35 Thanksgiving Cocktail Ideas & Recipes [Pick Three!]

There’s a certain magic in the air on Thanksgiving day, isn’t there?

The house fills with the savory aroma of a roasting turkey and all the fixings, family starts to arrive, and there’s a warmth that has nothing to do with the oven being on all day.

In my house, this is the perfect moment to hand someone a beautiful, festive drink. It’s that first official signal that the celebration has begun.

Having a few Thanksgiving cocktails on hand (I like to choose three to serve each year) can truly elevate the day from a simple meal to a memorable event. It’s a little something special that shows your guests you’ve put thought into every detail. It gives everyone something to sip on while they mingle and catch up before the main event.

Whether you prefer something warm and spiced to ward off the November chill, or something bright and bubbly to whet the appetite, there is a perfect drink for your celebration.

In this special thanksgiving cocktail collection, we’ll explore some of my favorites from the last few years, covering everything from cozy mulled wines to crisp cranberry spritzers, add a fall twist to a few classics, and even dig into some thanksgiving mocktails as well!

Why Serve a Signature Thanksgiving Cocktail?

For years, I used to stress about my Thanksgiving drink station. I’d stock a little bit of everything, hoping to have whatever someone might ask for. It was chaotic, expensive, and I spent half my time playing bartender instead of enjoying my own party.

Then I discovered the beauty of the signature cocktail.

Choosing one or two signature Thanksgiving cocktails to offer simplifies everything. It streamlines your shopping list and your prep work. You can make a large batch ahead of time, pour it into a lovely drink dispenser or pitcher, and let guests serve themselves. It frees you up to focus on the food and, more importantly, your family.

Serving a signature drink also adds such a personal and polished touch to your gathering. It feels intentional and thoughtful. It’s like putting your own special stamp on the day. Your guests will feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk in the door.

It also becomes a memorable part of your tradition. My family still talks about the spiced apple cider margarita I served a few years back. It becomes a conversation piece and something people look forward to year after year. It’s a simple change that makes a huge impact, turning your holiday from lovely to legendary.

Classic Cocktails with a Fall Twist

One of my favorite things to do in the kitchen is to take a beloved classic and give it a little seasonal makeover. The same goes for cocktails. Taking a timeless recipe like an Old Fashioned or a Margarita and infusing it with autumn flavors is a simple way to create something that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

This is where you can really have some fun and get creative. Swap out simple syrup for maple syrup. Muddle in some apple or pear slices. Use a spiced rum instead of a light one. A simple garnish of a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary can transform the entire drink experience.

These updated classics are perfect Thanksgiving cocktails because they have a sense of tradition with a dash of holiday flair. They are a guaranteed hit, especially for guests who appreciate a well-made, spirit-forward drink. Here are some of my go-to recipes for giving classic cocktails a fall-inspired twist.

• Maple Old Fashioned – Swapping traditional sugar for rich, dark maple syrup gives this bourbon classic a wonderful warmth and complexity that is perfect for autumn.
• Smoky Apple Cider Margarita – This isn’t your average margarita. Mezcal brings a hint of smoke that pairs beautifully with sweet apple cider for a truly unique flavor profile.
• Smoked Old Fashioned – For the true cocktail enthusiast, learning to smoke a cocktail is a game changer. It adds an incredible aroma and depth of flavor that is perfect for a special occasion.
• The Best Espresso Martini – While not strictly a fall drink, an espresso martini is the perfect pick-me-up after a big meal, especially when you add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker.
• Bourbon Old Fashioned: The timeless classic. This recipe is straightforward and perfectly balanced, a must have for any whiskey lover.
• Chocolate Martini with Hazelnut – Rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut are brightened by a hint of citrus, creating a complex flavor profile that tastes like a gourmet dessert.

Honestly, I’m obsessed with apple cider, maple syrup, and coffee, so everything on this list gets a lot showtime at my house.

Warm & Spiced Thanksgiving Cocktails

When there’s a crisp autumn chill in the air, nothing feels quite as welcoming as a warm, spiced cocktail. The scent of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice simmering on the stove is the very essence of the holidays. These comforting drinks are like a cozy sweater in a glass, perfect for sipping by the fire or while watching the football game.

These are the kinds of drinks that warm you from the inside out. They pair beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the Thanksgiving meal. The key is to balance the warmth of the spirits, like a good bourbon or spiced rum, with layers of seasonal spice.

