With Thanksgiving approaching, you may wonder how to deal with your family, especially their sometimes intrusive or overbearing behaviors.
While it’s important to celebrate with your family, it’s also important to relax and recharge before the holiday party season kicks off in full force! This is where the best Thanksgiving cocktails come in!
One of the best ways to relax is by ensuring you get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.
Do this while avoiding alcoholic beverages and soda as much as possible.
This list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails will further help you relax. Let’s surge and see which one is best for you!
1. Pecan Pie Martini
Our list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails starts with the Pecan Pie Martini. This sweet and rich cocktail will make you want some delicious pie.
To prepare: Combine vanilla vodka, amaretto, and Frangelico with ice and shake. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Lastly, garnish with a slice of fresh pecan pie.
2. Pumpkin Spice Margarita
This Pumpkin Spice Margarita is a must-have cocktail for the holiday season. Equally important, it comes second on this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
Made with tequila, orange liqueur, pumpkin puree, and spices like cinnamon and ginger, this drink will get you through the rest of your day.
I recommend adding some of your favorite spices on top of the rim of your glass for an extra tasty touch!
3. Cranberry Moscow Mule
The third treat on the best Thanksgiving cocktails list is the Cranberry Moscow Mule. Additionally, it is a classic cocktail that is perfect for this time of year.
It’s also sweet, refreshing, and festive. Plus, it’s easy to make so that you can enjoy it with your family and friends.
4. Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
This recipe is a twist on one of my favorite Thanksgiving cocktails, the Aperol Spritz.
It features apple cider as its base and is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It is sweet, delicious, and perfect for celebrating this holiday season!
The ingredients needed are apple cider, Aperol, Prosecco Soda water, and Vanilla ice cream (optional). Directions: Pour apple cider and Aperol into a glass. Next, top with prosecco and stir.
Finally, top with ice cream if desired. To learn more recipes like Apple Cider Aperol Spritz, check out other posts on our site!
5. Spiced Apple Pie Sangria
There are so many great cocktails for this holiday, but this spiced apple pie sangria is easily one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
The combination of apple cider, brandy, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg evokes fall. This drink will effortlessly win your heart with just a sip!
6. Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash
Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash is not excluded from this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails. This cocktail is easy to make and has a delightful sweet-tart flavor.
Furthermore, the recipe requires three ingredients (prosecco, honey, thyme). It is perfect for holiday gatherings with friends and family. Plus, it will help you warm up on a cold winter night!
7. Thanksgiving Punch
Of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, this delicious punch is a perfect holiday drink. It tastes like a liquid pumpkin pie, making your guests feel festive and warm.
Besides, the ingredients are simple and versatile, so you can adjust them according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Plus, it can be made ahead of time. This means spending more time with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen!
8. Fall Fig Sangria
Fall Fig Sangria is one of my favorites and among the best Thanksgiving cocktails at fall parties.
Also, it happens to be my go-to drink for Thanksgiving. It’s fruity, refreshing, and perfect with the main dish that is on the heavier side.
You only need a few bottles of wine, figs, apples, oranges, and cinnamon sticks. The beauty of this drink is that you can make it in advance and then pop it in the fridge until your guests arrive.
9. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
The cinnamon maple whiskey sour is one of the most delightful Thanksgiving cocktails.
The first sip will send you into pure bliss as it explodes with a complex blend of spices, sweetness, and rich whisky flavors. This cocktail is so good that you might forget that it has alcohol in it!
To make this deliciously spiced cocktail, you need ice cubes, bourbon whiskey, cinnamon syrup, vanilla syrup, fresh lemon juice, and maple syrup.
Add all ingredients except fresh lemon juice and stir until fully combined.
Next, pour into a glass over ice cubes and top with fresh lemon juice.
Finally, garnish with a stick of cinnamon or a slice of orange if desired.
Add some cloves to your cinnamon syrup mix for an extra layer of flavor!
10. Cranberry Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
This cocktail combines cranberry and pomegranate juice with champagne and is a festive celebration.
Plus, it can be made beforehand, which is perfect for a busy host. I add cranberries and pomegranates to my blender and blend until well pureed.
Next, I add sugar (you can also use honey), followed by lemon juice; I then pour orange juice and white grapefruit juice.
Finally, I stir in chilled champagne before pouring it into a pitcher or large glass jar with ice cubes. This simple process makes one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you have ever had!
The cocktail will stay for up to two days if you store it in the refrigerator or if left at room temperature for one day.
11. Apple Butter Old Fashioned
The apple butter old-fashioned is a favorite of many Thanksgiving cocktail enthusiasts. This drink is made with apple butter and bourbon, topped with a little holiday cheer in the form of an orange peel.
One of the best Thanksgiving cocktails is to pour some warm cider to enjoy this treat.
