40 Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails That Pair Well with the Feast
These cheery libations are like gratitude in a glass!
Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and even if you already have your Thanksgiving menu planned out, it's not too late to add one of these seasonal cocktails to the mix. If you're looking to add something fun and extra special this year, one of these festive cocktails is the way to go!
Whether you're entertaining guests and family while playing games and watching the parade, or trying to find something to pair with impressive arrays of Thanksgiving side dishes and Thanksgiving desserts, this list is full of the very best fall flavors.
From apple cider to spiced pumpkin, from cool and crisp to warm and cozy, there's sure to be something on this list you and your guests will love.
More Thanksgiving Recipes That'll Make You Hungry:
Pumpkin Pie Spice-and-Brandy Cocktail
What could go better with a Thanksgiving than a pumpkin spiced drink? It's not just spice-flavored, either. The homemade pumpkin syrup is made with actual pumpkin puree, for both flavor and color.
Cider Mule
Fans of the Moscow Mule's clean kick take note: This ginger-spiked cider version is sure to be your new fall favorite!
Pickled Okra Martini
If you love a dirty martini, you should definitely give this one a try. Our take on this traditional drink gives it an autumnal twist, with briny and earthy pickled okra juice taking the place of the typical olive. As okra is coming into peak season, now is the perfect time to infuse the tart, vegetal, and often spicy goodness of pickled okra into the austere simplicity of a martini.
“Oh My Darling” Cocktail
Serve this up when fresh clementines are in season, and sip slowly. Fresh clementine juice is slightly sweeter and much more fragrant than store-bought orange juice.
Old-Fashioned Cider Punch
This sparkly, not-to-sweet fall party punch leans on seasonal fresh-squeezed cider and your favorite bourbon to make a drink that's so good you'll be going back for more.
Cranberry Mulled White Wine
If you find traditional mulled wine to be a little too heavy, try this lighter, white-wine version. Flavored with fall spice, cranberries, and a touch of honey, it's every bit as warming as its counterparts, but with a tart, clean taste.
Old Scholar Rye Whiskey Cocktail
Spicy rye, fresh orange juice, and muddle sage balance each other very well in this fancy fall sipper. If you can't squeeze your own orange juice, get the freshest you can find.
Woodchuck Warmer Apple Cider Cocktail
This hot cocktail gets its name from an old nickname for Vermonters—where they really take their apples seriously!
Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned
Calling it now: This smoky drink is on track to become the drink of the season.
Sparkling Cider and Bourbon Cocktail
This simple-but-delicious mixture is easy to batch: it's simply 2 parts bourbon to 3 parts cider. Fill a pitcher and let guests pour their own. You can go fancy, in champagne coups, or relaxed, in mason jars.
Whiskey River Cocktail
An easy-to-make cardamom spiced syrup gives this grapefruit and bourbon drink plenty of seasonal flavor. And the bright citrus flavors will whet everyone's appetite before the big feast.
Haymaker Cocktail
Combining the best parts of a manhattan and a whiskey sour (plus a splash of Cointreau), this cocktail goes down easy. But careful! It's stronger than it looks.
Pink Grapefruit Margaritas
Margaritas? For Thanksgiving? You better believe it! The smoky-citrus flavor of this classic drink pairs super well with a big fall feast.
Slow Cooker Pear Cider
Try making your own pear cider with this recipe. It's every bit as good as its more apply cousin, with a distinctive twist. Stiffen up this non-alcoholic version with 1/2 cup (or more) of brandy or bourbon.
Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges
The singed orange flavor combined with cinnamon and anise takes an already-good hot toddy and turns it into an ethereal holiday concoction.
Mezcal Negroni
This smoky take on the popular Italian aperitif would go well with a grill-lover's Thanksgiving menu.
Grapefruit and Rosemary Mimosa
The celebrational sparkle of champagne pairs well with an herbal rosemary syrup and bright grapefruit juice. Serve these to guests at Thanksgiving brunch.
“Nashattan” Aged Manhattan Cocktail
For this true Nashville take on the famous cocktail, you need a little time — about thirty days in a small wooden barrel, to be exact. But the results are a holiday drink that will immediately induce cheer.
Pomegranate French 75
This twist on the classic gin-and-Champagne-based French 75 cocktail subs lime juice for lemon and pomegranate molasses for simple syrup.
Grapefruit, Honey, and Rosemary Smash
This bright, mild, citrusy drink is full of fall flavor, and easy-drinking enough to please even those who aren't "cocktail people." Make it a mocktail by simply leaving out the bourbon or vodka, or adding a little plain or grapefruit soda water.
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