Making these is often as simple as simmering your ingredients in a pot and letting the flavors meld together. They make the whole house smell incredible, adding to the festive ambiance. Here are a few of my favorite warm and spiced Thanksgiving cocktails to get you started.

• Brown Butter Bourbon Eggnog – For a truly decadent treat, this eggnog is unbelievably rich and flavorful. The brown butter adds a nutty depth that is simply irresistible.
• The Best Brown Butter Hot Toddy – Warming, soothing, and absolutely irresistible, this classic cocktail gets an upgrade with brown butter for extra depth.
• Brown Butter and Toasted Pecan Hot Buttered Rum – Creamy, nutty, and perfect for those chilly Thanksgiving evenings, this is pure comfort in a mug.
• Café de Olla – Add 1-2 ounces of tequila or Kahlúa to turn this traditional Mexican spiced coffee into a wonderful after-dinner cocktail.
• Spiced Chai Latte – Add 1-2 ounces of spiced rum or bourbon to create a warm, creamy, and totally comforting nightcap.
• Easy Brown Butter Hot Chocolate – Add 1-2 ounces of your favorite spirit to elevate this decadent hot chocolate into an elegant after-dinner drink.

I’m typically more drawn to chilled cocktails, but for Thanksgiving specifically, when the air is crisp and chilly outside, I love the feeling of sipping on something warm and delicious, while that bit of liquor warms me up on the inside as well.

Fruity & Bubbly Thanksgiving Cocktails

While warm drinks are cozy, sometimes you want something bright and lively to kick off the celebration. Fruity and bubbly cocktails are perfect for this. They act as a wonderful aperitif, cleansing the palate and getting everyone ready for the feast to come.

Think of flavors like tart cranberry, sweet pear, and crisp apple, all brought to life with a splash of champagne, prosecco, or even sparkling cider. These drinks are refreshing and elegant, and their jewel-toned colors look absolutely stunning in a festive glass. They provide a beautiful contrast to the richer, heavier foods on the Thanksgiving table.

I love greeting my guests with a tray of these vibrant drinks. They’re an instant party starter. The light, effervescent quality keeps things feeling celebratory and fun. Here are some fantastic options that are sure to impress.

• Spiced Cranberry Yule Mule – A festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with warming spices and tart cranberry that make it perfect for Thanksgiving.
• Best Lemon Drop Martini – A perfectly balanced Lemon Drop is always a crowd pleaser. It’s sweet, tart, and delightfully refreshing.
• Spiced Cranberry Paloma – This drink takes the classic Paloma to a whole new level with the addition of warm spices and cranberry. It’s sophisticated and incredibly refreshing.
• Pear and Ginger Martini – The combination of sweet pear and spicy ginger is a match made in heaven. It’s an elegant and unexpected cocktail that feels very special.
• Easy Cranberry Margarita – To make this for a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Mix everything except the ice in a large pitcher for easy pouring.
• Elderflower French 75 – A light, floral, and bubbly cocktail that is always a hit. The elderflower liqueur adds a unique twist to the classic gin and champagne combination.
• Cranberry and Rosemary Christmosa – A festive take on a mimosa with beautiful cranberry and herbaceous rosemary notes.
• Rosemary Cranberry Aperol Spritz – Light, bubbly, and utterly elegant, this spritz is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving celebration.

If you haven’t tried a Cranberry Paloma before, please do. You’ll thank me later.

Thanksgiving Dessert Cocktails

For those who love a little sweetness with their celebration, these indulgent cocktails blur the line between drink and dessert. Rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious, they’re perfect for sipping after the meal or as a special treat throughout the day. Treat yourself (and your guests!) to something that feels like a gourmet dessert in a glass.

What makes these drinks so special is their versatility. Serve them as a sweet nightcap after your main course, offering guests an alternative to traditional dessert. Offer them early in the evening as a decadent welcome drink. Or set up a little “dessert cocktail station” alongside your pie and cake for something a bit different. They’re perfect for those guests who want to treat themselves to something extra special, and they pair beautifully with coffee for an after-dinner experience that feels truly memorable.

These indulgent cocktails don’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Many can be made ahead, and several are actually quite simple to execute. What they do require is quality ingredients and a little love, the kind of care that shows your guests they’re truly special. These drinks elevate your Thanksgiving from lovely to luxurious, and I promise you, they will be talked about long after the holiday ends.

