Ah, Thanksgiving. That time of year when friends and family gather around the table to share a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
The air is filled with the warm aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and the mood is one of gratitude and celebration.
As a bartender, I know that no holiday celebration is complete without a good cocktail. But what makes a great Thanksgiving cocktail?
Is it the warm, comforting flavors of fall spices? The tartness of cranberry? The sweetness of apple cider? Or perhaps it's the boozy kick that warms you up from the inside out.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of the best Thanksgiving cocktail recipes that I've come across in my years behind the bar. These are drinks that will complement your Thanksgiving feast, whether you're serving a traditional turkey dinner or something a little more unconventional.
They're also easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time fussing over complicated recipes.
So, whether you're looking for a festive drink to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner or just want to curl up by the fire with a cozy cocktail, read on for some inspiration.
1. Tarragon Carrot Shrub
Looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Tarragon Carrot Shrub. This cocktail combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the herbaceousness of tarragon, creating a complex and delicious flavor profile. The addition of vodka and gin provides a subtle kick, while the bubbles add a refreshing effervescence.
And for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply mix the shrub with sparkling water. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a novice bartender, the Tarragon Carrot Shrub is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving celebration.
2. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a perfect cocktail for the Thanksgiving holiday season. This cozy and warming drink is made with homemade spiced chai simple syrup, high-quality bourbon, winter citrus, a touch of vanilla, and fizzy sparkling water. The syrup is the heart of the cocktail, giving it all the flavor you love from chai tea, sweetened maple, and spiked with hints of vanilla.
It's not too sweet and not too heavy on the bourbon, making it a crowd-pleaser for all. The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a great way to welcome friends and family into your home and make them feel cozy and warm. It's definitely a must-try cocktail for the holiday season.
3. Harvest Apple Spritz
The Harvest Apple Spritz is a refreshing and festive cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. Made with fresh apple juice, vodka, orange liquor, and lemon, this cocktail is sweet and citrusy with a hint of spice from the ginger and sage syrup. The addition of sparkling water adds a little fizz and makes it a pitcher-style cocktail that is perfect for entertaining.
This cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for your Thanksgiving celebration. If you're looking for a delicious and seasonal cocktail that your guests will love, the Harvest Apple Spritz is definitely worth trying.
4. Pumpkin Pie Martini
The Pumpkin Pie Martini is a delicious and creamy Thanksgiving cocktail that will leave your guests wanting more. Made with a limited-edition pumpkin pie spiced creme liqueur and vanilla vodka, this martini is the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
Topped with a squirt of Reddi-wip and garnished with a cinnamon stick, this cocktail is both festive and flavorful. Even non-foof-fo drinkers will enjoy the rich vanilla, brown sugar, and spice flavors of this liqueur. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Thanksgiving cocktail, the Pumpkin Pie Martini is sure to impress your guests.
5. Thanksgiving Sparkling Cocktail
Looking for a cocktail that's perfect for Thanksgiving? Look no further than the Thanksgiving Sparkling Cocktail. This cocktail is a simple yet delicious combination of vodka, apple juice, cranberry juice, and champagne or prosecco. It's the perfect drink to serve alongside your Thanksgiving feast, and it's easy to make in large batches for a crowd.
The tartness of the cranberry juice is balanced out by the sweetness of the apple juice, and the bubbles from the champagne or prosecco add a festive touch. This cocktail is sure to be a hit with your guests, and it's a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving celebration. So why not give it a try this year?
6. Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic
Looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Cranberry Thyme Gin and Tonic. This cocktail is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with the added earthy flavor of thyme.
It's a great way to use up leftover cranberries and thyme from your Thanksgiving meal, and it's easy to make in advance for a stress-free cocktail hour. Whether you're a gin lover or just looking for a new twist on the classic gin and tonic, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests. So, why not give it a try this Thanksgiving and add a little extra cheer to your holiday celebration?
7. Apple Cider Cocktail
The Apple Cider Cocktail is a perfect fall drink that is sure to impress your guests at Thanksgiving. This gin-based cocktail is a combination of apple cider, cinnamon spice, and thyme, which gives it a smooth and fruity flavor. The addition of fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks as a garnish adds to its aesthetic appeal.
This cocktail can be made with or without alcohol, making it a versatile option for all your guests. It pairs well with a variety of foods and is easy to prepare. Overall, the Apple Cider Cocktail is a delicious and festive addition to any Thanksgiving celebration.
8. Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail
Looking for a refreshing and flavorful cocktail to serve alongside your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further than the Apple Brandy Allspice Fizz Cocktail. Made with apple brandy, allspice, and soda, this cocktail is tart and full of spices that perfectly complement the flavors of your Thanksgiving meal.
