Thanksgiving is a time of coming together with family and friends to share a meal and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It's a day filled with laughter, love, and of course, delicious food.
But what about the drinks? While wine and beer are traditional choices, why not add a little something extra to the mix this year with a cranberry cocktail?
Cranberries are a staple of the Thanksgiving table, and for good reason. They're a tart and tangy fruit that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like turkey and stuffing.
But did you know that cranberries also make a fantastic base for cocktails? Their bright, bold flavor adds a festive touch to any drink, and their vibrant red color is perfect for the holiday season.
Whether you're looking for something sweet and fruity or bold and boozy, there's a cranberry cocktail out there for everyone.
From classic recipes like the Cranberry Martini to more creative concoctions like the Cranberry Ginger Fizz, these drinks are sure to impress your guests and add a little extra cheer to your Thanksgiving celebration.
So why settle for boring drinks this Thanksgiving when you can wow your guests with a delicious and festive cranberry cocktail?
Read on for some of the best recipes out there and get ready to raise a glass to all the blessings in your life.
1. Spiced Cranberry Punch
The Spiced Cranberry Punch is a festive and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The cocktail features homemade spiced cranberry jam with warming mulling spices, sweet honey, fresh citrus, and plenty of vodka. The mixture is then combined with cranberry juice and orange juice, and topped off with sparkling water.
The addition of fresh orange slices adds a refreshing touch to this warming and delicious cocktail. This punch is not only easy to make, but also beautiful enough to be the centerpiece of your holiday table. It's the perfect cocktail to serve this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
2. Cranberry Ginger Fizz Cocktail
The Cranberry Ginger Fizz Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a festive and easy-to-make Thanksgiving cocktail. This cocktail is made with a simple, make-ahead cranberry cinnamon syrup that is chilled until you're ready to mix it with ginger ale.
The syrup is made with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, making it a convenient option for a last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving menu. The Cranberry Ginger Fizz Cocktail has a beautiful color that is perfect for the holiday season and a flavor that is both sweet and tangy. This cocktail is sure to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration.
3. Cranberry Gin Cocktail
Looking for a festive and refreshing Thanksgiving cocktail? Look no further than the Cranberry Gin Cocktail! Made with cranberry sauce, fresh lime, gin, and sparkling lime water, this fizzy drink is perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
The tartness of the cranberries and lime pair perfectly with the botanical notes of the gin, making for a delicious and balanced cocktail. Whether you're a gin lover or not, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving celebration even more special. So why not give it a try and add some sparkle to your holiday gathering?
4. Cranberry Tequila Spritzer
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve this Thanksgiving? Look no further than the Cranberry Tequila Spritzer. This cocktail is a perfect blend of tequila, cranberry juice, and water, with a hint of mint for extra dimension. The tartness of the cranberry juice is perfectly balanced by the smoothness of the tequila, making it a great choice for any time of day.
Plus, the bright red color of the drink is sure to add a pop of color to your holiday table. Whether you're a tequila fan or not, this cocktail is worth a try. So why not mix up a batch and impress your guests with this delicious and festive drink?
5. Cranberry Vodka
The Cranberry Vodka cocktail is a must-have for any fall or winter holiday party. This sweet and tangy mixed drink is bursting with citrus and cranberry flavors, making it the perfect festive cocktail to serve your guests. Whether you're mixing up a pitcher for a large gathering or pouring individual glasses, this cocktail is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser.
The bright red color of the cocktail adds a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering, and the garnishes, such as fresh rosemary sprigs or pomegranate arils, add an extra element of sophistication to the drink. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, the Cranberry Vodka cocktail is definitely worth a try.
6. Cranberry Mocktail
The Cranberry Mocktail is a refreshing and fruity non-alcoholic cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings. Made with a delicious cranberry rosemary syrup, this vegan and gluten-free cocktail is naturally sweetened and has a hint of herbs.
The cranberry fizz mocktail can also be turned into a sugar-free keto-friendly drink by substituting the coconut sugar with a low carb sweetener. This cocktail is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you're looking for a festive and delicious mocktail for your Thanksgiving celebration, the Cranberry Mocktail is definitely worth trying!
