The Thanksgiving holiday is a special time of year, a time for gathering with family and friends to give thanks for all the good things in life.
As a bartender, I know that no Thanksgiving celebration is complete without a delicious and festive drink. This year, why not try something a little different and add whiskey to your menu?
Whiskey is a versatile spirit that can add a touch of warmth and depth to any cocktail. With its complex flavors and smooth finish, it pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, there is a recipe out there that is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
From classic whiskey sours to innovative twists on old favorites, there are countless ways to incorporate whiskey into your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Whether you are looking for a cozy drink to enjoy by the fire or a festive cocktail to serve at the dinner table, there is a whiskey recipe out there that is sure to fit the bill. So, without further ado, let's raise a glass to the best Thanksgiving whiskey cocktail recipes out there!
1. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a perfect Thanksgiving Whiskey Cocktail that will warm you up on a cold night. The cocktail 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, and it adds all the flavor you love from chai tea, sweetened maple, and spiked with hints of vanilla.
The cocktail is not too sweet, not too heavy on the bourbon, but just right. The flavors go so well, and it's truly one of the coziest cocktails that everyone will love. The Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned is a great way to welcome your guests and make them feel cozy and warm.
2. Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail
The Cranberry Orange Whiskey Cocktail is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu. This cocktail is a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spice, making it an ideal complement to any fall recipe. The combination of cranberries and oranges gives it a bright, refreshing flavor, while the whiskey adds a warming touch to the drink.
The addition of fresh thyme leaves gives it a savory and herbal note, making it a unique and flavorful cocktail. Even if you're not a whiskey drinker, this cocktail might just change your mind. It's a perfect cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, and your guests are sure to love it.
3. Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash
The Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a perfect Thanksgiving Whiskey Cocktail recipe. It is a blend of crisp apple, fresh mint, warm cinnamon, and rich rye whiskey.
The cocktail is fruity, sweet, and pleasantly strong, making it an ideal drink for the holiday season. The recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in large quantities, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
4. Ginger Peach Whiskey Cocktail
The Ginger Peach Whiskey Cocktail is a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving celebration. With only three ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and has a crisp, slightly autumnal flavor that perfectly complements the holiday season. The combination of whiskey, peach nectar, and ginger ale creates a refreshing and cozy drink that can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you're sipping it by a bonfire in the summer or snuggled up inside during the winter, this cocktail is sure to become a new favorite. So why not give it a try and add a little extra warmth and cheer to your Thanksgiving festivities?
5. Cranberry Old Fashioned
The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a must-try Thanksgiving Whiskey Cocktail. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, with the addition of cranberry simple syrup, which gives it a festive and fruity flavor.
The bourbon and bitters in the cocktail balance out the sweetness of the cranberry, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail. The Cranberry Old Fashioned is a great way to impress your guests with a unique and delicious cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season.
6. Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving celebration. Made with a classic recipe of whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters, this cocktail is elevated with a pop of bright red and a sweet-tart flavor of cranberry simple syrup.
The ruby-colored syrup adds a festive touch to the cocktail, making it perfect for the holiday season. Garnished with orange peel and a sprig of rosemary, this cocktail is not only delicious but also visually appealing. If you're looking for a classic cocktail with a holiday twist, the Cranberry Old Fashioned is a must-try.
7. Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail
The Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This cocktail contains honey whiskey, apple cider, and Perrier, and is garnished with thin slices of apple. The rim of the glass is coated with sweet cinnamon sugar, which adds a lovely touch to the cocktail.
This cocktail is perfect for those who want a delicious cocktail without a lot of effort. It can be made one glass at a time or in a pitcher for a larger group. The Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail is sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving celebration even more special.
8. Cranberry Whiskey Sour
The Cranberry Whiskey Sour is a delightful twist on a classic cocktail. This festive and easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving, whether you're serving one or many. Made with whiskey, lemon, cranberry juice, and sugar, this cocktail is slightly sour but wonderfully drinkable.
You can use different types of whiskey, such as bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey, but it's best to choose one with a warm, rounded flavor and a touch of sweetness. The festive color of this cocktail makes it perfect for Thanksgiving, but it's also a great drink to enjoy any time of the year. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Thanksgiving cocktail, the Cranberry Whiskey Sour is definitely worth a try.
9. Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned
The Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned is a perfect Thanksgiving Whiskey Cocktail recipe for those who love a seasonal twist on a classic drink. This cocktail is infused with toasted pecans that soak in whiskey for days before being combined with sugar and bitters to make a homemade Old Fashioned.
