Some people plan to host friends and family to keep things festive.
However, many traditional Thanksgiving drinks are packed with sugar and calories.
So you might want to steer clear of them in favor of something still flavorful but healthier.
Here are the 12 best Thanksgiving drinks to make your holiday more festive!
1. Sparkling Wine
The first on our list of best Thanksgiving drinks is sparkling wine. Looking for a little celebration? Aren’t you sure you want a full glass of wine? Then sparkling wine is best.
However, most bubbly has a lower alcohol content than wine and will add some fizz to your holiday. After all, it’s not just about eating turkey—it’s about being merry.
What better way to celebrate? Try a Cava or Prosecco bottle if you need an affordable, great-tasting option. You can find both at most grocery stores.
2. Eggnog
Get your holiday cheer with eggnog, one of the best Thanksgiving drinks, for any fall or winter holiday party.
Most eggnogs include eggs, milk, sugar, and either brandy or rum (though there are variations). It’s not for everyone—some consider it one of their least favorite holiday drinks.
Furthermore, a good homemade recipe is the best if you love eggnog (and you want to avoid cocktails). The ingredients are cheap and easy to find at almost any store.
And if you make it yourself, you know exactly what goes into it. You can even get creative by adding fresh fruit and nutmeg.
3. Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is one of the traditional best Thanksgiving drinks; it smells amazing and tastes even better.
To produce (one bottle of red wine, 1 cup sliced ginger, four cinnamon sticks, six whole cloves & 8 cardamom pods).
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for at least 45 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sliced oranges and lemons or sprigs of rosemary to add flavor without overpowering your palate or making you think about taking a sip. Be polite.
4. Champagne Punch
One of the great holiday drinks is the best Thanksgiving drink. Prepare it in large batches and set it out on your buffet table. It keeps well, so you can have it available to guests all evening.
Mix dry champagne (1 bottle), brandy (11⁄2cup), sugar (2cup), 2 quarts lemon, 1⁄2 quart orange & 1⁄2 pint dark-rum flavoring. Chill before serving.
5. Spicy Pear Punch
Place one cup of pear juice, half a cup of chopped fresh ginger, three cinnamon sticks, and six cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Strain and serve hot with 1 cup cranberry juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, and two tablespoons sugar per glass. Stir until sugar dissolves.
So, if desired, top one of the best Thanksgiving drinks with a cinnamon stick or orange peel curls.
It makes eight servings of 150 calories each (pear juice has 75 calories per cup). Variation: use pear nectar instead of juice for an alcohol-free punch for kids.
6. Hot Apple Cider
Nothing is more American than apple cider; Thanksgiving would be complete without it.
Best Thanksgiving drinks are great to have beside the fireplace while you warm up and enjoy conversation with family and friends.
However, hot apple cider is healthy—but be sure you aren’t adding extra sugar (or look for any without sugar).
The ingredients are cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ginger pieces, vanilla bean seeds, and organic whole-dried apples to help with the flavors.
7. Sweet Tea Vodka with Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Margaritas are a new spin on one of America’s favorite summertime treats.
Sweet, tart, and packed with real cranberry juice, they are the best Thanksgiving drinks to add to your Thanksgiving Day cocktail menu.
Combine 1 oz of cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail) and 1 1⁄2 oz of sweet and sour mix with a 2 oz tequila shaker.
Add ice cubes & shake; pour into an old-fashioned glass & garnish with a lime slice or a splash of orange-flavored liqueur.
8. Cranberry Margaritas
The classic margarita gets a festive makeover with cranberry juice.
Remember, to have the best Thanksgiving drinks, ‘ alcohol drinks, ‘ you must plan. It takes time for your body to process alcohol and digest food.
However, If you’re going for cocktails, start with just one, sip slowly, and choose one with fewer calories.
This recipe calls for half a glass of tequila—you could swap it out for lime juice or triple sec.
9. Rosemary Lemonade
Pour 1/2 cup of simple rosemary syrup over ice and stir. Finish the best Thanksgiving drinks with club soda and a slice of lemon or rosemary sprig.
This syrup is made from fresh rosemary and sweetened with agave. It makes terrific ingredients for cocktails like rosemary lemonade.
This year, serve a pitcher at your next dinner party or keep it in the fridge to make the best Thanksgiving drinks.
Start by heating 2 cups of water, three tablespoons of rosemary, 1/2 cup of raw cane sugar, one tablespoon of lemon zest, & 2 tablespoons of squeezed lemon juice until boiling.
10. Pumpkin Pie Punch
Pumpkin pie is one of the best Thanksgiving drinks; we love it as much as you do.
It is a delicious twist on an old favorite, perfect for your holiday party.
To prepare it, mix 2 cups of pumpkin puree, cranberry juice, 2 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of orange juice & 6 cinnamon sticks for flavor.
It is getting a texture drink (2 cups frozen pineapple chunks to blend, 8 ounces ginger ale, and pulse till it’s ice rink).
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl and serve immediately.
So, you can make a pumpkin pie punch several hours before serving. Add water periodically to keep it from getting too thick while stored to mix flavors.
11. Sparkling Caramel Apple Cider
This family-friendly fall cocktail is only a few ingredients from your holiday’s best Thanksgiving drink.
It takes five minutes to make and looks festive or served in a cup of ice cream.
The secret to keeping it simple is to create syrups you can mix with cold sparkling water for a sweet treat anytime.
For serving, pour 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of vanilla syrup, 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of caramel syrup & 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of cold sparkling water into a glass and stir well.
12. Chai punch
Ginger, clove, cinnamon, and black tea flavors make a fantastic chai punch.
Combine 3/4 cup of boiling water and sugar with five whole cloves, two cinnamon sticks, and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. (Simmer for 20 minutes).
Then, remove from heat, add six bags of vanilla chai tea, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
Pour into a bowl with 3 cups cold water, stir in 2 cups cranberry juice (unsweetened) and 1 cup lemon-lime soda, and mix well.
Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks if desired, and enjoy your best Thanksgiving drinks.
Conclusion
Maybe you’re headed to a potluck or hosting your feast; try adding some fun and festive drinks to the menu.
It is a great way to shake things up, and everyone will love sipping on something special and looking for even more inspiration.
Try pairing one of the best Thanksgiving drinks with one of our favorite recipes. Cheers!