7. Cranberry Cocktail
The Cranberry Cocktail is a simple yet delicious drink that can add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. Made with just three ingredients – vodka, cranberry juice, and Sprite – this cocktail is easy to make and can be served by the glass or in a pitcher. What's great about this cocktail is that it can be modified to suit different tastes and preferences.
You can use different types of cranberry juice or even make a mocktail version for non-alcoholic guests. The garnishes of fresh cranberries and rosemary add a nice touch to the drink. If you're looking for a quick and easy cocktail that's perfect for the holiday season, give the Cranberry Cocktail a try.
8. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a delightful and beautiful cocktail recipe that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This cocktail is made with a cranberry simple syrup, quality bourbon, and a splash of bitters to give it a unique and delicious flavor. The addition of cranberries adds a festive touch to the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a great choice for those who want to serve a unique and delicious cocktail to their guests during the holiday season. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a Thanksgiving cocktail recipe that is both easy to make and sure to impress.
9. Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers. This cocktail is made with homemade cranberry sauce, bourbon, and ginger beer. The homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the cocktail. The bourbon gives it a warm and spicy kick, while the ginger beer adds sweetness and fizziness.
The cocktail is not overly sweet, making it a healthier option. It can be adjusted to your desired level of sweetness by adding pure maple syrup. The cocktail is perfect for entertaining guests during the holidays or any time you have leftover cranberry sauce. It is a must-try for anyone who loves a good cocktail with a twist.
10. Cranberry Rum Cocktail
The Cranberry Rum Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves cranberry and rum. This cocktail is made with a homemade cranberry syrup that is both tart and sweet, and it is paired with 7UP and rum to create a refreshing and delicious drink.
The cranberry syrup is versatile and can be used in other recipes as well. This cocktail is perfect for holiday entertaining and is sure to impress your guests. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful Thanksgiving cocktail, the Cranberry Rum Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
11. Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Maple Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving celebration. This deliciously tart and sweet cocktail is made with fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and bourbon, creating a perfect blend of flavors. The cocktail is topped with seltzer water or club soda and garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary and cranberries.
This cocktail is perfect for those who are new to bourbon or looking for a new appreciation for it. The combination of maple, cranberries, and bourbon makes this cocktail a perfect cold-weather drink. Give this cocktail a try and impress your guests with its unique and delicious flavor.
12. Cranberry Lime Mocktail
Looking for a refreshing and festive non-alcoholic drink to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than the Cranberry Lime Mocktail. This vibrant red and green drink is perfect for the holiday season and can easily be scaled up to serve a crowd. Made with 100% cranberry juice, lime juice, and sparkling water, this mocktail is a healthier alternative to sugary cranberry juice cocktails.
And for those who do want to add a little kick, rum or vodka pair nicely with the cranberry and lime flavors. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a few cranberries for a beautiful presentation. Your guests will love this simple yet delicious mocktail that's safe for everyone to enjoy.
13. Cranberry Apple Cider Cocktail
The Cranberry Apple Cider Cocktail is a perfect non-alcoholic mocktail for Thanksgiving gatherings or Christmas parties. This delicious and simple cocktail combines the distinct tastes of apple cider and cranberry juice, topped off with soda for a fizzy kick.
The cocktail can be made with either ginger ale or cream soda, each offering a different flavor profile. The garnish of a half-slice of apple adds a touch of elegance to this fancy drink. If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink to serve at your holiday party, the Cranberry Apple Cider Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
14. Cranberry Orange Margarita
The Cranberry Orange Margarita is a perfect cocktail for the winter holidays, especially Thanksgiving. This cocktail is made with fresh juices, including orange and lime, and cranberry sauce. The addition of bitters adds a unique and flavorful twist to the classic margarita.
This cocktail is easy to make at home and can be made into a mocktail by swapping the tequila with water and adding more orange juice. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, the Cranberry Orange Margarita is definitely worth trying.