Then, grab your favorite glassware and follow these steps:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon whiskey and apple butter syrup to the shaker.
- Shake for 10 seconds or until cold.
- Put ice cubes in a small tumbler and strain the drink into a glass over the ice cubes.
- Garnish with an orange peel, and enjoy!
12. Sparkling Vodka Cranberry with Lime
One of my favorite Thanksgiving cocktails, especially this time of year, is a Cranberry and Vodka cocktail.
The sparkling flavor adds a festive touch that I love on Thanksgiving day. This drink has lime juice in it to give it a zingy flavor.
It is easy to make by following these steps:
- Pour cranberry vodka into a shaker with ice.
- Fill with fresh lime juice.
- Shake well.
- Strain and pour into an ice-filled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with lime if you like.
13. Apple Cider Sangria
When it comes to the best Thanksgiving cocktails, Apple Cider Sangria is a great choice for a fall party or Thanksgiving celebration.
It’s easy to make and tastes delicious. You only need four ingredients: apple cider, red wine, sugar, and cinnamon sticks.
To make: mix all of your ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This is so that the sangria can cool down. Then, pour it into glasses!
The best thing about this drink is that you can adjust it according to your taste by adding more or less wine or cider.
The same goes for sweeteners – add more sugar if you like it sweeter. However, remember that too much will result in an overly-sweetened drink.
14. Cranberry Mimosa
The Cranberry Mimosa is one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails. Its flavors are a nice balance of sweet and tart.
If you want something a little sweeter, try a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. This drink tastes like a fall in liquid form.
15. Hot Buttered Rum
Hot, Toasted Rum is a favorite drink for many Americans on this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
The drink is traditionally made with dark rum, butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. It is served hot and traditionally in a mug or glass.
Hot Buttered Rum is so soothing that it’s no wonder that it’s served on cold winter nights.
You can make this delicious holiday cocktail with these ingredients:
- Dark rum.
- Unsalted butter.
- Light brown sugar.
- Ground cinnamon.
- Ground ginger.
- Ground allspice.
- Boiling water.
16. Appletini
This is one of my personal favorites. Appletini is one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, combining a little sweetness, a little citrus, and a lot of deliciousness.
This drink is for you if you want something that tastes like fall in your mouth. Just mix some apple-cranberry juice with vodka and enjoy!
The result will be an appletini full of fruity goodness. It’s perfect for those who love light drinks with flavor.
17. Cranberry Mojito
There are few things better than enjoying a refreshing mojito on a hot summer day, and it’s no different during the holidays.
The cranberry adds enough tartness to balance this drink’s sweetness, making it taste just right. This is likewise one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
18. Dark and Stormy
This is a great cocktail for those who like their booze on the sweeter side. The Dark and Stormy are made of ginger beer, dark rum, lime juice, and some sugar.
It’s perfect for this time of year because it has just enough spice to be comforting but not too much to overpower the flavors in other drinks.
Plus, it’s got a kick! We are just getting started with this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
19. French 75
I know what you’re thinking—this sounds like a terrible idea. But hear me out because it might be one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
The ingredients are very simple:
- Gin.
- Lemon juice.
- Sugar syrup (or honey).
20. Hot Toddy
Hot Toddy is one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails because it’s warm, easy to make, and delicious. It’s also perfect for any time of day.
You don’t need to think too much to see why! To make it, you need boiling water, honey, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and Whiskey (I recommend Jack Daniels).
21. White Russian
The White Russian is undoubtedly one of the tastiest and best Thanksgiving cocktails you can order.
This delicious drink consists of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. It’s perfect when you’re curled up on your couch watching football with your family.
Further, this cocktail’s cream helps soothe any holiday stress you may be feeling. While the coffee liqueur gives it an extra kick that will help warm you from head to toe. It’s also very easy to make at home!
Just combine all three ingredients in a shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake for about thirty seconds. Lastly, strain into a cocktail glass or martini glass, and serve!
22. Pumpkin Pie Martini
The pumpkin pie martini is a delicious and perfect Thanksgiving cocktail.
It is made with vodka, pumpkin puree, cream, sugar, and vanilla bean-infused simple syrup. In addition to that, it’s light and sweet but still packs a punch.
It is one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, but it’s also easy to make at home! You only need pumpkin puree (homemade or canned), vodka, cream, sugar, and vanilla bean extract.
First, muddle together the pumpkin puree and sugar with your muddler or spoon.
Next, add the vodka, then stir it together with ice. Pour into a martini glass, then top off with heavy whipping cream.
Lastly, garnish with whipped cream from an aerosol canister or finely grated dark chocolate (or both!)
23. Pomegranate Margarita
The pomegranate margarita is a refreshing cocktail that goes great with any fall or winter meal. It’s not too heavy, so you can drink as many as you like without feeling guilty.
