52 Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails That Will Liven Up The Adults' Table
It's true, you could just break open your favorite bottle of wine this Thanksgiving, but! We think serving a fun cocktail too will make your dinner all the more special. From fall-inspired cocktails to ones that taste like pecan or apple pie to classic drinks that pair perfectly with turkey, these 52 Thanksgiving cocktails are FAR more festive than a plain ol' bottle of red.
The holidays are the perfect time to brush up on your home bartending skills. We love mixing up a signature cocktail to complement our Thanksgiving feast, as it adds that certain special something to the table. Thankfully, the most classic cocktails also happen to be some of the simplest too. Our recipes for our Big Apple Manhattans, our brown sugar old-fashioneds, and our amaretto sours only need around 5 ingredients from your bar cart, if you can believe it. Looking for something with a little more of a spin for the holiday? Try our apple cider spritz, our pumpkin spice mules, our pecan pie martinis, our pumpkin margaritas, or our cranberry apple sangria all fit the bill.
In the mood for a warming nightcap? We've got plenty of drinks that will warm you up on a crisp night, like our mulled wine, our spiked pumpkin chai lattes, our hot toddies, or our Irish coffee. We also have tons of tips from bartenders on how you can make the best holiday cocktails, so you can stay merry all season long.
Pro tip: These fall cocktails taste even better with our favorite Thanksgiving apps or a slice of pumpkin or apple pie. Crowd still thirsty? For more festive drinks, try our amazing Thanksgiving punch ideas and fall sangrias too.
Cranberry Aperol Spritz
Cranberry adds a festive, blood-red twist to your favorite cocktail, the Aperol spritz. If you don't want it to be too sweet, you can swap the cranberry juice cocktail for 100% cranberry juice.
Get the Cranberry Aperol Spritz recipe.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
We give classic summer sangria a fall twist by adding in sparkling apple cider (of course), white wine, and Fireball. Our apple cider sangria is a fan-favorite, but this bubbly version feels a bit fancier, making it worthy of your holiday dinner.
Get the Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
Thanksgiving Jungle Juice
We love a big-batch cocktail because it not only saves you time at the home bar, but they're so easy to mix up. This classed up, festive spin on jungle juice is for when you want to be the designated drunk uncle at Thanksgiving.
Get the Thanksgiving Jungle Juice recipe.
Pumpkin Margaritas
The combination of pumpkin pie filling, pumpkin spice syrup (optional; see below for method), and reposado tequila creates a beautiful autumnal blend. The aged tequila adds a rich brown sugar flavor that mixes perfectly with the pumpkin ingredients, while the bright acidity from the lime balances the cocktail and provides that classic margarita tang.
Get the Pumpkin Margaritas recipe.
Apple Cider Hot Toddies
While pumpkin spice, in all of its many forms, may be the drink of fall, we think thereโs a strong case to be made for all things apple cider too: these extra sweet hot toddies are the ultimate proof.
Get the Apple Cider Hot Toddies recipe.
Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte
We kicked a classic chai latte up a notch to create this spiked pumpkin versionโin it, freshly steeped chai and a shot of whiskey get blended with milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup, then topped with whipped cream. Itโs the perfect after-dinner drink for a chilly Thanksgiving.
Get the Spiked Pumpkin Chai Latte recipe.
Gold Rush Cocktail
Fans of the whiskey sour to the front, please! The Gold Rush cocktail is the whiskey drink youโre already in love with, with just a few changes. 1) It calls for honey instead of simple syrup, and doesn't call for any egg whites.
Get the Gold Rush Cocktail recipe.
Pumpkin Spice White Russians
Your pumpkin spice latte, now all grown up! Whether you just want a fun nightcap or want to have a signature cocktail at Thanksgiving, these white Russians are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Pumpkin Spice White Russians recipe.
Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas
This cocktail is perfect for when you've been cooking inside all day, and can't decide whether to grab a glass of red or whiteโreach for the apple cider and tequila instead! The hot honey here is the perfect sweet with a little heat, and Calvados adds hints of caramel apple and kettle corn.
Get the Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas recipe.
Manhattan
There are few cocktails more storied (or simple!) than the Manhattan. First stirred up in 1894 by a bartender at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, the defining characteristic is that it uses Scotch whiskey. Change up your bitters with a few dashes of walnut, lavender, or black cherry for a fun twist.
Get the Classic Manhattan recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Mules
Moscow mules are one of our favorite drinks, but once the leaves start to change and we can't get pumpkin spice off our minds, we turn to this twist on the classic. If you can't find pumpkin pie vodka, regular vodka will work well too!
Get the Pumpkin Spice Mules recipe.
Apple Pie Bourbon Shots
If you're truly looking to get your party started this holiday (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your next gathering. All you need are a few ingredientsโapples, cinnamon, and nutmegโtoo!
Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
In the fall, love starting our days off with a pumpkin spice latte, so we thought, why not finish the day with the same warming, spicy taste? Now you can with these pumpkin spice martinis.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Cranberry-Apple Sangria
Sangria is a perfect cocktail for the holidays because itโs made all in one big pitcher and can be done ahead. Plus, your guests can help themselves to a festive cocktail while you finish up cooking. This recipe is fairly traditional but with a holiday twist, featuring flavors like tart cranberries and warm cinnamon.
Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe.
Apple Cider Mimosas
Mimosas are the brunch cocktail; however, as the weather gets colder, we all start looking toward more comforting, autumnal flavors. This is the perfect, fall twist on the classic that's perfect for celebrating on Thanksgiving morning.
Get the Apple Cider Mimosas recipe.
Amaretto Sour
If you're a tiramisu fanaticโit often includes amaretto, same as this drinkโyou're bound to love this bourbon cocktail. Think whiskey sour, but a little nuttier.
Get the Amaretto Sour recipe.
(Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes
Looking for a quick way to level up your holiday punch bowl or cocktails without the hassle? These stunning ice cubes are an incredibly easy solutionโand theyโll make you look super-classy too! These ice cubes use pomegranate juice instead of water, adding both flavor and a vibrant red hue to what would otherwise be plain ice.
Get the (Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes recipe.
Cranberry Paloma
The holidays usually usher in seasonal cocktails with cozy spices to stay warm in the winter, but we think bright, refreshing beverages should be enjoyed all year long. If you love sipping on margaritas and palomas but want a more festive recipe to enjoy during the holiday season, meet the cranberry paloma.
Get the Cranberry Paloma recipe.
Lambrusco Smash
While a glass of Lambrusco is always good served on its own, itโs also a fantastic starting point for a cocktail. The smoky mezcal, bright orange citrus, and spice from the ginger beer here tie together beautifully, giving you a zingy, sweet-ish, refreshing, and original cocktail.
Get the Lambrusco Smash recipe.
Kalimotxo Cola Punch
The last three months of the year mean it's time to party, and what better way to say party in a cocktail than punch? This kalimoxto-inspired sangria upgrade is literally a little bit of this, a little bit of that with a top off of everyone's favorite sodaโan ice cold Coca-Cola.
Get the Kalimotxo Cola Punch recipe.
Figgy Spritz
In this fall rendition of everyone's favorite summer spritz, we included a woodsy rosemary sprig and fig syrup to welcome fallโs rich earthy flavors and make the easiest large format cocktail that will impress everyone at your holiday table. Thanksgivingโs aperitivo hour just got a delicious upgrade.
Get the Figgy Spritz recipe.
Turkeytini
Shaken and poured into a chilled glass, dessert cocktails are the ultimate end-of-the-night treat, especially when they include mocha and bourbon. This boozy Turkeytini has all you need to complete your Thanksgiving feast with the decadent blend of creamy Baileys Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, Kahlรบa, and bourbon.
Get the Turkeytini recipe.
Apple Cider Spritz
Easy breezy and ready for fall, this apple cider spritz offers a twist on a recent summer classic, the Aperol spritz. Waltzing right into the next season with spiced cider and a kiss of pumpkin spice, Aperolโs orange-herbal aspects bring out the best in the cider flavors.
Get the Apple Cider Spritz recipe.
Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini
Turn your favorite wintery treat of frozen hot chocolate into a martini. A little vodka and Baileys will make it your new favorite cocktail. The frozen hot chocolate is simple and uses a pre-made hot chocolate mix, and everything gets blended together for a quick festive cocktail that would be a hit as an after Thanksgiving nightcap!
Get the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini recipe.
Green Apple Moscato Sangria
Moscato sangria fansโget ready to meet your new favorite shareable cocktail. Inspired by Olive Garden's now discontinued signature sangria, this copycat green apple moscato sangria is the perfect fall twist on the classic summer cocktail.
Get the Green Apple Moscato Sangria recipe.
Pomegranate Martini
More like a cosmopolitan than a classic martini, this recipe replaces the cosmoโs traditional cranberry juice with pomegranate. Garnish with a sugar rim and a fresh rosemary sprig for the perfect drink to serve at all your fall and winter gatherings.
Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.
Apple Cider Margaritas
Super-excited for fall and all the fun fall activities that come with itโpumpkin carving, Thanksgiving, apple picking? These cocktails are for you! They're the best of summery margaritas, plus spicy, seasonal apple cider.
Get the Apple Cider Margaritas recipe.
Cranberry Mimosas
While the classic combo of four parts champagne and one part fresh orange juice can certainly hold its own, this recipe adds a fun holiday twist by swapping the orange juice with fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, rosemary, and a hint of lime.
Get the Cranberry Mimosas recipe.
Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour
This wintery version of a whiskey sour features punchy ginger flavor and tangy cranberry juice. Though it requires minimal ingredients, itโs full of strong, bright flavors that perfectly complement rich holiday hors d'oeuvres like baked brie and bacon-wrapped dates.
Get the Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour recipe.
Harvest Punch
Cider and ginger beer might seem like a weird pairing, but with fresh fruit and cinnamon (plus bubbly!), we promise you it more than works. For a small but just as rowdy brunch, make our caramel apple mimosas instead.
Get the Harvest Punch recipe.
Mulled Wine
Making this mulled wine couldn't be easier: Combine a bottle of red wine with some orange slices, warm spices, honey, and brandy, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. THAT'S IT.
