25 Thanksgiving Cocktails That’ll Make You Extra Grateful This Year

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Thanksgiving Cocktails

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and festive drinks. Cocktails can add a special touch to your holiday gathering. From cranberry-based drinks to apple cider concoctions, Thanksgiving cocktails come in many flavors that match the season.

Adding cocktails to your Thanksgiving menu can be fun and easy. You can make big batches ahead of time or mix drinks as guests arrive. Some popular choices include pomegranate mules, maple Manhattans, and spiced cider punch. These drinks use fall ingredients and pair well with turkey and all the trimmings.

Pumpkin Martini

Get ready to sip on fall flavors with this tasty pumpkin martini! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz pumpkin spice syrup or liqueur
  • 1 oz Irish cream liqueur
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • Ice cubes
  • Cinnamon sugar and maple syrup (for rimming)

Directions:


  1. Rim your martini glass. Dip the rim in maple syrup, then in cinnamon sugar.



  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  3. Add vodka, pumpkin spice syrup, Irish cream, heavy cream, and pumpkin pie spice to the shaker.



  4. Shake it up! Give it a good 15-20 second shake to chill and mix everything.



  5. Strain the yummy mixture into your rimmed glass.



  6. Sprinkle a tiny bit of pumpkin pie spice on top if you want to get fancy.


Now you’ve got a creamy, spiced-up martini perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy your pumpkin-packed drink!

Apple Cider Margarita

Get ready to spice up your Thanksgiving with this delicious Apple Cider Margarita! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 1 oz pear juice
  • 1/2 oz orange juice
  • Ice
  • Cinnamon sugar (optional for rim)

Directions:


  1. If you want a cinnamon sugar rim, mix equal parts cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Wet the rim of your glass with orange juice or honey, then dip it in the mixture.



  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, apple cider, pear juice, and orange juice.



  3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-30 seconds. This will chill the drink and mix the flavors well.



  4. Fill your glass with ice and strain the margarita into it.



  5. For a festive touch, garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.


Enjoy your tasty Apple Cider Margarita! It’s perfect for sipping while you prepare your Thanksgiving feast or relaxing after the big meal.

Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz maple syrup
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice
  • Cranberries and rosemary sprig for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Add bourbon, cranberry juice, maple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.



  3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.



  4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.



  5. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.



  6. Give your drink a gentle stir before sipping.


You’ll love how the tart cranberry balances the smooth bourbon. The maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for fall. Enjoy your festive cocktail!

Pear Martini

Ready to shake up your Thanksgiving drink menu? Try this yummy pear martini!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz pear nectar or fresh pear purée
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Pear slice for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Pour in the vodka, pear nectar, lemon juice, and simple syrup.



  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds.



  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.



  5. Garnish with a thin pear slice on the rim.


Sip and enjoy your festive pear martini! It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that’ll impress your Thanksgiving guests.

Gold Rush

Want a tasty Thanksgiving drink? Try the Gold Rush! It’s easy to make and super yummy.

Here’s what you need:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
  • Ice

How to make it:

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
  3. Shake well for about 10 seconds.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Enjoy your Gold Rush!

This drink is perfect for sipping before or after your Thanksgiving meal. The bourbon warms you up, while the lemon adds a nice zing. The honey makes it smooth and just sweet enough.

You can dress it up by adding a lemon twist or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. It’s a great way to kick off your holiday celebrations!

Bourbon Manhattan

Ready to make a classic Thanksgiving cocktail? The Bourbon Manhattan is just what you need. Here’s what you’ll need to mix up this smooth and sophisticated drink:

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Ingredients:
• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.



  2. Pour in the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.



  3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.



  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.



  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.



  6. Sip and enjoy your tasty Bourbon Manhattan!


This drink is perfect for sipping by the fire or serving to guests before your Thanksgiving feast. The rich bourbon pairs wonderfully with the sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. Cheers!

Pomegranate Margarita

Want to spice up your Thanksgiving drink menu? Try this festive Pomegranate Margarita!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge and pomegranate seeds for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Pour in the tequila, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.



  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.



  4. Rim a glass with salt if desired, then fill it with fresh ice.



  5. Strain the margarita into your prepared glass.



  6. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds.


Enjoy your vibrant and tangy Pomegranate Margarita! It’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Ward 8

Looking for a tasty Thanksgiving cocktail? Try the Ward 8! This whiskey-based drink is perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp grenadine
  • Ice
  • Orange twist and maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Pour in the whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine.



  3. Shake well until chilled.



  4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.



  5. Garnish with an orange twist and maraschino cherry.


Enjoy your Ward 8! The mix of citrus and whiskey makes it a great choice for your Thanksgiving party.

Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz apple cider
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Ice
  • Apple slice and fresh cranberries for garnish

Now, let’s make your festive drink!

Fill a copper mug or tall glass with ice. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, and apple cider.