Plus, it's light and refreshing, so you won't feel too full after sipping on one (or two). If you're a fan of apple cocktails, this one is a must-try. So why not add a little extra sparkle to your Thanksgiving celebration with this delicious cocktail?
9. Thanksgiving Margarita
The Thanksgiving Margarita is a perfect cocktail to serve during the holiday season. This unique margarita recipe is perfect for those who want to try something different and exciting. The cocktail features a blend of fall flavors and colors that are perfect for autumnal vibes.
The recipe calls for pear juice, which can be a bit challenging to find, but there are plenty of online options available. For a fun twist, you can use colored salt or sugar on the rim to add a festive touch. This cocktail is a great way to impress your guests and add some excitement to your Thanksgiving celebration.
10. Cranberry Thyme Spritz
The Cranberry Thyme Spritz is a perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving parties. This festive drink is sweet, tart, and has a hint of thyme, which makes it unique and flavorful. The cocktail is spiked with vodka and elderflower liquor, and sweetened with honey.
The combination of grapefruit and lime juice gives it a citrusy kick. The cranberries used in the cocktail balance out the tartness and add a beautiful color to the drink. If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing cocktail that's easy to make, this cranberry thyme spritz is a must-try.
11. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a must-try Thanksgiving cocktail for those who love a classic Old Fashioned but want to add a festive twist. This cocktail features a cranberry simple syrup, which gives it a beautiful red hue and a tart, fruity flavor.
The addition of quality bourbon and bitters gives it a warm and cozy finish, making it the perfect drink to sip on while enjoying a Thanksgiving feast with loved ones. If you're looking for a unique and delicious cocktail to serve at your holiday gathering, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try.
12. Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian
The Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian is a perfect Thanksgiving cocktail for those who want to enjoy a cozy and warming drink after their dinner. It's a creamy and flavorful cocktail that combines the classic White Russian with a vanilla chai tea simple syrup. The chai syrup is made by heavily concentrating chai tea, sweetening it with honey, and adding vanilla.
When mixed with vodka, coffee liquor, and cream, it creates a perfect holiday drink that can be served any time of day. This cocktail is perfect for entertaining or sipping on with family after the Thanksgiving feast. If you're looking for a delicious and unique Thanksgiving cocktail, the Vanilla Chai Tea White Russian is a must-try.
13. Blood Orange and Cranberry Punch
If you're looking for a refreshing and light Thanksgiving cocktail, the Blood Orange and Cranberry Punch is a perfect choice. Made with gin and Master of Mixes Blood Orange Margarita Mix, this bubbly punch has notes of cranberry, mint, and citrus. It's a beautiful and elegant cocktail that's easy to make for a crowd.
The addition of frozen whole cranberries keeps the punch cold without watering it down. Top it off with a bottle of dry champagne and garnish with fresh mint and dehydrated oranges for a festive touch. This cocktail is sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gathering.
14. Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash
The Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving, with its warm, spicy cinnamon and rich rye whiskey flavors. The crisp apple and fresh mint add a refreshing touch to the drink, making it a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The use of WhistlePig 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey adds a smooth and easy drinking quality to the cocktail, making it a perfect drink to enjoy with family and friends during the holiday season.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be prepared in batches, making it a great choice for entertaining. Overall, the Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth and spice to their Thanksgiving celebration.
15. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Looking for a delicious and festive cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than the Pumpkin Spice White Russian. This spin on the classic White Russian combines fragrant coffee and warming pumpkin spices for a creamy and smooth drink that's like a warm hug in a glass.
Even those who aren't fans of pumpkin spice lattes will love this elegant and flavorful cocktail. Served in an old fashioned glass with a cinnamon stick garnish, this drink is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving celebration.
16. Pomegranate Martini
The Pomegranate Martini is a festive and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. This cocktail is a twist on the classic martini, with the addition of real pomegranate seeds and a hint of rosemary. The use of fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur adds a refreshing and mellow taste to the drink.
The cocktail is garnished with gold sugar, pomegranate seeds, and fresh rosemary, making it a visually appealing addition to any holiday gathering. If you're looking for a cocktail that is both delicious and festive, the Pomegranate Martini is definitely worth trying.
17. Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita
Looking for a unique cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita. This cozy fall cocktail combines smoky mezcal (or tequila), spiced apple cider, a splash of orange liquor, lime, and sweet maple for a perfectly balanced and warming drink.
The cinnamon sugar rim adds a touch of sweetness, while the garnishes of apple slices, rosemary, and a smoking cinnamon stick make it an extra special treat. This margarita is easy to make and has been a tried and true favorite for years. If you're looking for a festive and flavorful cocktail to impress your guests, the Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita is sure to do the trick.