Get the Mulled Wine recipe.
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
We crave cranberry cocktails all season long, and this is our go-to cocktail come holiday season. It's warm and spicy from the whiskey and ginger beer, but refreshing and tart from the cranberry and citrus.
Get the Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour recipe.
Big Apple Manhattan
This Manhattan uses apple brandy to give it a fruity twist. It's a strong enough drink to handle any and all holiday hustling, and is perfect served alongside your turkey or any of our apple desserts.
Get the Big Apple Manhattan recipe.
Whiskey Ginger
Make this extra special by making your own candied ginger garnish, up the ante with a slightly crisper ginger beer or an extra bold ginger ales, or just serve this with whatever ole whiskey and ginger ale you've got around. No matter what, it'll go great with your Turkey Day mains.
Get the Whiskey Ginger recipe.
Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa
Throwing more of a chill Friendsgiving this year? Let your Crockpot prepare your party drinks! The combo of chocolate and red wine might seem a little odd but trust us, it's perfect.
Get the Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa recipe.
Holiday Punch
This holiday punch forgoes all the added sugar and instead derives its natural sweetness from apple cider. Add some spice from ginger beer and tartness from unsweetened cranberry juice, and you have a sophisticated, festive punch perfect for any party from Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Get the Holiday Punch recipe.
Brown Sugar Old-Fashioned
A little brown sugar makes this classic cocktail extra warm and cozy, adding a hint of caramel and makes this drink feel anything but old-fashioned. It's the only way we like to make it now!
Get the Brown Sugar Old-Fashioned recipe.
Nutty Irishman
The sweetness and subtle nuttiness of the hazelnut liqueur Frangelico is the perfect partner to rich Irish cream. The almost inevitable whipped cream mustache that follows is highly worth it.
Get the Nutty Irishman recipe.
Irish Mule
We love how the oaky, vanilla-y flavors that come from your favorite whiskey are so well complemented by the fresh ginger and lime in a classic Moscow Mule. Itโs the perfect slight twist on the classic that will surprise your guests and have them thanking YOU this Thanksgiving.
Get the Irish Mule recipe.
Washington Apple Shot
The Washington Apple Shot is a breed of the Washington Apple Cocktail made with whiskeyโtypically Canadian-styleโapple schnapps, and cranberry juice. We also added pomegranate to jazz it up and make it extra crisp and refreshing.
Get the Washington Apple Shot recipe.
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot buttered rum is essentially the OG butter beer. Add in rum, butter, sugar, ice cream, and healthy dose of cinnamon, and you've got heartwarming wintertime magic in a glass.
Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe.
Red Sangria
Fruity, refreshing, and perfect for serving a crowd, sangria is one of our go-to cocktails to enjoy all year long. We love this classic combination of fruits, spices, and wine, weโve also included all of our top tips on how to vary this wine cocktail to your specific tastes.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Pecan Pie Martini
These martinis only look innocent. They might taste just like your favorite pecan pie, but trust us, they pack a punch.
Get the Pecan Pie Martini recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots
Pumpkin pie? Pudding shots? Obviously the two belong together! Fireball adds some more cinnamon flavor to the shots, but you can sub with all vodka if you prefer. If Fireball IS your thing, serve these shots right along with a Fireball pumpkin pie.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Pudding Shots recipe.
Appletini
Apple schnapps brings sweet-tart green apple flavor, while a splash of Calvados (apple brandy) gives it a fiery kick. Warning: These babies are STRONG, so don't plan on going anywhere after consuming. ๐
Get the Appletini recipe.
Irish Coffee
Coffee cocktails like this one are the ideal double hit of caffeine and booze straight to the system, perfect for the start or end of the night. They're cozy, delicious, and best of all, incredibly easy to make.
Get the Irish Coffee recipe.
Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria might make you think of warm summer nights and tropical fruits, but this apple-based cocktail will have you ready for fall. Here, we went for a white wine sangria, rounded out with spicy ginger beer and sweet apple cider.
Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
Cranberry Jell-O Shots
Cranberry sauce? We thought you said "cranberry shots." We love these tart-sweet Jell-O shots, especially the sugar-coated cranberries. They're optional but highly encouragedโthey make for a great chaser after you've downed the shot.
Get the Cranberry Jell-O Shots recipe.
Caramel Apple Mimosas
We've brainstormed endless mixers for bubbly that are so far beyond orange juice, but sweet apple cider might be our favorite. Go the extra mile and rim the glasses in caramel and cinnamon sugarโyour friends will flip!
Get the Caramel Apple Mimosas recipe.
Fireball Sangria
Kick your red wine sangria up a notch with some Fireball! The cinnamon whiskey is the perfect transition into fall cocktails. If you can't find blood oranges, use cara cara or more navel oranges instead.
Get the Fireball Sangria recipe.
Cranberry Mules
We love this Thanksgiving twist on the iconic Moscow Mule. Now this is what we call a cup of cheer!
Get the Cranberry Mules recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Sangria
We don't know exactly how pumpkin goes with so many things, but we aren't mad about it. Especially when it means we can mix up sangria made with pumpkin pie vodka.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Sangria recipe.
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