Give it a quick stir to mix everything together. Top it off with ginger beer and gently stir again.

Add a slice of apple and a few fresh cranberries on top for a pretty garnish.

Your Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule is ready to enjoy! It’s a tasty twist on the classic that brings fall flavors to your Thanksgiving table.

Sip and savor the blend of tart cranberry, crisp apple, and spicy ginger. It’s sure to be a hit with your guests!

Hendrick’s Autumn Apple Snap

Get ready to sip on a delightful fall cocktail! This Hendrick’s Gin creation will warm you up on a chilly autumn evening.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 parts Hendrick’s Gin
  • 3/4 part lemon juice
  • 3/4 part apple juice or apple cider
  • 1/2 part honey syrup
  • Freshly grated nutmeg

Now, let’s mix it up:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Pour in the gin, lemon juice, apple juice, and honey syrup.
  3. Shake well until frosty.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
  5. Grate some fresh nutmeg on top.

That’s it! You’ve just made a tasty Autumn Apple Snap. The gin’s botanical notes blend perfectly with the apple and honey flavors. Don’t forget the nutmeg – it really adds a special touch to this drink.

Enjoy your cocktail while taking in the beautiful fall colors. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!

Thanksgiving Ginger Diplo

This festive cocktail brings a spicy kick to your holiday gathering. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Family Tradition

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz ginger liqueur
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz honey syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Candied ginger for garnish

Directions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, honey syrup, and bitters.
  3. Shake well for 10-15 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger.

You can make a big batch for easy serving. Just mix the ingredients in a pitcher and chill. When ready to serve, pour over ice and add the garnish.

Ginger Blanco

Ready to spice up your Thanksgiving? Try this zesty Ginger Blanco cocktail!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz ginger syrup
  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Add rum, lime juice, and ginger syrup to the shaker.



  3. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.



  4. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.



  5. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.



  6. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.



  7. Serve and enjoy your spicy-sweet Ginger Blanco!


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Cran You Feel the Beet?

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz beet juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz honey syrup
  • Ice
  • Cranberries and beet slice for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Pour in the vodka, cranberry juice, beet juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup.



  3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.



  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.



  5. Garnish with a few cranberries and a thin slice of beet.



  6. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy your festive drink!


This vibrant cocktail will add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table. The earthy beet flavor pairs nicely with the tart cranberry, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness.

Apple Crisp Punch

Here’s a tasty Apple Crisp Punch for your Thanksgiving gathering:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1 bottle prosecco
  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • Ice

Directions:


  1. Mix apple cider, cranberry juice, bourbon, and lemon juice in a large pitcher.



  2. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour.



  3. When ready to serve, add the prosecco and stir gently.



  4. Fill glasses with ice and pour in the punch.



  5. Garnish each glass with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.



  6. Enjoy your Apple Crisp Punch with friends and family!


Pumpkin Spice Margarita

Get ready to spice up your Thanksgiving with this festive cocktail! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Ice
  • Cinnamon sugar for rim (optional)

Directions:

Rim your glass with cinnamon sugar if desired. Mix pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup in a shaker.

Add tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 30 seconds.

Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or cinnamon stick if you like.

Sip and enjoy your perfectly spiced fall margarita!

The Harvest

Ready to whip up a festive Thanksgiving cocktail? Let’s make The Harvest!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz apple cider
  • 1.5 oz bourbon
  • 0.5 oz maple syrup
  • 0.25 oz lemon juice
  • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  • Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish

Directions:


  1. Fill a shaker with ice.



  2. Pour in the apple cider, bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.



  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds.



  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.



  5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.


Enjoy your tasty Harvest cocktail! It’s perfect for sipping while you cook or as you gather with loved ones. The blend of fall flavors will get you in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Get ready to shake up your Thanksgiving cocktail game with this festive twist on a classic!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 oz Aperol
  • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • Ice
  • Fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs for garnish

Now, let’s mix it up:


  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.



  2. Pour in the Aperol, cranberry juice, and orange juice.



  3. Shake it up for about 10 seconds.



  4. Fill a large wine glass with ice.



  5. Strain the mixture from your shaker into the glass.



  6. Top it off with Prosecco and give it a gentle stir.



  7. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme.


And there you have it! Your Cranberry Aperol Spritz is ready to sip and enjoy. The tartness of the cranberry pairs perfectly with the bittersweet Aperol, while the bubbles from the Prosecco add a fun, festive touch.

This cocktail is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Cheers!

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle sparkling apple cider
  • 1 bottle white wine (like Prosecco)
  • 1/2 cup brandy or cognac
  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: pomegranate seeds for garnish

Directions:


  1. Slice the apples and place them in a large pitcher.



  2. Add the brandy and cinnamon sticks to the pitcher. Give it a gentle stir.



  3. Pour in the white wine and sparkling apple cider. Mix everything together.



  4. Fill the pitcher with ice cubes just before serving.



  5. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice.