Here’s how to make this treat on the list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add in tequila.
- Add in fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add in pomegranate juice (either from concentrate or made by blending whole pomegranates) and shake until chilled.
- Pour into an ice-filled glass.
- Add a lime wedge, and enjoy.
24. White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice
We are still on this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails. This is one of my favorite holiday drinks because it’s light, refreshing, and festive! The white grape punch is made with water, sugar, and dry white wine.
I love the taste of dry white wine and the sweetness of the sugar. To make this drink even more wonderful, add some cranberry ice cubes for extra flavor.
25. Mulled Apple Cider
A classic mulled apple cider is one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you can serve. It’s warm and cozy and will make your guests feel at home.
You need only cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, orange peels, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and fresh apples.
Combine everything in a pot on the stove for about 30 minutes, then strain it. Serve with a little more sugar or honey if desired, and enjoy!
26. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for the holidays. It uses three different alcohols and has a bitter yet sweet taste.
The Negroni recipe is one part gin, one part red vermouth, and one part Campari (an Italian bitter liquor). This cocktail can be served in a martini glass or on the rocks.
So, if you are looking for the best Thanksgiving cocktails to serve your guests—nothing but the best—Negroni is a great option!
27. Red Sangria
Red Sangria is a traditional and delicious wine-based cocktail perfect for this time of year. Of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, this drink is a wonderful option because it can be served either as an appetizer or with dinner.
It also tastes great when a little cinnamon is added! The ingredients involved in making this drink are:
- Dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Sugar.
- Orange, cut into wedges (plus more wedges for garnish).
- Apple cored and cut into sixths.
- Ground cinnamon.
28. Sidecar
It’s hard to find a good sidecar recipe, especially one that is considered one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
However, this one is delicious. It’s easy and quick, too, so you can spend time with family and friends instead of in the kitchen.
Plus, it has just enough alcohol that you won’t have to worry about driving! Ingredients: lime juice, Cointreau or triple sec, brandy, sugar, and lime peel for garnish.
29. Cranberry Mulled Wine
Cranberry Mulled Wine is a great option for those who seek the best Thanksgiving cocktails, especially those that have a traditional holiday taste with a twist.
Start by brewing whole cranberries and apples, then add some apple cider and orange juice.
Next, add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, then simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
Afterward, add your red wine of choice (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec) and let it cook for another ten minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh cranberries, and enjoy!
30. Pomegranate Sparklers
Pomegranate Sparklers are the best Thanksgiving cocktails and are perfect for any holiday.
They’re refreshing and light, with hints of sweetness from the pomegranate juice and a touch of tartness from the cranberry.
With only four ingredients, it’s easy to make at home for your next gathering.
The best part? It’s on the sweeter side, so it’s perfect for those not looking for something too spicy this time of year!
31. Winter Sangria
Looking for the best Thanksgiving cocktails that are tasty and offer additional advantages? Winter Sangria is a delicious cocktail that keeps you warm and cozy during the winter holiday. It’s easy to make, too!
First, combine dry red wine (or grape juice) with brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
Secondly, add apple cider, cinnamon stick, oranges sliced into rounds, honey, and some cloves (optional).
Next, heat until bubbling, then cool. Then, cut up some fresh fruit, like apples or pears. Finally, add it on top or serve it for an extra refreshing taste!
32. Mulled Cider With Bourbon
Mulled Cider With Bourbon is one of our favorite easy Thanksgiving cocktail recipes.
This recipe combines holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with brown sugar and buttery bourbon whiskey.
The result is one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you will always long for. This warm drink tastes great on its own or as a base for other cocktails.
33. Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic
This festive cranberry thyme gin and tonic is perfect for a Thanksgiving gathering.
This cocktail is not only tasty but also has added health benefits from the thyme’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Coupled with that, it’s easy to make, too! You only need gin, tonic water, cranberry juice, and fresh thyme leaves. The ingredients make up the best Thanksgiving cocktails ever!
34. Irish Coffee
With some Irish whiskey, strong coffee, and a dollop of whipped cream, this drink is perfect for warming you up on chilly November days.
You can make this cocktail by mixing the ingredients in a coffee mug or tall glass. The two key ingredients are Irish whiskey and whipped cream.
There are many variations of this recipe, but one way to serve it is by pouring strong-brewed coffee over ice cubes in a tall glass.
Then add Irish whiskey, sugar or honey, and heavy cream. Pour the mixture into an Irish Coffee mug (or small heatproof bowl) and top with whipped cream.
This one on the list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails is easy to make!
35. Pomegranate Orange Sangria
Pomegranate Orange Sangria is a bright and tangy cocktail perfect for celebrating with friends and family.
