25 Best Thanksgiving Cocktails to Sip With Gratitude
Cheers to getting everything on the dinner table! 🥂
By Erin Cavoto
You've worked hard to get everything on the dinner table—from the big roasted turkey to the many Thanksgiving side dishes. And that's no easy feat! So, go ahead and pour yourself a glass of Thanksgiving wine—or better yet, whip up one last recipe that's worthy of a toast! Here, you'll find plenty of ideas for Thanksgiving cocktails that anyone would be thankful for!
Whether you're looking for bubbly champagne cocktails, seasonal fall cocktails, or pitcher cocktails that can please a crowd, this list has everything you need to turn your Thanksgiving feast into a holiday celebration. In fact, serving up a Thanksgiving cocktail might just become your favorite new Thanksgiving tradition!
Looking for a cocktail filled with holiday flavor? Every drink on this list is guaranteed to give you festive Thanksgiving vibes. Think: pumpkin drinks, apple cider cocktails, cranberry recipes, and more. Even the classic cocktails have a Thanksgiving twist, like the cranberry thyme gin and tonic and the apple cider sangria. If sweet drinks are more your speed, try the pumpkin pie martini that doubles as a Thanksgiving dessert. Of course, if all else fails, you can always check out our list of pumpkin beers. Cheers!
Cranberry Martini
Don't just serve cranberry sauce, serve cranberry martinis, too! The bright color and sweet-tart flavor is perfect for the holiday season.
Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.
Espresso Martini
Turkey got you feeling sleepy? This espresso martini will help! It's a classic coffee-based drink that anyone can make at home.
Get the Espresso Martini recipe.
White Sangria
It might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Thanksgiving, but white sangria is really perfect for any occasion. Just swap the strawberries for cranberries and be sure to include plenty of seasonal apples!
Get the White Sangria recipe.
Cherry Punch
This recipe falls into the mocktail category, but that just means it can go beyond the adults' table! Serve it up for everyone in the family.
Get Ree's Cherry Punch recipe.
Ranch Water
You'll have plenty of heavy, comfort foods on the table so why not keep the beverages light! This cocktail is bubbly, refreshing, and easy to drink.
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Apple Cider Sangria
Prep this fall sangria the day before so you have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving. Plus, guests can help themselves whenever they arrive.
Get Ree's Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
Cranberry Mimosa
It's never too early to break out the bubbly. This seasonal cranberry mimosa will make your Thanksgiving Day breakfast even more festive. Plus, you can sip on it while you finish cooking all the holiday sides.
Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe.
Hot Buttered Rum
This warm cocktail might be too rich for enjoying with a big holiday feast, but that doesn't mean you can’t sip on it at the end of the day. The festive, spiced drink can double as a Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe.
Appletini
This drink is made with apple schnapps, a sweet-tart, flavored liqueur that's often used as a mixer. Green apple slices for garnish really help pull the apple theme together.
Get the Appletini recipe.
Dark and Stormy
It doesn't have to be "dark and stormy" outside to make this delicious cocktail. The ginger beer and rum-based drink is perfect for any occasion.
Get the Dark and Stormy recipe.
French 75
Toast the start of the holiday season with something bubbly and festive, like this flavorful champagne cocktail. It's light, sweet, and perfect for serving before a big meal.
Get the French 75 recipe.
Hot Toddy
Keep a pot of this cozy whiskey-based drink on the stovetop. It's a warm way to welcome in your guests.
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
White Russian
This classic cocktail is made with vodka, coffee liquor, and heavy cream. But you can also give it a dessert-like twist by adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel syrup—perfect for pairing with pie!
Get the White Russian recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
This sweet cocktail is the perfect after-dinner drink. Serve it with your spread of Thanksgiving desserts for a taste of real pumpkin pie.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Pomegranate Margarita
While margaritas might seem like a summery drink, this pomegranate version is perfect for fall. It's sweetened with a hint of maple syrup that will compliment any Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Pomegranate Margarita recipe.
White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice
This festive mocktail is a fun Thanksgiving drink that the whole family can enjoy. Make the cranberry ice cubes in advance so when dinner is ready, all you have to do is pour and serve.
Get Ree's White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice recipe.
Mulled Apple Cider
The best way to unwind after Thanksgiving dinner is with a warm mug of mulled apple cider. You can make two batches, one with dark rum and one without it for the kids.
Get Ree's Mulled Apple Cider recipe.
Negroni
A classic Negroni is one of those cocktails you can make for any occasion. It's sure to impress!
Get the Negroni recipe.
Red Sangria
Similarly, a red sangria will do for just about any special gathering. Fill it with extra apples to celebrate fall.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Sidecar
Give your Thanksgiving dinner an elegant spin by pouring this bright and festive cocktail in fancy glasses garnished with an orange twist and a sugared rim. It's sure to impress!
Get the Sidecar recipe.
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