try Irish coffee! There’s nothing more soul warming than that classic combination of bitter coffee, buttery whisky and frothy whipped cream.
Want to search by liquor? Try our Fall Bourbon Cocktails or Fall Vodka Cocktails.
Nonalcoholic Thanksgiving drinks
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and frankly, I’ve also been drinking a lot more nonalcoholic options lately! I always make sure to offer at least one or two mocktails alongside the cocktail menu. Here are my favorite nonalcoholic Thanksgiving drinks:
- Mulled Cider remains my gold standard for fall entertaining. I make a big pot on the stove with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices, then keep it warm in a slow cooker.
- Pomegranate Punch or Holiday Punch tastes just as good without alcohol. The combination of pomegranate, citrus, and maple syrup creates enough complexity that nobody misses the booze.
- Homemade Hot Chocolate is a crowd-pleaser that works for all ages. I make mine with real chocolate and cocoa powder for a rich flavor.
- Masala Chai hits all those warming, spicy notes that make Thanksgiving feel cozy.
- Apple Cider Slushie is my secret weapon for keeping kids happy while the adults sip their cocktails.
Pairing drinks with Thanksgiving dinner
The right drink can make the entire meal. Here’s how I think about pairing:
- Before dinner: Start with something light and aperitif-style like the Apple Cider Spritz or Pomegranate Prosecco Sparkler. These drinks stimulate appetite without being too heavy.
- During dinner: Wine is traditional, but I love serving the Thanksgiving Sangria because it works throughout the meal. It can complement everything from turkey to cranberry sauce.
- After dinner: This is when I break out the Irish Coffee or Brandy Hot Toddy.
Make-ahead cocktail strategies
Thanksgiving is chaotic enough without adding complicated cocktail recipes to the mix. Here’s what I prep ahead:
Spiced simple syrups can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. I make my spiced syrup for the sangria or apple cider syrup for margaritas the day before.
Pre-batch stirred cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan in a pitcher. They just need ice and a garnish when it’s time to serve.
Prep garnishes the morning of: slice citrus, prepare apple garnishes in lemon water, and portion out pomegranate arils into small containers.
Thanksgiving Sangria (& More Cocktails!)
This Thanksgiving sangria is a festive cocktail for serving to a crowd! Made with red wine and spiced simple syrup, it’s infused with cozy, fruity flavor. Making up a pitcher is our pick for a fun holiday drink!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Pitcher
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the spiced simple syrup (see Notes)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 orange, juiced (about ⅓ cup juice)
For the sangria
- 1 green apple, sliced
- 1 red apple, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 750 ml bottle fruity, full-bodied red wine (we prefer a Crianza from the Rioja region of Spain)
- ⅓ cup triple sec or Cointreau
- For garnish: pomegranate arils, more chopped fruit, whole spices
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium low heat, toast the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for 3 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low. Add the water, sugar and fresh orange juice, and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Strain the sugar mixture into a large pitcher. Stir in the wine and triple sec, adding the whole spices from the sugar mixture. Add the chopped fruit and stir. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours before serving. Taste, and adjust sweetness by adding additional simple syrup if desired (here’s how to make simple syrup).
- To serve, pour the sangria into ice-filled glasses, garnished with more sliced fruit, lemon wedges, and if desired, pomegranate arils and whole spices.
Notes
If you prefer a very sweet sangria, consider making a double batch of the spiced syrup. Add half to the pitcher to start, then taste and add more to taste.
You can make Thanksgiving sangria up to 4 hours in advance, but longer storage makes the fruit become soggy and discolored. You can make the spiced simple syrup up to 1 week in advance. If you want to make the pitcher in advance, you can mix up everything but the fruit and refrigerate, then add the fruit 1 to 4 hours before serving.
More Thanksgiving recipes
We’ve got a full suite of Thanksgiving resources to help you plan for this holiday! Whether it’s mains, sides, appetizers, or desserts: we’ve got you covered! Here are a few lists of recipes:
- Find all our greatest hits with these top 60 Thanksgiving Recipes.
- Pick from our top 30 Thanksgiving Desserts.
- Choose from our top ideas for Thanksgiving Side Dishes or Thanksgiving Salad Recipes.
- Use our Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes or Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for special diets.





a great checklist, which cocktails haven’t my guests had recently? Even after Thanksgiving it works well for the whole holiday season, so thank you
It was very helpful for me to prepare a cocktail list for my upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner at my restaurant. Since we are having apples, cranberry and pumpkins on the set menu, why not pair it up with some of the apple, cranberry and pumpkin drinks.
Thanks a lot!
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