• Peppermint Bark Shots with a Spicy Kick – Combining cool peppermint with warming spices, these shots are the perfect holiday treat.
• Unforgettable Coquito with Toasty Brown Butter – A luxurious take on this traditional holiday drink, with rich brown butter adding incredible depth and warmth.
• Creamy Hazelnut White Russian – Smooth, creamy, and utterly indulgent, this elevated White Russian is like drinking dessert.
• Peppermint White Russian with Cardamom-Kissed Foam – Festive and frosty, this peppermint version is a showstopper with its spiced foam topping.
• Sugar Cookie Martini – Sweet, creamy, and reminiscent of fresh-baked sugar cookies, this martini is pure indulgence.
• The Perfect Gingerbread Martini – Warm spices meet creamy sweetness in this gingerbread-inspired cocktail that tastes like a holiday treat.
• Rum Rum Rudolph Gingerbread Cocktail – A festive and fun gingerbread cocktail that brings holiday cheer to every sip.

Thanksgiving only comes once per year, so I’m not going to tell you to take it easy on the liquor and sugar, but… be careful with these guys.

Best Thanksgiving Cocktails For Batching

Let’s be honest, no one hosting Thanksgiving wants to be stuck behind the bar shaking up individual cocktails all afternoon. The goal is to mingle and enjoy the day. That’s why mastering the art of the batch cocktail is a host’s secret weapon.

The beauty of a batch cocktail is that you do all the work ahead of time. You can mix up a large quantity of your chosen drink in the morning, or even the day before, and store it in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, all you have to do is set it out in a large pitcher or a beverage dispenser with a bucket of ice and a tray of garnishes nearby.

This self-serve approach is wonderfully low-stress. It empowers guests to help themselves whenever they’d like a refill, and it frees you from your bartending duties. Many recipes for Thanksgiving cocktails can be easily scaled up to serve a crowd. Punches, sangrias, and large-format margaritas are all excellent choices for batching.

• Cranberry Apple Sangria – Tart cranberry and sweet apple mingle with warm spices and a splash of bubbly for a drink that’s both festive and refreshing.
• Pear and Cranberry Christmas Punch – The sweetness of pear with tart cranberry and warm holiday spices, and it looks absolutely stunning in a punch bowl. 
• Nostalgic Mulled Wine – A classic for a reason. Red wine gently simmered with citrus and spices is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be easier to make for a group.
• Spiked Apple Cider – This is quintessential fall. Warm apple cider gets a grown-up kick from your favorite spirit. I love it with a good quality bourbon.

I don’t feel like this is worth it’s own recipe post, so let me just add that 4 ounces of cold Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider + 1 ounce of spiced rum is probably THE easiest batch holiday cocktail of all time, and it tastes like fall in a cup.

Best Thanksgiving Mocktails (Non-Alcoholic)

It’s so important to have festive, thoughtful options for guests who choose not to drink alcohol. Nobody wants to feel left out with a boring can of soda or a simple glass of juice. A well-crafted mocktail ensures that everyone, including kids, teens, and non-drinkers, has something special to sip on.

The secret to a great mocktail is to treat it with the same care you would a cocktail. Think about layering flavors and textures. Use fresh juices, homemade spiced syrups, and interesting garnishes. A splash of sparkling water or ginger ale can add a lovely effervescence that mimics a bubbly cocktail.

Many cocktail recipes can be easily adapted into mocktails. You can often just omit the spirit and add a little extra juice or soda. Creating a signature non-alcoholic drink shows true hospitality and makes all your guests feel included in the celebration. Here are a few ideas that go far beyond basic juice.

• Homemade Apple Cider – This delicious, spice-infused cider is a perfect base. Serve it warm on its own, or chill it and top with sparkling water for a festive spritzer.
• Strawberry Lime Mint Spritzers – Simply leave out the vodka for a beautiful and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that everyone can enjoy. The colors are so vibrant and pretty.
• Raspberry Acai Mint Spritzer – Another spritzer that is delicious without alcohol. Muddle the mint and berries, top with sparkling water, and you have a sophisticated mocktail.
• Cardamom Lemonade – A unique and flavorful option. The warm spice of cardamom elevates simple lemonade into something truly special for the holiday table.

I’m hoping to experiment more with mocktails this next year. These are good, but I can do better. 

Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving Bar Station

Setting up a dedicated drink station or bar cart is a game changer for holiday hosting. It corrals all the cocktail-making chaos into one area and makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. It also adds a touch of style and elegance to your party setup. You don’t need a fancy cart, a small table or a section of your counter works just as well.

First, stock the basics. You don’t need a full bar. Choose two or three versatile spirits that work for your signature cocktails. Bourbon, vodka, and tequila are usually safe bets. Have some essential mixers on hand like club soda, tonic water, and maybe some ginger ale. If you’re serving wine, make sure you have a corkscrew readily available.

Next, think about the tools and glassware. Set out a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, a stirring spoon, and a small cutting board with a knife for garnishes. Have your glassware clean and ready to go. A mix of rocks glasses and wine glasses will cover most of your bases. And don’t forget the most crucial element: ice! A full ice bucket is an absolute must.

Finally, make it festive. This is where you can add those special touches. Fill small bowls with beautiful garnishes like fresh cranberries, orange twists, rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks. A small vase of flowers or some seasonal decor can tie it all together. A well-styled, well-stocked bar cart makes serving Thanksgiving cocktails effortless and chic.

Thanksgiving Cocktails: Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to planning your holiday menu, drinks can sometimes bring up a few questions. I get it, you want everything to be just right. To help you out, I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I hear about serving Thanksgiving cocktails, all in one place.

What are the best spirits for Thanksgiving cocktails?

You can’t go wrong with spirits that have warm, rich profiles. Bourbon is a classic choice, as its caramel and vanilla notes pair wonderfully with fall flavors like apple, maple, and cinnamon. Spiced rum is another excellent option that brings its own blend of holiday spices to any drink. For lighter, brighter cocktails, a good quality gin with botanical notes can be lovely with cranberry or pear, and vodka serves as a fantastic neutral base that lets other flavors shine. Tequila and mezcal are also great, especially in fall-themed margaritas or palomas.

Can I make Thanksgiving cocktails ahead of time?

Absolutely, and I highly recommend it to save yourself time and stress. Most batch cocktails can be almost fully assembled ahead of time. You can combine the spirits, juices, syrups, and any liqueurs in a large pitcher or dispenser a day in advance and keep it chilled. The only things you should wait to add until just before serving are any bubbly ingredients, like champagne or club soda, and ice. Adding them too early will cause them to go flat or water down your beautiful creation.

How many drinks should I plan per guest?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for two drinks per guest during the first hour of your gathering, and then one drink per guest for each subsequent hour. Of course, you know your crowd best. Some people may drink more, and some may not drink at all. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out. Remember to also have plenty of non-alcoholic options available for everyone.

What are some easy garnishes to make my drinks look festive?

Garnishes are the easiest way to make a simple drink look spectacular. For Thanksgiving, you have so many beautiful, natural options. A sprig of fresh rosemary looks like a tiny pine branch and adds a lovely herbaceous scent. Fresh cranberries are like little red jewels in a glass. A long strip of orange peel, a cinnamon stick, or a few whole star anise add both visual appeal and aroma. For a frosty look, you can easily sugar the rim of your glasses by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it in sugar.

What are good non-alcoholic substitutions for spirits?

There are some wonderful non-alcoholic spirits on the market now that mimic gin, whiskey, and tequila. However, you don’t need to get that fancy. To replace spirits in a recipe, you can use sparkling apple or cranberry cider for a festive feel. Unsweetened iced tea can add a nice tannic quality similar to some aged spirits. A splash of kombucha can also provide complexity and a bit of fizz. The key is to add something with a more adult flavor profile than just plain juice.

More Recipe Collections

Now that you have your Thanksgiving cocktails all planned out, you might be thinking about the rest of the menu. Putting together the perfect holiday feast is a joy, and I have plenty of recipe collections to help you find inspiration for every course.

From classic side dishes with a modern twist to show-stopping desserts, these roundups are filled with tried and true recipes that are perfect for your Thanksgiving table. I’ve gathered all my favorites to make your holiday planning as easy and delicious as possible.

Take a look through these collections to build your perfect menu or find a new recipe to add to your family’s traditions.

• Traditional & Alternative Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas – A complete guide to planning your menu from turkey to dessert.
• 100+ Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas & Recipes – Explore dozens of recipes for everything from mashed potatoes to creative vegetable dishes.
• Unforgettable Thanksgiving Desserts – End your meal on a sweet note with these delicious dessert ideas and recipes.

If you are looking for help with Thanksgiving, I HAVE YOU COVERED!