Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and festive drinks. As you plan your holiday menu, don’t forget about the beverages that can add an extra touch of cheer to your gathering.

From warm mulled ciders to sparkling cocktails, there are plenty of options to suit every taste.

These 15 Thanksgiving drink recipes will help you create the perfect sips for your celebration. Whether you’re looking for alcohol-free choices or spirited concoctions, this list has something for everyone.

Get ready to impress your guests with delicious drinks that capture the flavors of the season.

1. Pumpkin Spice Martini

A Pumpkin Spice Martini is a festive drink perfect for Thanksgiving. To make it, you’ll need vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur, and pumpkin-flavored liqueur.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the ingredients. Shake well until the shaker is frosty.

Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

For extra flair, rim the glass with a mixture of sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg on top.

This creamy, spiced cocktail captures the essence of fall in every sip. It’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering.

2. Cranberry Orange Margarita

This festive cocktail blends tart cranberries with zesty orange for a perfect Thanksgiving drink. You’ll need tequila, cranberry juice, orange juice, and lime juice.

Rim your glass with salt and orange zest for extra flavor. Mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into the prepared glass.

For a special twist, try using homemade cranberry sauce instead of juice. This adds thickness and a more intense cranberry taste to your drink.

Garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice. This colorful margarita will brighten up your holiday table and delight your guests.

3. Spiced Apple Cider Sangria

Spiced Apple Cider Sangria is a perfect Thanksgiving drink. You’ll love its warm fall flavors.

Start with apple cider, dry white wine, and apple brandy in a pitcher. Add sliced apples, oranges, and pomegranate seeds for color and taste.

Spice it up with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Let the mix chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Before serving, top it off with ginger ale or ginger beer for some fizz. Pour over ice and enjoy this festive drink with your guests.

4. Maple Bourbon Smash

This cocktail blends bourbon with maple syrup for a fall-inspired drink. To make it, you’ll need bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice.

Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice. Stir for about 20 seconds to chill the drink thoroughly.

Strain the mixture into a glass with a large ice cube. You can add orange bitters for extra flavor.

Garnish your Maple Bourbon Smash with an orange peel or wheel. Some recipes suggest adding a cocktail cherry too.

For a smoky twist, try using a cocktail smoking box with applewood chips. This adds depth to the drink’s flavor.

5. Thanksgiving Punch with Bourbon

Bourbon adds a warm, rich flavor to this festive Thanksgiving punch. Mix bourbon with apple cider and cranberry juice for a tasty fall combo.

Add some fizz with ginger ale or sparkling apple cider. Toss in sliced apples, orange wedges, and fresh cranberries for color and flavor.

Chill the punch before serving. Pour it into a large bowl or pitcher filled with ice. Garnish each glass with cinnamon sticks or apple slices.

This bourbon punch is perfect for sipping while you cook or mingle with guests. It’s easy to make a big batch to serve a crowd.

6. Cinnamon and Spice Old Fashioned

This twist on a classic cocktail adds warm autumn flavors to your Thanksgiving celebration. To make it, you’ll need bourbon, cinnamon syrup, and bitters.

In a rocks glass, combine 2 ounces of bourbon with 1/4 ounce of cinnamon syrup. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters for depth.

Fill the glass with ice and stir until chilled. For extra flair, garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange peel.

This drink balances the bold bourbon with sweet cinnamon notes. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire after your holiday meal.

7. Pomegranate Gimlet

This bright red cocktail adds a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table. To make it, you’ll need gin, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Mix these ingredients in a large pitcher before serving.

When ready to serve, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the drink mixture until it’s three-quarters full.

Shake for 15 seconds – it’s longer than you might think! Pour into frozen martini glasses for the best experience. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lime slice.

The tart pomegranate flavor pairs well with the gin, creating a refreshing and sophisticated drink. Your guests will love this colorful twist on a classic gimlet.

8. Warm Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a cozy Thanksgiving drink that fills your home with inviting aromas. To make it, pour a bottle of red wine into a pot. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.

Warm the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Don’t let it boil.

Stir in some honey to sweeten it to your taste. For an extra kick, add a splash of brandy.

Ladle the warm mulled wine into mugs. Garnish each mug with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick. This festive drink will keep you toasty on chilly autumn evenings.

9. Apple Brandy Hot Toddy

This cozy drink will warm you up on chilly Thanksgiving evenings. To make it, boil some water and stir in honey until dissolved.

Add apple brandy and lemon juice to the honey mixture. Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

You can customize your hot toddy by adjusting the sweetness. Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter drink. For extra flavor, try floating a lemon wedge or apple slice on top.

This comforting beverage is perfect for sipping while relaxing after your Thanksgiving feast. The apple brandy adds a seasonal touch that pairs well with fall flavors.

10. Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail

This drink brings together the rich flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of pear and the zing of ginger. It’s a perfect mix for your Thanksgiving gathering.

To make it, you’ll need bourbon, pear juice, and ginger syrup. Combine these in a shaker with ice and shake well.

Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with a splash of club soda for some fizz.

Garnish your cocktail with a slice of fresh pear and a sprig of sage for a festive touch. This drink balances warm and cool flavors, making it great for fall celebrations.

11. Rosemary Gin Fizz

The Rosemary Gin Fizz is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. This drink combines the herbal notes of gin with the earthy aroma of rosemary.

To make it, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice.

Top it off with club soda for a fizzy finish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon slice.

The rosemary simple syrup is easy to make at home. Just simmer sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool and strain before using.

This drink is perfect for Thanksgiving, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.

12. Cranberry Moscow Mule

The Cranberry Moscow Mule puts a festive twist on a classic cocktail. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and ginger beer. Fill a copper mug with ice and add these ingredients.

For extra flavor, try using spiced rum instead of vodka. You can also add a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Garnish your mule with fresh cranberries, lime slices, and a sprig of rosemary. This adds a nice holiday touch.

If you’re serving a crowd, mix the vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a pitcher ahead of time. Add the ginger beer just before serving.

13. Chai Tea White Russian

This twist on the classic White Russian adds warm, spicy notes perfect for Thanksgiving. You’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, and chai tea concentrate.

Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in vodka and coffee liqueur. Slowly add the chai tea concentrate. Top with a splash of cream or milk.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top. The chai spices blend nicely with the creamy, boozy base. It’s a cozy drink that will keep you warm on chilly autumn evenings.

14. Caramel Apple Mimosa

This fall-inspired cocktail blends the sweetness of caramel and apple with the sparkle of champagne. To make it, you’ll need apple cider, champagne, and caramel vodka.

Start by rimming champagne flutes with caramel sauce and a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This adds a festive touch and extra flavor.

Pour equal parts apple cider and champagne into each glass. Add a splash of caramel vodka for an extra kick.

The result is a bubbly, sweet drink perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or as a pre-dinner cocktail. It captures the essence of autumn in a glass.

15. Spiked Hot Chocolate

Spiked hot chocolate is a cozy Thanksgiving drink that adds warmth and cheer to your holiday gathering. You can easily make this festive beverage by adding a splash of your favorite liquor to homemade or store-bought hot cocoa.

Popular alcohol choices include whiskey, rum, or flavored liqueurs like peppermint schnapps or Irish cream.

For extra indulgence, top your spiked hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon.

To make a batch for guests, prepare hot chocolate in a large pot on the stove. Let everyone add their preferred spirit to their individual mugs. This allows for customization and ensures non-drinkers can enjoy the hot chocolate too.

History of Thanksgiving Drinks

Thanksgiving drinks have changed a lot over time. The beverages enjoyed at early celebrations were quite different from what you might find on modern holiday tables.

Colonial Era Beverages

In the early days of Thanksgiving, colonists drank what was available and safe. Water wasn’t always clean, so many turned to alcohol.

Beer was common, as it was safer than water and easy to make at home. Hard cider was also popular, made from apples grown in New England.

Rum became a favorite once trade with the Caribbean picked up. Colonists often mixed it with fruit juices or spices. They also enjoyed drinks like flip, made with beer, rum, eggs, and sugar. It was heated with a red-hot poker, giving it a frothy top.

Evolution of Modern Recipes

As time passed, Thanksgiving drinks became more varied. In the 1800s, punch bowls filled with fruit-based mixes gained popularity at gatherings. These often contained brandy or whiskey.

By the 20th century, cocktails became more common. Drinks using seasonal ingredients like cranberries and apples started showing up on Thanksgiving menus. Today, you might find:

• Cranberry martinis
• Spiced apple cider (with or without alcohol)
• Pumpkin-flavored cocktails
• Wine pairings chosen to match turkey and sides

Non-alcoholic options have also grown. Sparkling cider, flavored sodas, and fancy mocktails now give everyone festive choices to enjoy with their meal.

Pairing Drinks with Thanksgiving Meals

Picking the right drinks can make your Thanksgiving feast even better. The right pairings bring out the best in both food and drink.

Balancing Flavors

Match sweet with sweet. Pair apple pie with apple cider cocktails. Try pumpkin pie with pumpkin-spiced drinks.

For savory dishes, go with dry drinks. A crisp white wine works well with turkey. Dry hard cider pairs nicely with stuffing.

Don’t forget about bubbles. Sparkling wine cuts through rich foods. It refreshes your palate between bites.

Spicy cocktails can wake up your taste buds. A spicy margarita goes great with cornbread or sweet potato dishes.

Seasonal Ingredients

Use fall fruits in your drinks. Cranberry juice mixes well with vodka or gin. Pomegranate adds a tart kick to cocktails.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are perfect for cold days. Add them to hot toddies or mulled wine.

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie. It makes creamy, comforting cocktails too. Try a pumpkin White Russian for dessert.

Apple cider is very versatile. Use it in punch, martinis, or just warm it up with some spices.

Maple syrup adds sweetness to bourbon drinks. It pairs well with pecan pie or other nutty desserts.