  6. Garnish each glass with apple slices and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds if you like.



  7. Serve right away and enjoy your festive Thanksgiving drink!


This sangria is perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can make it ahead of time, just add the sparkling cider and ice right before serving to keep it bubbly.

Thanksgiving Jungle Juice

Ready to spice up your holiday gathering? Thanksgiving Jungle Juice is the perfect crowd-pleasing cocktail!

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Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 bottle Merlot
  • 1 bottle Moscato
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup whiskey
  • 4 cups cranberry-grape juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Assorted fruits (apples, oranges, cranberries)

Now, let’s mix it up:


  1. Chop the fruits and place them in a large punch bowl or container.



  2. Pour in the Merlot, Moscato, vodka, and whiskey.



  3. Add the cranberry-grape juice and stir well.



  4. Drop in the cinnamon sticks for extra flavor.



  5. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.



  6. Stir again just before your guests arrive.


Serve this festive drink over ice and watch your guests enjoy! Remember to drink responsibly and have a safe, fun Thanksgiving celebration.

Pumpkin Spice White Russians

You’ll love this festive twist on a classic cocktail! Here’s what you need to make Pumpkin Spice White Russians:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 oz Kahlua
  • 2 oz pumpkin spice creamer
  • Ice
  • Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

For the rim:

  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp crushed graham crackers

Directions:


  1. Mix the rim ingredients on a small plate. Dip glass rims in water, then coat with the spice mixture.



  2. Fill a shaker with ice. Add vodka, Kahlua, and pumpkin spice creamer.



  3. Shake well for about 30 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.



  4. Fill your rimmed glasses with ice. Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice.



  5. If desired, garnish with a cinnamon stick.


Enjoy your creamy, spiced drink! It’s perfect for sipping on cool autumn evenings or serving at Thanksgiving gatherings.

Apple Cider Mimosas

You’ll love these festive fall cocktails! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • Apple cider
  • Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Cinnamon sugar (for rim)
  • Apple slices (for garnish)

Directions:


  1. Rim champagne flutes with cinnamon sugar.



  2. Fill each glass 1/3 full with chilled apple cider.



  3. Top off with champagne or sparkling wine.



  4. Garnish with a thin apple slice.



  5. Serve right away and enjoy!


These bubbly drinks are perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or any autumn gathering. You can easily make a big batch by mixing equal parts cider and champagne in a pitcher. Just add the bubbly right before serving to keep it fizzy.

For a fun twist, try adding a splash of cranberry juice or a dash of cinnamon. You can also set up a mimosa bar and let guests customize their drinks.

Cranberry Mimosas

Here’s what you’ll need to make cranberry mimosas:

  • Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Cranberry juice
  • Orange juice
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Orange twist (for garnish)
  • Sugar (optional, for rim)

How to make it:


  1. If you want a sugar rim, dip the glass edge in lime juice and then sugar.



  2. Pour 1/4 cup cranberry juice into a champagne flute.



  3. Add 1/4 cup orange juice.



  4. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne or sparkling wine.



  5. Stir gently to mix the juices and bubbly.



  6. Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange twist.


You can adjust the ratios to your taste. For a stronger cranberry flavor, use more cranberry juice. If you prefer it sweeter, add more orange juice.

Want to change it up? Try using pomegranate juice instead of cranberry. Or add a splash of orange liqueur for extra flavor.

This festive drink is perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or as a pre-dinner cocktail. Cheers!

Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini

You’ll need:

  • Ice
  • Baileys Irish Cream
  • Vodka
  • Hot chocolate mix
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Here’s how to make it:


  1. Grab your blender and toss in some ice.



  2. Pour in a shot of Baileys and a shot of vodka.



  3. Add a scoop of hot chocolate mix.



  4. Blend everything until it’s smooth and frosty.



  5. If it’s not thick enough, just add more ice and blend again.



  6. Pour your frozen treat into a fancy glass.



  7. Want to make it extra special? Top it with a dollop of whipped cream.


Now you’ve got a cool, creamy cocktail that’s perfect for sipping after your Thanksgiving feast. It’s like dessert in a glass!

Green Apple Moscato Sangria

Here’s a tasty Thanksgiving cocktail you’ll love! This Green Apple Moscato Sangria is perfect for sipping with friends and family.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle moscato wine
  • 1 green apple, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1/4 cup apple liqueur
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • Ice

Directions:


  1. Grab a large pitcher and pour in the moscato wine.



  2. Add the sliced green apple, orange, and strawberries to the pitcher.



  3. Pour in the apple liqueur and pineapple juice.



  4. Stir everything together gently to mix the flavors.



  5. Let the sangria chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.



  6. When you’re ready to enjoy, fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over top.



  7. Spoon some of the fruit into each glass for extra flavor and a pretty look.



  8. Serve and enjoy your delicious Green Apple Moscato Sangria!