Our best Thanksgiving cocktails! Find simple classics like an Old Fashioned as well as fun, festive fall drinks. You and your guests will love them!
I love adding a few Thanksgiving cocktails to my holiday menu each year. Sometimes, I stick with the classics, serving up warming mulled wine or dry martinis. Other years, I lean into the season, making signature Thanksgiving drinks that are packed with fall flavors—think cranberry margaritas or apple cider sangria. Either way, they put the perfect festive finishing touch on the meal.
I’ve rounded up my best Thanksgiving cocktail recipes below. Check them out if you’re looking for drink ideas for your celebration. I hope you find some you (and your guests) love!
Our Best Thanksgiving Cocktails
Apple Cider Sangria
This apple cider sangria is one of my favorite Thanksgiving cocktails because 1) it serves a crowd, 2) it’s full of warm flavors, and 3) you can make it ahead. It tastes best after an overnight chill in the fridge!
Cranberry Margarita
Save classic margaritas for summertime—this cranberry margarita is perfect for the holiday season. Top it off with festive garnishes like fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
Whiskey Sour
Sweet, tart, rich, and refreshing, this classic cocktail is easy to make with 4 simple ingredients. Want to save room for the big meal? Skip the egg white for a lighter drink.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
With notes of orange and spice, an old fashioned is one of Jack’s favorite fall drinks. Make it with bourbon for an oakier flavor or rye for a spicier finish.
Hot Toddy
Sipping this cozy cocktail is a great way to warm up on a cold night! For a fun variation, replace the hot water with freshly brewed ginger tea.
Espresso Martini
Worried you’ll drift off after your holiday feast? Sip an espresso martini for an extra energy boost! This sweet, smooth drink has been super popular over the last few years. All your guests will want one too!
Apple Cider Cocktail
This 5-ingredient cocktail is one of my favorite drinks to make for fall entertaining. Made with warm spices, bourbon, and apple cider, it’s bright, boozy, and festive.
Manhattan Cocktail
If Jack’s not drinking an old fashioned at Thanksgiving, he’ll be sipping a Manhattan. Bitters and sweet vermouth give it a bold, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Moscow Mule
Served in cute copper mugs, Moscow mules are such a fun cocktail for Thanksgiving. They’re easy to make with 3 ingredients—mix them to order, or let guests mix their own!
Negroni
In Italy, a negroni is typically served as a pre-dinner drink. Its bitter, citrusy flavor is supposed to whet your appetite. What better cocktail to sip before your Thanksgiving feast?
Mulled Wine
The best batch cocktail for the holiday season! Let this richly spiced red wine simmer away on the stovetop while you put the finishing touches on dinner. It will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
I think any cranberry cocktail is fair game for Thanksgiving—Cosmos included! If you don’t want to shake them individually for guests, make a large batch and chill it ahead of time.
Red Sangria
Just like my apple cider sangria, this red sangria is a great Thanksgiving cocktail to make ahead. Replace the raspberries with cranberries to make it even more festive for the holiday.
Paloma Cocktail
Are sparkling, citrusy cocktails your favorites? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t make classic palomas for Thanksgiving. I use fresh grapefruit juice instead of soda for a brighter citrus flavor.
Gin Martini
So cool, so classy—you can never go wrong with a gin martini. Drop in a lemon twist, or garnish it with olives to give guests a bonus appetizer!
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Need help planning the rest of your Thanksgiving menu? Check out these holiday recipes next:
Best Thanksgiving Cocktails: Apple Cider Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 ounces apple cider
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces ginger beer
- Squeeze of lemon, optional
For garnish
- Cinnamon stick
- Star anise
- Apple slice
- Fresh thyme sprig
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add the bourbon, apple cider, bitters. Top with the ginger beer and gently stir. Add a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise, apple slice, and/or fresh thyme and serve.