15. Thanksgiving Cranberry Cocktail
The Thanksgiving Cranberry Cocktail is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. This cocktail is a beautiful blend of cranberry juice, orange juice, vodka, and a splash of lime juice. The combination of sweet and tart flavors in this cocktail is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The vibrant red color of the cocktail makes it a festive drink that is perfect for the holiday season.
The Thanksgiving Cranberry Cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared in advance to save time on the day of the dinner. The cocktail is a perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving celebration. So, why not give this cocktail a try and impress your guests with your bartending skills?
16. The Blizzard
"The Blizzard" is a perfect cocktail for those who love bourbon and cranberry. This slightly sweet cocktail has a nicely balanced flavor and is refreshing to drink. The bourbon is not too strong, and the cranberry juice adds a fruity touch without being too sweet.
It's a great party drink and looks beautiful with cranberries as a garnish. Overall, "The Blizzard" is a must-try cocktail for anyone who wants to enjoy a unique and delicious drink during Thanksgiving and other winter holidays.
17. Cranberry Negroni
The Cranberry Negroni is a perfect Thanksgiving cocktail that adds a holiday twist to the classic Negroni. The cranberry gives it a sweet and tart flavor that complements the bitterness of the Campari. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your preference by choosing the type of gin and cranberry syrup or juice.
The cocktail is garnished with cranberries and an orange slice, making it a beautiful addition to any Thanksgiving table. If you're looking for a festive and delicious cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner, the Cranberry Negroni is a must-try.
18. Cranberry Gin and Tonic
Looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Cranberry Gin and Tonic. This seasonal cocktail features fresh cranberries, citrus, and thyme, making it the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and earthy.
The addition of gin and tonic water gives it a classic cocktail feel, while the fresh garnishes add a touch of elegance. Whether you're hosting a Friendsgiving or a family dinner, the Cranberry Gin and Tonic is sure to impress your guests and add a special touch to your holiday celebration.
19. Cranberry Mule Cocktail
The Cranberry Mule Cocktail is a refreshing and festive drink that's perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. Made with vodka, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and Sprite® Cranberry, this cocktail has a sweet and tart flavor that's sure to please.
It's served over ice in a glass or copper mule mug and can be garnished with sugared cranberries, lime slices, or other creative touches. If you're looking for a new holiday tradition, give the Cranberry Mule Cocktail a try. It's easy to make and will add a touch of sparkle to your Thanksgiving festivities.
20. Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try for bourbon lovers during the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberry juice and sweet orange juice, along with the vanilla notes in the bourbon, creates a perfectly balanced drink. This four-ingredient cocktail is easy to make and can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness with a touch of maple syrup.
Garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail not only looks festive but also smells amazing. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious Thanksgiving Cranberry Cocktail recipe, the Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
21. Cranberry Apple Mojito
The Cranberry Apple Mojito is a sweet and tangy cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This fruity twist on a classic mojito is made with cranberry and apple juices, lime juice, muddled mint leaves, and rum. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is sure to be a hit with your guests.
The cocktail is garnished with fresh cranberries, thin apple slices, and extra mint, making it a beautiful addition to your holiday table. The Hue glasses from Crate & Barrel are the perfect vessel for this bright and festive cocktail. If you're looking for a fun and delicious cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, the Cranberry Apple Mojito is definitely worth trying.
22. Cranberry Whiskey Sour
The Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a perfect cocktail to add to your Thanksgiving menu. This festive take on a traditional Whiskey Sour includes a homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup and egg whites to add richness and tone down any bitterness from the bourbon. The cocktail is dry shaken to ensure a frothy, foamy outcome.
Garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail is not only visually appealing but also delicious. The use of fresh ingredients such as lemon juice and cranberries elevate the taste of the cocktail. If you're looking for a fun and festive cocktail to serve this Thanksgiving, the Cranberry Whiskey Sour is definitely worth a try.
23. Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule
The Spiced Cranberry Thyme Moscow Mule is a perfect cocktail for the Thanksgiving holiday season. This festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule is made with homemade cranberry-thyme syrup, vodka, fresh citrus, and sweet bubbly ginger beer. The spiced cranberry simple syrup gives the cocktail a warm winter flavor and festive color.
