14 Amazing Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails

Crafting the perfect cocktail to complement your Thanksgiving feast can feel overwhelming with so many flavors on the table. From spiced rum punches to cranberry-infused cocktails, we’ve curated the best drink recipes to elevate your holiday celebration. Let’s dive in and mix up the perfect cocktail to wow your guests this Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

The Cranberry Bourbon Sour is a delightful Thanksgiving cocktail. It combines the warm, bold flavors of bourbon with tart cranberry. This festive drink is perfect for your holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz cranberry syrup
A dash of orange bitters
Ice cubes
Orange slice and candied rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and cranberry syrup.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Add a dash of orange bitters.
Garnish with an orange slice and candied rosemary, if desired.

Experiment with different types of bourbon for varied flavors. You can also adjust the cranberry syrup to taste. Serve this chilled over ice. Enjoy your cocktail!

Apple Cider Margarita

Experience a refreshing twist on the traditional margarita with the Apple Cider Margarita. This cocktail combines the crispness of apple cider with the classic margarita ingredients. Perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations, it offers a unique blend of flavors.

Ingredients:

2 ounces tequila
1 ounce apple cider
1 ounce orange liqueur
1/2 ounce lime juice
Ice

Optional for garnishing:

Cinnamon sugar
Lime wedge
Apple slice

Instructions:

Rim the Glass: Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spicy touch.
Shake the Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
Serve: Pour the mix into your prepared glass filled with ice.
Garnish: Add a slice of apple or a lime twist for decoration.

Enjoy the festive blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Adjust the lime and apple cider to tweak the taste to your liking.

Spiced Cranberry Mule

A Spiced Cranberry Mule is perfect for Thanksgiving. It mixes sweet, tart, and spicy flavors. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer
Cranberries and a sprig of thyme for garnish

Instructions:

Cranberry syrup:
- Bring water, honey, cranberries, ginger, and cardamom to a boil.
- Boil for 5 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Cool and strain to remove solids.
Cocktail preparation:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add vodka, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of cranberry syrup.
- Stir gently until well mixed.
Finishing touches:
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with cranberries and thyme.

This cocktail captures fall flavors beautifully. Each sip offers a balance of sweet cranberry and spicy ginger. Enjoy this delightful mix at your Thanksgiving festivities!

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

You can create a delightful Pumpkin Spice White Russian for your Thanksgiving gathering. This cocktail combines classic ingredients with a seasonal twist. Serve it over ice for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3 tablespoons crushed graham crackers
1 ounce vanilla vodka
1 ounce Kahlua
1 ounce pumpkin spice creamer or half and half
Ice
Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Mix pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and crushed graham crackers on a shallow plate.
Dip the rim of your glasses in water. Coat with the graham cracker mixture.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, Kahlua, and creamer.
Shake well and strain into your prepared glass.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick for added flavor.

Enjoy this cocktail as part of your Thanksgiving festivities. The pumpkin spice flavor pairs beautifully with the warmth of vodka and Kahlua. It’s a cozy, festive drink perfect for the season.

Apple Cider Old Fashioned

An Apple Cider Old Fashioned adds an autumn twist to the classic cocktail. Expect warm flavors perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz bourbon
1 oz apple cider
0.5 oz maple syrup
2 dashes bitters
Orange peel
Ice

Garnishes:

Apple slices
Cinnamon stick

Instructions:

Place orange peel, bitters, and maple syrup in a glass.
Use a muddler to press the orange peel gently.
Add bourbon and apple cider, then stir until mixed well.
Fill the glass with ice.
Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

This drink offers a delightful balance of flavors. The maple syrup enriches the bourbon’s oak notes. Apple cider adds a crisp, fresh layer. The aroma from the orange and cinnamon enhances the experience. You’ll love how these ingredients complement each other.

Maple Bourbon Smash

The Maple Bourbon Smash perfectly blends rich flavors for your Thanksgiving gathering. The bold bourbon and smooth maple syrup combine with tart lemon juice to create a refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz maple syrup
3/4 oz lemon juice
1 dash bitters
Orange wheel (optional)
Mint leaves (optional)
Ice

Instructions

Pour bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice into a shaker.
Add a dash of bitters and fill shaker with ice.
Shake for 20 seconds until chilled.
Strain the mix into a rocks glass over ice.

Add an orange wheel or mint for garnish, if desired. Enjoy the Maple Bourbon Smash’s delightful balance of flavors at your Thanksgiving celebration.

Pecan Pie Martini

You’re about to enjoy a Thanksgiving favorite in a glass. The Pecan Pie Martini blends warm, nutty flavors with a creamy finish. This cocktail captures the essence of pecan pie, offering a delightful twist for your holiday gathering.

