47 Best Thanksgiving Cocktails That Will Have Everyone Feeling Thankful
Celebrate getting dinner on the table the right way.
With all the Thanksgiving side dishes to prep and holiday pies to bake, it’s easy to overlook something as simple as the drinks. But a festive Thanksgiving cocktail can make your celebration feel extra special! Just picture your guests sipping seasonal fall cocktails or crowd-pleasing big batch drinks while the turkey finishes roasting. Instant holiday magic!
Sure, you’ll want to check off bottles of water, soda, and your favorite Thanksgiving wine while you’re shopping, but having a fun cocktail or two on the menu adds a little sparkle to the day. Whether it’s a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink for the kids’ table or a special cocktail for the grown-ups, everyone will have something to sip while they say "cheers" and sneak bites of stuffing before dinner.
If you’re looking for a cocktail that tastes like the holidays, this list has you covered. There are cozy pumpkin drinks, crisp apple cider cocktails, and cranberry creations that’ll make your spread feel even more festive. Even classic cocktails get a fall makeover, like a cranberry thyme gin and tonic or apple cider sangria that’s just begging to be poured into pretty glasses. And if sweet drinks are more your style, the pumpkin pie martini doubles as dessert and pairs perfectly with your post-dinner pie lineup. These Thanksgiving cocktails aren’t just for show—they might just become part of your new holiday tradition!
Thanksgiving Punch
If you’re hosting a big crowd, this is the easiest way to keep everyone’s glass full without running back to the bar every five minutes. It’s perfectly fizzy and fruity, and filled with seasonal flavors like cranberry and orange. Set out a bowl, add a few sprigs of rosemary, and you’ve suddenly got a centerpiece *and* a cocktail!
Get the Thanksgiving Punch recipe.
Chocolate Martini
Dessert and cocktail, all in one dreamy little glass! This rich and velvety martini is perfect for the end of the night when you’re too full for another slice of pie but still want something sweet.
Get the Chocolate Martini recipe.
Apple Cider Margarita
Shake up a margarita with a seasonal spin like this one made with fresh apple cider. Even the sugary rim is upgraded with a hint of apple pie spice and maple syrup.
Get the Apple Cider Margarita recipe.
Spicy Cowgirl Martini
This is Ree's twist on an espresso martini made with chile syrup and a dusting of cayenne pepper. It's a spicy way to get your boost of caffeine.
Get Ree's Spicy Cowgirl Martini recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Take a leftover slice of pumpkin pie from your holiday feast and turn it into a boozy cocktail! All you need to do is add some ice cream, milk, and bourbon or aged rum. Whipped cream is also highly recommended!
Get the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe.
Cranberry Margarita
Here's another way to enjoy margaritas in the fall! The sweet-tart cranberry juice pairs perfectly with the tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
Get the Cranberry Margarita recipe.
Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate
The slow cooker version of this classic means you can ladle out mugs of cocoa all evening long. Top each one with a mountain of whipped cream or marshmallows—don’t be shy about sneaking in a splash of bourbon or peppermint schnapps for the adults.
Get the Crock-Pot Hot Chocolate recipe.
Champagne Punch
This sparkling cocktail will have everyone saying "Cheers!" It's bubbly and fruity with plenty of cranberries for garnish.
Get the Champagne Punch recipe.
Pomegranate Martini
It's sweet, tangy pomegranate season—so it's the perfect excuse to make this festive cocktail. The jewel-like arils will add a pop of color to any holiday celebration.
Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.
Wassail
The traditional spiced cider drink is just begging to be sipped on a chilly fall day—before or after Turkey! Plus, simmering oranges and cinnamon will make your whole house smell divine.
Get the Wassail recipe.
Milk Punch
Though often served for Christmas, it's really never too early to start shaking up this creamy vanilla and bourbon drink. Make your celebration simple by preparing a big batch in advance.
Get the Milk Punch recipe.
Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
Margaritas make every occasion better! If your family isn't afraid of a little spice, then you might want to give this jalapeño version a try. It has a little kick to pair with the tartness from the lime.
Get the Spicy Jalapeño Margarita recipe.
Spiced Apple Cider Pomegranate Moscow Mules
This cozy twist on a Moscow Mule has all the fall favorites: apple cider, ginger beer, and a pop of pomegranate for color. The spicy-sweet flavor will balance beautifully with all those savory dishes.
Christmas Punch
It's never too early to start celebrating Christmas! This cocktail is bright, bubbly, and heavy on the cranberries, so it's just as perfect for Turkey Day as it is for the holidays that follow.
Get the Christmas Punch recipe.
Mistletoe Martini
A sip of this and you’ll officially be in holiday mode. It’s tart from the cranberry, a little floral from the elderflower liqueur, and just the thing to serve once dinner plates are cleared. The rosy color makes every toast feel extra festive!
Get the Mistletoe Martini recipe.
Irish Mule
Ginger beer gives this whiskey cocktail a refreshing sparkle, while lime juice keeps it from feeling too heavy after a big meal. It’ll be a nice change of pace when you’re ready to swap the wine for something with a little kick.
Get the Irish Mule recipe.
Sugar Cookie Martini
This might just be the perfect post-dinner drink to make throughout the holiday season. Try it on Thanksgiving first, then make it again and again for all your upcoming festive occasions.
Get the Sugar Cookie Martini recipe.
Gingerbread Martini
Now here's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! A round of these gingerbread martinis is perfect for watching Christmas movies after Thanksgiving dinner. They double as dessert, too!
Get the Gingerbread Martini recipe.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
A classic Arnold Palmer drink is basically a combination of lemonade and iced tea, but this version takes things up a notch by spiking it with your favorite bourbon. Take it from us, it will pair perfectly with all your fixins!
Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.
Caramel Apple Martini
Apple cider, vodka, and butterscotch schnapps come together for this delightfully autumnal drink. But it's the drizzle of caramel sauce and an apple slice that really makes us smile.
Get the Caramel Apple Martini recipe.
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