41 Thanksgiving Cocktails That’ll Really Shake Things Up
Whether you’re sipping to celebrate or just to steel your nerves against great aunt Edna, these festive Thanksgiving cocktails will get you in the spirit. From mulled wine to warming hot toddies, big-batch punches, fizzy cranberry spritzes, and bourbon and whiskey classic cocktails, this collection of fall-flavored libations will get (and keep) the party rolling. Just like in our list of the best Thanksgiving recipes, there’s something here for everyone: We’re talking about the apple cider spritz that’s just a little fancy. The make-your-own-martini bar that’ll keep your guests from fussing in the kitchen. The warming toddy you can sip after Thanksgiving dinner. And it’s not just about booze. Spiced ciders and citrusy N/A drinks (please don’t call it a mocktail) are refreshing Thanksgiving beverages for anyone choosing not to imbibe or just looking to pace themselves. Read on for our best Thanksgiving cocktails—and don’t forget the appetizers!
Photograph by Justin J Wee, Food Styling by Christine Albano, Prop Styling by Beth Pakradooni1/41Pomegranate Spritzers
Take a cue from Ina (Garten, duh) and kick off Turkey Day with these festively fuschia Thanksgiving cocktails. The zero-proof beverage calls for blending pomegranate juice with fresh lime juice to mimic an alcoholic bite.
Alex Lau3/41Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler
The spiced pear simple syrup is the star of the show in this bubbly bourbon cocktail, made by simmering good-quality pear juice with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, and a hint of clove
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi4/41Mulled Wine
A heady mulled wine is perfect for the holiday season—or any time you’re looking for something fragrant and cozy. Don’t overlook the cinnamon stick and apple garnish.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Micah Morton5/41Paloma
Instead of the usual grapefruit soda, this version of the iconic Mexican cocktail uses fresh grapefruit and lime juices plus club soda. Opt for reposado tequila or a smoky mezcal to give it a warmer profile for the holidays and serve a handful of crispy tostones on the side.
Photo by Chelsie Craig, food styling by Yekaterina Boystova, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime7/41Applejack Sour
This is exactly what we want to drink when fall rolls around—an apple brandy cocktail with orange and lemon juices, maple syrup, and baking spice notes thanks to the grated nutmeg and applejack.
Photographs by Emma Fishman8/41Cranberry Rum Punch
This fizzy rum punch gets holiday glitz with apple cider, ginger ale, and a splash of cranberry juice. Make extra of the cranberry-studded ice cubes to add a festive touch to other drinks, like a Whiskey Smash or Cynar Berry Spritz.
10/41Honey-Bourbon Toddy
Looking for something to sip on as you curl up on the couch with a slice of pumpkin pie? This is just the ticket.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Rosanna Anil, Prop Styling by Paola Andrea12/41Chipotle Maple Syrup Old Fashioned
Having a homemade syrup on hand offers an easy way to dress up any classic cocktail—in this case, the Old Fashioned. This chile-maple syrup’s sweet heat complements rye’s spicy fruitiness with smoky chipotles and woodsy maple.
Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski13/41Fall Spritz
No more punch bowls, cocktail shakers, or complicated mixology with this two-ingredient Thanksgiving cocktail. You’ve got better things to do between hosting duties and getting all those Thanksgiving desserts on the table, so let your guests serve themselves.
16/41The New York Sour
Put a twist on the classic whiskey sour with a splash of red wine. Sure, it’s delicious, but what we really love is the ombré of fall colors.
17/41Hot Buttered Apple Cider
Inspired by hot buttered rum, this fall punch blends apple brandy, cider, brown sugar, and baking spices for a liquid take on caramel apples.
Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski18/41Ginger Spritz
19/41Cranberry Cobbler
This simple, festive cocktail uses frozen cranberries, gin, sherry, and mint for a crisp, bright sipper to offer guests (and hosts) prior to Thanksgiving dinner.
Alex Lau22/41Hard Cider Spritz
This punch recipe is an apple triple threat with two types of cider and fresh apple slice garnishes. Feel free to experiment with another winter citrus, like grapefruit or orange juice, in place of the lemon.
Photograph by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, Food Styling by Alison Roman, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski23/41Martini Bar
Set up the booze, ice, martini glasses (or any glasses), and all the garnishes, and let your guests have at it while you focus on the Thanksgiving dinner preparations.
Matt Duckor24/41Brandy Milk Punch
Like eggnog? This vanilla-and-nutmeg-spiked drink is for you. Though called a punch, this cocktail recipe yields only one serving, so scale up if you’re looking to feed a crowd. Dairy-free? Swap out the heavy cream for almond milk.
Photo by Marcus Nilsson25/41Bourbon Fruit Tea Punch
This fruity big-batch punch will start any dinner party off on the right foot, but orange, tea, and bourbon make for an especially fall-forward combo—ideal for a Thanksgiving crowd.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Sue Li, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski26/41Cold Toddy
We took down the temperature of a classic hot toddy for a party-ready spin on the wintery cocktail, a refreshing pre- (or post-) dinner Thanksgiving cocktail recipe.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Mieko Takahashi27/41Hot Spiced Apple Cider
Your slow cooker is Thanksgiving’s unsung hero. Use it as a holding tank for spiced apple cider and have steamy mugs on hand from the first guest’s arrival to after-dinner pie.
Christopher Testani30/41Extra Stormy Dark and Stormy
Lemon ginger brew and dark rum are a match made in heaven. We love this classic cocktail in cool weather when winter citrus and ginger make for a drink that’s tart, spiced, and just sweet enough.
Peden & Munk31/41Vesper
This variation on the martini adds a tipple of Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif with delicate herbal and citrus notes that prime the palate to the turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce ahead.
Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski33/41Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz may seem like a late summer drink, but your guests will love this refreshing and well-balanced cocktail before (or after) a heavy Thanksgiving dinner.
Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski37/41Cynar Spritz
Sweet, citrusy grapefruit pairs well with herbaceous Cynar, and adding dry Prosecco provides balance. The flavors are a welcome contrast with salty marinated olives and feta.
38/41The ’Rol and Rye
Peden + Munk40/41Apple Pie Moonshine
Vivian Howard’s go-to nightcap has an infusion of baking spices and apple cider to mellow the booze. It also makes a great gift.
Peden + Munk41/41Horseman in the Sky Cocktail
This contrast of alight rosé with warming star anise makes for a refreshingly seasonal Thanksgiving cocktail. At King Restaurant in New York, they make this drink with Bandol, but feel free to swap in a less expensive Provencal rosé.