The addition of ginger beer provides a spicy, sweet, and bubbly element that makes this cocktail a must-try. The recipe can easily be made into a mocktail, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. This cocktail is just one of the many delicious Thanksgiving Cranberry Cocktail recipes that will make your holiday celebrations even more special.
24. Cape Cod
The Cape Cod cocktail is a refreshing and tangy mix of vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime. This classic cranberry cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving with its vibrant ruby color and crisp cranberry flavor. The addition of cranberry simple syrup and Prosecco gives it a gussied-up twist, making it an elegant option for any holiday gathering.
Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer a more tart taste, the Cape Cod cocktail can be customized to your liking. So why not give this simple yet delicious cocktail a try this Thanksgiving and impress your guests with your mixology skills?
25. Cranberry French 75
The Cranberry French 75 is a delightful and sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This cocktail combines the tartness of cranberry with the botanical flavors of London Dry Gin and the dryness of brut Champagne.
The drink is traditionally shaken with ice, cranberry simple syrup, and lemon juice before being poured into a champagne flute and topped with champagne. The addition of frozen cranberries in the flute adds a festive touch and keeps the drink cool. The Cranberry French 75 is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing and elegant cranberry cocktail this Thanksgiving.
26. Spiced Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Spiced Cranberry Champagne Cocktail. This bubbly drink is made with a homemade Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup, which gives it a tart, sweet, and spiced flavor that's perfect for the season.
Simply add the syrup to a champagne flute, top with champagne, and garnish with a cinnamon stick and fresh cranberries. The result is a drink that's both classy and special, and sure to impress your guests. So why not add this cocktail to your Thanksgiving menu and toast to the holiday season in style?
27. Watermelon Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
Looking for a festive and refreshing cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Watermelon Cranberry Champagne Cocktail. This delightful drink is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, with the added bonus of a bubbly champagne finish.
The use of Tropicana's premium watermelon drink as a mixer adds a unique twist to this cocktail and makes it a standout choice for any holiday celebration. Whether you're looking to impress your guests with a signature cocktail or simply want to offer a fun and flavorful option at your bar, the Watermelon Cranberry Champagne Cocktail is a must-try. So, raise a glass and cheers to a happy and delicious Thanksgiving!
28. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
The Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a perfect cocktail to warm you up on a chilly Thanksgiving evening. This delicious cocktail is a blend of cranberry juice and winter spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange, which give it a unique flavor. The addition of bourbon makes it even more potent and perfect for sipping while enjoying the Thanksgiving feast.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be made in large batches, making it perfect for serving at a Thanksgiving party. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to serve your guests this Thanksgiving, the Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a must-try!
29. Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch
The Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch is a festive and delicious cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This cocktail is a twist on a classic bourbon sour, made with homemade cranberry-orange syrup, warming bourbon, fresh citrus, and sweet candied rosemary. The cranberry syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful red color to the drink.
The candied rosemary adds a pretty and sparkly touch to the cocktail, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. This cocktail can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for hosting. The Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and festive Thanksgiving cocktail.
30. Vodka Cranberry Cocktail
The Vodka Cranberry Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that's perfect for Thanksgiving. With just four ingredients, including cranberry juice, vodka, sweetened lime, and orange juice, this cocktail has a tart and sweet flavor that's not too strong.
It's also hydrating and great for a night of dancing or a hot day by the pool. If you're a fan of cranberry cocktails, you might also want to check out the Desert Shield, Crystal Cranberry, C&T Cocktail, or Long Beach Iced Tea.
31. Cranberry Apple Fizz
Looking for a Thanksgiving cocktail that's easy to make and dangerously delicious? Look no further than the Cranberry Apple Fizz! This cocktail combines the classic pairing of cranberry juice and apple brandy, with a touch of simple syrup for sweetness.
The result is a sparkling, refreshing drink that's perfect for sipping while snacking on Thanksgiving treats. While the recipe is simple, the flavors are anything but – this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So why not add a little sparkle to your Thanksgiving celebration with the Cranberry Apple Fizz?