The end result is a delightful drink that's perfect for a chilly night. The Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned is a great choice for those who enjoy a strong drink and love bourbon/whiskey. If you're looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail to impress your guests this Thanksgiving, give the Toasted Pecan Old Fashioned a try.
10. Apple Cider Hot Toddy
The Apple Cider Hot Toddy is a perfect whiskey cocktail for Thanksgiving. It's a warm and cozy cocktail made with whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot apple cider. The combination of whiskey and apple cider is a match made in heaven, and the addition of honey and lemon gives it a sweet and sour twist.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. It's easy to make and can be served as a single serve or a crowd-pleasing holiday party cocktail. The Apple Cider Hot Toddy is a must-try for whiskey lovers and anyone looking for a warm and comforting cocktail this Thanksgiving.
11. Old-Fashioned
The Old-Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This spirit-forward drink is made with whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup, and is garnished with a slice of orange and a cherry. The combination of flavors creates a rich and complex cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a chilly fall evening.
The best part about the Old-Fashioned is that it is highly customizable, so you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a sweeter or more bitter cocktail, the Old-Fashioned is a versatile drink that is sure to please. So if you're looking for a Thanksgiving whiskey cocktail that is both classic and delicious, be sure to give the Old-Fashioned a try.
12. Bourbon Manhattan
The Bourbon Manhattan is a classic whiskey cocktail that has been around since the 1870s. Made with bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this cocktail is a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors.
The key to making the best Bourbon Manhattan is to use a smooth bourbon that is not too smoky or sweet. This cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, as it is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of dishes. If you're a bourbon lover, you don't want to miss out on this cocktail!
13. Old Pal Cocktail
Looking for a classic whiskey cocktail to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering? Look no further than the Old Pal Cocktail. Made with just three ingredients – rye whiskey, Campari, and dry vermouth – this cocktail is easy to make and easy to sip.
With its spicy and bitter notes, it's the perfect drink to warm you up on a chilly fall evening. Plus, it's a classic cocktail that's been around since the 1920s, so you know it's a tried-and-true recipe. So why not impress your guests with a little bit of cocktail history and serve up an Old Pal Cocktail this Thanksgiving?
14. Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving celebration. This classic cocktail is infused with new sweet and smoky flavors, thanks to the smoked, muddled cherries and smoked cherry simple syrup. The smoky notes of the campfire whiskey pair seamlessly with the subtle hint of smoke, softened by the sweetness of seasonal cherries.
The rich, musky flavor of this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. If you're looking for a sultry and sophisticated cocktail to serve this Thanksgiving, the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
15. Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail
If you're looking for a unique and sophisticated cocktail to serve this Thanksgiving, look no further than the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail. This twist on the classic Manhattan incorporates red wine for a rich and flavorful taste. Garnished with orange peel and a maraschino cherry, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Not only is it easy to make, but it's also low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you're hosting a fall harvest party or a cozy movie night in, the Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail is the perfect addition to any occasion. So why not try something new this Thanksgiving and serve up this delicious and creative cocktail?
16. Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail
The Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic Campari cocktail. Made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari, and a splash of sweet-tart blood orange juice, this cocktail is perfect for cooler days.
The blood oranges pair particularly well with bourbon, adding another layer of flavor to the cocktail. If you're looking for a new take on a classic cocktail, the Blood Orange Boulevardier Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
17. Smoked Manhattan With Cinnamon
Looking for a Thanksgiving Whiskey Cocktail that will impress your guests? Look no further than the Smoked Manhattan with Cinnamon. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Manhattan, adding in the warm and spicy flavor of smoked cinnamon to complement the bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and maraschino cherry syrup.
The result is a rich and complex cocktail that is perfect for sipping after dinner or during happy hour. The burnt cinnamon stick adds a unique touch, infusing the cocktail with a subtle smoky flavor that is reminiscent of fall. If you're looking for a cocktail that will elevate your Thanksgiving celebration, give the Smoked Manhattan with Cinnamon a try.
18. French 95
The French 95 is a sophisticated and refreshing whiskey cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. This bubbly and balanced indulgence features bourbon as its base spirit, which gives it a sweet and smooth flavor. The cocktail also includes tart lemon juice and simple syrup, which accentuate the bourbon's taste.
The French 95 is topped with champagne, which adds a fizzy and invigorating touch to the drink. Garnished with an orange peel twist, this cocktail is both visually appealing and delicious. If you're looking for a high-caliber cocktail that is easy to make and sure to impress your guests, the French 95 is definitely worth a try.