It combines pomegranate, orange, cranberry, and ginger ale for a delicious drink that’s not too sweet.
Additionally, add a twist to your glass with sparkling water or club soda. There you have it—one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails!
36. Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz
Speaking about the best Thanksgiving cocktails without mentioning the Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz is a violation.
This is a must-have drink for this time of year. It’s refreshing, delicious, and perfect for a holiday party.
Moreover, the drink combines cranberry juice, gin, and fizzy water in a cocktail shaker with ice.
The ingredients are shaken until very cold and strained into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge for added zing!
37. Pumpkin Apple Shandy
Pumpkin Apple Shandy is next to be discussed on this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
We know Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and tradition. But what better way to get into the spirit than with a Pumpkin Apple Shandy?
This cocktail mixes apple cider, pumpkin ale, and cinnamon syrup. It is, without mincing words, the perfect drink for kicking off your Thanksgiving festivities!
38. Frozen Pomegranate Margaritas
There’s nothing like sitting back and relaxing with a tasty cocktail on Thanksgiving day.
To get you in the spirit, we’ve been discussing some of our favorite and best Thanksgiving cocktails to enjoy this holiday season! Now, the next up is frozen pomegranate margaritas.
These delicious drinks are easy to make and perfect for those looking for something fruity and refreshing.
You only need tequila, lime juice, triple sec, a pomegranate or two (seeds removed), ice cubes, and some lemon-lime soda or seltzer water.
To begin, combine all ingredients in a blender with ice until smooth. Then pour into glasses of your choice (we recommend these cute animal-print cups!) and garnish with lime wedges, if desired.
39. Pumpkin Pie Punch
One of our favorite treats during the holiday season is pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie punch is a great way to enjoy pumpkin pie in liquid form.
One of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, it’s easy to make and can be made as a virgin cocktail if needed.
The ingredients are simple: lemonade, ginger ale, apple cider, and pumpkin puree.
Just combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir until combined. Pour over ice and enjoy!
40. Chai Old Fashioned
On this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, the Chai Old Fashioned is a new twist on an old classic. This drink is perfect for those who love the spice and sweetness of chai tea.
The ingredients are simple, too: chai tea, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg.
To prepare it, boil water and steep your tea bags in water for 10 minutes.
Then, add the bourbon, brown sugar, and spices- stir well before adding ice cubes. Finally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle of nutmeg if desired!
41. Chocolate Pecan Cream Martini
The best Thanksgiving cocktails include the Chocolate Pecan Cream Martini.
This creamy, nutty drink will warm you up and get you in a festive mood for all of your family gatherings this holiday season.
In addition to that, it’s made with all-natural ingredients! Here are the ingredients: milk, vanilla vodka, Kahlua, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, crushed ice, and salt (or to taste)
42. Spiced Cranberry Punch
Spiced Cranberry Punch is our favorite Thanksgiving cocktail because it’s easy and tasty.
You can also make it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You’ll need cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon, ginger powder, and fresh lemon juice (or orange juice). Mix all ingredients until the sugar is dissolved.
Serve chilled, and enjoy! We still have some of the best Thanksgiving cocktails to discuss; don’t stop reading!
43. Pumpkin Spice Mudslide
As we approach the end of this list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails, this specialty will not be left out.
For a twist on the traditional Pumpkin Spice Latte, try this Pumpkin Spice Mudslide. It’ll keep you cozy while celebrating with your family.
The ingredients needed are:
- Espresso or coffee liqueur (we recommend Kahlua).
- Vanilla vodka.
- Pumpkin puree.
- Milk or cream.
- Pumpkin spice mix (or each ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg).
- Simple step: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
44. Smoked Mulled Wine
This is a fantastic drink for Thanksgiving because it’s extremely easy to make and tastes great! Mulled wine is not excluded from the list of the best Thanksgiving cocktails.
Further, it is traditionally served hot, but a cold variation can also be made.
To make this recipe, dry red wine, sugar (or honey), apple cider vinegar, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, or ground cinnamon.
First, add all your ingredients into a pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Once the alcohol has boiled off (approximately 8 minutes), reduce the heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let cool before pouring into mugs or cups. Finally, garnish with orange slices.
45. Apple Pie Cocktail
The apple pie cocktail is one of my best Thanksgiving cocktails. It tastes like a fresh slice of apple pie with ice cream on top.
It’s sweet, tart, and rich all at the same time. This drink is so delicious that it can be served after dinner as dessert!
All you need to make this drink is whiskey, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice. The first step in making this cocktail is to simmer your cinnamon sticks in water for about five minutes.
While that’s happening, mix up your brown sugar with whiskey and apple cider until it becomes a nice syrup.
Once your syrup is done, add lemon juice and stir everything together. We will then reveal the best Thanksgiving cocktails!
