7 Best Thanksgiving Cocktails For Adults

Have you been pondering over what to drink on Thanksgiving? While we often focus on setting the perfect table and creating the perfect feast, there’s another way to amplify the joy of the season: a unique Thanksgiving cocktail. It’s a surefire way to elevate your holiday celebration and immediately gather all your loved ones together. 

Thanksgiving Cocktail Ideas

You can add a lot of color to the day as you mix your very own Thanksgiving signature drink. With a proper lineup of aptly-themed cocktails that perfectly complement the flavors of the season, these Thanksgiving drink ideas will bring some extra cheer to your holiday table. Ready to raise a glass?

Apple Cider Bourbon Punch: A Cozy Crowd-Pleaser

Nothing screams fall quite like apple cider, and this cocktail blends the crisp sweetness of cider with the warmth of bourbon. It’s easy to make in a large batch, so it’s perfect for serving a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh apple cider

• 2 cups bourbon

• 1 cup ginger beer

• ½ cup orange juice

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• Apple slices and orange wheels for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine apple cider, bourbon, orange juice, and cinnamon sticks. Chill for at least an hour.

2. Just before serving, add the ginger beer and stir gently.

3. Serve over ice and garnish with apple slices and orange wheels for a festive touch.

Cranberry Moscow Mule: Tart and Tangy

Put a seasonal spin on the classic Moscow Mule with cranberry juice. This cocktail is as refreshing as it is Instagram-worthy, thanks to its vibrant red hue and festive garnishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka

• 3 oz cranberry juice

• ½ oz lime juice

• Ginger beer

• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.

2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.

4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries for a pop of holiday color.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian: Dessert in a Glass

A pumpkin spice latte is everyone’s favorite non-alcoholic drink of the season. And, if you have any PSL lovers in your group, they’ll adore this creamy, indulgent cocktail that tastes like fall in a glass. It’s perfect as a post-dinner drink or alongside a slice of pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz vodka

• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)

• 1 oz pumpkin spice creamer

• Whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.

2. Pour vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice.

3. Top with pumpkin spice creamer and stir gently.

4. Add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Spiced Pear Sangria: A Light and Elegant Option

For a sophisticated sip, this white wine-based sangria combines the subtle sweetness of pears with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. It’s a lighter option that pairs beautifully with a Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

• 1 cup pear juice

• ½ cup brandy

• 2 pears, thinly sliced

• 1 orange, thinly sliced

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4-5 cloves

• Sparkling water for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine white wine, pear juice, brandy, pear slices, orange slices, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Stir well.

2. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.

3. Just before serving, add a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.

Maple Old Fashioned: A Sweet Twist on a Classic

This may be the best Thanksgiving cocktail on the list. It gives the Old Fashioned a seasonal makeover with a dash of maple syrup. It’s a smooth, slightly sweet drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 tsp pure maple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel and a cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a rocks glass, combine maple syrup and bitters.

2. Add bourbon and stir to combine.

3. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently.

4. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.

Hot Buttered Rum: A Warm Hug in a Mug

If you’re looking for something cozy and comforting, this classic hot cocktail is the answer. It’s like a warm hug in a mug, making it ideal for chilly Thanksgiving evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 dash ground cinnamon

• 1 dash ground nutmeg

• 4 oz hot water

• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

2. Add hot water and stir until everything is melted and well mixed.

3. Stir in rum and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Sparkling Cranberry Orange Mimosa: A Brunch Favorite

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving brunch or just looking for something bubbly, this cranberry-orange mimosa is the perfect choice. It’s festive, light, and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz cranberry juice

• 3 oz orange juice

• Champagne or Prosecco

• Sugared cranberries and orange zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a champagne flute halfway with cranberry juice and orange juice.

2. Top with chilled Champagne or Prosecco.

3. Garnish with sugared cranberries and a twist of orange zest.

Pro Tips for Hosting a Cocktail-Forward Thanksgiving

Now that you’ve got your cocktail recipes in hand, here are a few tips to ensure your Thanksgiving bar is as impressive as your turkey:

Prep Ahead

Save yourself some stress by preparing garnishes and mixers ahead of time. Slice fruit, make simple syrups, and chill ingredients the night before.

Set Up a Self-Serve Station

Create a cocktail station with all the ingredients, glasses, and instructions guests might need. This lets everyone customize their drinks and takes some pressure off you.

Offer Non-Alcoholic Options

Don’t forget about your non-drinking guests! Mocktail versions of these recipes, like sparkling cider or cranberry spritzers, are just as festive.

Pair Cocktails with Courses

Serve lighter cocktails like sangria or mimosas with appetizers, and save heavier drinks like the Pumpkin Spice White Russian for dessert.

Cheers to a Memorable Thanksgiving!

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a novice looking to impress, these Thanksgiving cocktails are guaranteed to add a festive flair to your holiday celebrations. From the warm spices of apple cider and rum to the bright tang of cranberries and citrus, there’s a drink here for every palate. 

When it comes to unique ways to cook up your turkey or whip up the finest sides, we have even more ideas for you here in the lifestyle section of our site. Take the opportunity to put a twist on some classic sides or allow your slow cooker to do the heavy lifting while you raise your glass to your loved ones.