To make the Pecan Pie Martini, you’ll need:

2 oz RumChata
1 oz bourbon
1 oz crème de cacao
2 oz half and half

Start by preparing your glasses. Use caramel to rim the glasses, then dip them in crushed pecans. It’s a simple but elegant touch that adds texture and flavor.

Next, combine the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice:

Shake well to blend and chill the mixture
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses

For added sweetness, drizzle a bit of caramel into each glass before pouring the cocktail. This detail enhances the dessert-like quality of the drink, making it perfect for the Thanksgiving table.

Experiment with variations by incorporating pecan-infused vodka or pecan liqueur. Always serve your Pecan Pie Martini chilled, allowing its rich flavors to shine.

Cranberry Mimosa

A Cranberry Mimosa is a delightful Thanksgiving cocktail. It’s both festive and refreshing. Here’s how you can make one easily at home.

Ingredients

4 oz cranberry juice
2 oz pineapple orange juice
4 oz sparkling wine (chilled)
Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
Rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Chill your glasses. Place a champagne flute in the freezer for a few minutes.
Combine juices. Pour cranberry juice and pineapple orange juice into the flute.
Add sparkling wine. Top off with sparkling wine, pouring slowly to maintain bubbles.
Garnish. Optionally add fresh cranberries or a rosemary sprig for decoration.

This cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s simple yet elegant. Use this recipe to impress your guests. They’ll love the combination of flavors and the festive look. Enjoy!

Spiced Rum Apple Cider

Spiced Rum Apple Cider sets the perfect mood for Thanksgiving gatherings. This cocktail brings warmth and a burst of autumn flavors.

Ingredients:

1/2 gallon apple cider
1 cup spiced rum
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
1 star anise
1 tablespoon honey
Optional: Sliced apples for garnish

Instructions:

Combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and honey in a large saucepan.
Heat until it simmers. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Add spiced rum. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Strain and serve warm in mugs.
Garnish with apple slices if desired.

This Spiced Rum Apple Cider is easy to make. It’s a cozy drink suitable for the fall season. Enjoy its aromatic spices and deep flavors with friends and family.

Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

You’ll love crafting a Cinnamon Whiskey Sour. It combines classic flavors with a warm twist. Your guests will be impressed.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon
1 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz maple syrup
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice.
Add bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
Secure the lid tightly and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a glass over fresh ice.

Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of lemon, if desired. This adds an elegant touch and enhances flavors.

The Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Simple yet flavorful, it captures the essence of the season. Enjoy your creation with friends and family.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

The Pumpkin Pie Martini is a festive cocktail perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. It combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie with a smooth, creamy texture. This cocktail is both delightful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz vodka
1 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz rum
1 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Chill two martini glasses in the freezer.
In a cocktail shaker, combine ice cubes, vodkas, rum, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
Shake vigorously until the shaker is cold to the touch.

To Serve:

Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glasses.
Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Enjoy this delightful Pumpkin Pie Martini with family and friends. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of fall flavor.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This comforting cocktail involves red wine, spices, and fruits.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 orange, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
3 cloves
2 tablespoons honey
1 star anise
¼ cup brandy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Combine wine, orange slices, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a large pot.
Warm over low heat. Do not boil.
Stir in honey, brandy, and vanilla extract. Mix gently.
Set on low heat for 20 minutes.
Strain into mugs. Serve warm.

You can add lemon slices or berries for a fruity twist. Adjust sweetness with more honey. Celebrate the holiday with this festive beverage!

Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a classic Thanksgiving cocktail that offers warmth and comfort. This drink combines rich butter with spicy and sweet flavors, making it perfect for colder months. You’ll find it easy to prepare with these steps.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of ground cloves
A pinch of nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces dark rum
1/2 cup boiling water

Instructions:

Place the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a mug.
Mix them well until combined.
Add vanilla extract and rum.
Pour boiling water over the mixture.
Stir until the butter melts completely.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Thanksgiving Sangria

Thanksgiving Sangria can bring festive flair to your holiday gathering. Start with seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavors. This drink feels cozy and welcoming.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine
1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup cognac
1/4 cup simple syrup
1 red apple, sliced
1 green apple, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves

Instructions:

Combine red wine, cranberry juice, apple cider, and cognac in a large pitcher. Mix them well.
Add sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Stir in simple syrup to taste. Adjust the sweetness.
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours. Let the flavors blend.

Serve your Thanksgiving Sangria in glasses filled with ice. Add apple slices for garnish if desired. Each sip brings warmth and tradition to your celebration.