18. Cranberry French 75
Looking for a cocktail that screams Thanksgiving? Look no further than the Cranberry French 75. This cocktail combines the crispness of London Dry Gin with the tartness of cranberry simple syrup and the effervescence of brut champagne.
The result is a perfectly balanced cocktail that is sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests. The addition of frozen cranberries adds a festive touch and keeps the drink chilled. If you're looking for a cocktail that is both elegant and easy to make, the Cranberry French 75 is the perfect choice.
19. Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail
The Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is a perfect drink for the fall season and Thanksgiving. This cocktail is made with fresh apple cider and homemade chai syrup, which gives it a unique taste and aroma. It can be enjoyed as a mocktail or a cocktail, making it a versatile drink for all guests.
The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for any bartender. The drink can be served chilled or warmed up, depending on the weather. Overall, the Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and festive drink for Thanksgiving.
20. Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch
Looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail for Thanksgiving? Look no further than the Cranberry Bourbon Sour Punch. This cocktail puts a seasonal twist on a classic bourbon sour with homemade cranberry-orange syrup, fresh citrus, and sweet candied rosemary.
The cranberry syrup adds a warm and sweet flavor to the drink, while the bourbon gives it a nice kick. The cocktail can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. Plus, the candied rosemary adds a beautiful and sparkly touch to the drink. If you're a fan of bourbon drinks, this one is definitely worth trying.
21. Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail
The Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail is a perfect Thanksgiving drink for those who love pecan pie but want to enjoy it in a different way. Made with bourbon and vodka, it's sweet but strong, with the sweetness of the pecan pie flavors balanced out by the bite of the alcohol.
You can enjoy it over ice or as a martini, and don't forget to add some pecans for a little extra flair. If you're looking for a creative and delicious cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, the Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
22. Spiced Hibiscus Vodka Sour Cocktail
The Spiced Hibiscus Vodka Sour Cocktail is a unique and festive twist on a classic vodka sour cocktail. Infused with hibiscus tea and spiced with ginger and cinnamon, this cocktail is perfectly sweet and tart. The addition of egg whites or aquafaba gives it a silky and foamy texture, making it a delight to sip on.
The bright and lively flavor of hibiscus adds a touch of elegance to this cocktail, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving celebration. If you're looking for a sweet and tart cocktail that's easy to make at home, this Spiced Hibiscus Vodka Sour Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
23. Apple Cider Sangria
Looking for a unique cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Apple Cider Sangria. This cocktail takes the traditional Spanish drink and adds a fall twist with the addition of apple cider and Crown Royal Regal Apple Whisky. The fruit and spices, including pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks, and star anise, give the drink a festive touch.
The sparkling cider or wine adds a touch of effervescence, making it a refreshing drink to sip on during the holiday. Whether you're looking for a signature drink to impress your guests or just want to try something new, the Apple Cider Sangria is a must-try Thanksgiving cocktail.
24. Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz Cocktail
The Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz Cocktail is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving celebration. This cocktail has a perfect blend of bourbon, apple cider, and sparkling wine which gives it a unique and refreshing taste. The preparation of the syrup is easy and requires minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for a large gathering.
If you prefer a less boozy cocktail, you can substitute sparkling apple cider for the bourbon. The fizz adds a perfect touch of effervescence to the cocktail, making it a perfect drink to sip on while enjoying your Thanksgiving meal. Give this cocktail a try and impress your guests with your bartending skills.
25. Smoked Gin and Tonic With Rosemary
If you're looking for a unique Thanksgiving cocktail recipe to impress your guests, the Smoked Gin and Tonic with Rosemary is a must-try. This cocktail is a twist on the classic gin and tonic, with the addition of smoky flavors and rosemary simple syrup.
The smokiness adds an intense layer of flavor to the cocktail, while the rosemary complements the gin's primary flavors and aromas. The cocktail is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it a great choice for a holiday gathering. The Smoked Gin and Tonic with Rosemary is warm, inviting, and perfect for enjoying with friends and family on Thanksgiving.
26. Hazelnut Frangelico Sour
Looking for a unique Thanksgiving cocktail recipe to impress your guests? Look no further than the Hazelnut Frangelico Sour. This cocktail combines the nutty sweetness of Frangelico hazelnut liqueur with the tartness of lime juice for a complex and delicious flavor.
The addition of egg whites gives the cocktail a light, airy texture that is sure to please. Whether you're enjoying it as an after-dinner drink or sipping it by the fire on a cool fall day, the Hazelnut Frangelico Sour is a must-try cocktail for any occasion.
