19 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails Everyone Will Love
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it’s really all about good food, family, and slowing down long enough to enjoy being together. And while the turkey and sides usually get most of the attention, I think a festive cocktail makes the day feel even more special.
Whether you need something bubbly for Thanksgiving brunch, a big-batch drink guests can help themselves to, or a cozy after-dinner cocktail to enjoy with dessert, there’s something here for everyone.
These Thanksgiving cocktails are filled with all the flavors we love this time of year—apple cider, cranberry, pumpkin spice, bourbon, maple, caramel, and plenty of fall spices.
If you’re planning drinks for the whole season, don’t miss these fall cocktails filled with apple, pumpkin, cranberry, bourbon, and other cozy flavors.
Apple Cider Thanksgiving Cocktails
Apple cider is one of the easiest ways to make a cocktail instantly feel like fall. These drinks range from light and bubbly to bold and spicy.
1. Apple Cider Martini
If you want a simple fall martini that still feels special enough for Thanksgiving, start here. Vodka, apple cider, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup create the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and cozy fall flavor.
The cinnamon-sugar rim makes it even more festive.
Martini lovers can find even more seasonal inspiration in our favorite fall martini recipes.
2. Spicy Apple Cider Margarita
For anyone who likes a little heat, this one is so good. It combines tequila and apple cider with fresh lime, orange liqueur, and homemade jalapeño-lime simple syrup.
Finish it with a TajÃn rim and you have a Thanksgiving cocktail that’s definitely not boring.
3. Apple Cider Sangria
Hosting a crowd? This might be the drink to make.
Pinot Grigio, apple cider, brandy, sliced apples, citrus, and cranberries come together in one gorgeous pitcher. Even better, you can prepare it ahead of time and add the bubbly seltzer when you’re ready to serve.
4. Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
The classic Aperol Spritz gets a fall makeover with apple cider.
Aperol, Prosecco, apple cider, and a splash of seltzer make this Thanksgiving drink light and bubbly—perfect if you want something refreshing before a heavy holiday meal.
5. Festive Fall Sparkler
This is one of those cocktails that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple.
Champagne, apple cider, and brandy are poured into a sugar-rimmed glass and finished with a sugared apple slice. You can also mix the brandy and cider ahead of time and add Champagne to each glass right before serving.
6. Bourbon Apple Barrel
Bourbon and apple are such a natural combination for fall.
The Bourbon Apple Barrel brings together rich bourbon, crisp apple flavors, and warm seasonal notes for a cozy cocktail that works especially well when Thanksgiving dinner starts turning into a long evening around the table.
If bourbon is usually your drink of choice, browse our complete collection of whiskey drinks and bourbon cocktails for even more ideas.
Cranberry Thanksgiving Cocktails
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without cranberries! Their tart flavor and gorgeous red color make them perfect for holiday drinks.
7. Cranberry Old Fashioned
Give the classic Old Fashioned a Thanksgiving twist with cranberry.
This version combines bourbon with cranberry simple syrup, fresh orange, and orange bitters. Garnish it with cranberries and a big orange twist for a beautiful holiday presentation.
8. Cranberry Orange Cocktail With Ginger
This is such a good choice when you want something festive without being overly sweet.
Cranberry juice, vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime, and ginger simple syrup create a sweet-tart cocktail with just a little spicy warmth from the ginger. You can even turn it into a big-batch Thanksgiving cocktail and prepare most of it ahead of time.
9. Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Thanksgiving morning calls for mimosas!
This fun holiday version uses whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, and Champagne. Garnish with orange, fresh cranberries, and a little rosemary and you have a beautiful drink for Thanksgiving brunch.
10. Cranberry Raspberry Martini
If you prefer fruity cocktails, try this beautiful Cranberry Raspberry Martini.
Vodka, Chambord, cranberry-raspberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lemon create a bright, slightly tart cocktail that helps balance all the rich foods on your Thanksgiving menu.
Pumpkin & Dessert Thanksgiving Cocktails
Once dinner is over and the pie comes out, it’s time for the cozy drinks. These cocktails can practically double as dessert.
11. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Coffee lovers, this one is for you.
The traditional espresso martini gets a fall upgrade with vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and pumpkin spice creamer. It’s creamy, frothy, and especially good as an after-dinner Thanksgiving cocktail.
12. Pumpkin Pie Martini
Why choose between a cocktail and dessert?
This creamy, spiced martini tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass and makes a fun addition to Thanksgiving dessert. It’s especially perfect for the pumpkin spice lovers at the table.
For even more sweet after-dinner drinks, check out these indulgent dessert martini recipes.
13. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
A classic White Russian already feels cozy, so adding pumpkin spice just makes sense.
Kahlua, vodka, pumpkin pie spice, and cream create a rich fall cocktail. For an extra special touch, rim the glass with crushed gingersnap cookies.
14. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Cafe au Lait
Sometimes you just want something warm after Thanksgiving dinner.
Strong coffee, pumpkin spice creamer, a splash of regular cream, and bourbon are topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. Grab a mug, find a comfortable spot on the couch, and call it a night.
15. Salted Caramel Martini
This is definitely dessert in a glass.
Salted Caramel Baileys, vodka, and caramel sauce create a creamy, indulgent martini. The caramel and flaky sea salt rim gives you that sweet-and-salty combination that makes it hard to stop at one sip.
More Cozy Fall Cocktails for Thanksgiving
Not every Thanksgiving cocktail has to include pumpkin or cranberry. These fall favorites give you a few more options for guests who prefer bourbon, rum, citrus, or crisp apple flavors.
16. Appletini
The Appletini is a fun choice if you want something fruity and easy to make.
Vodka, apple sour schnapps, fresh lemon juice, and a little agave are shaken together and finished with slices of red and green apples. You can even make a larger batch ahead of time for Thanksgiving.
17. The Haymaker
Looking for something a little unexpected?
The Haymaker uses equal parts bourbon, Cointreau, dry vermouth, and fresh lime juice. A lime-zest sugar rim and sugared rosemary garnish make it feel extra special for the holiday table.
18. Very Dark & Stormy
Sometimes simple really is best.
The Very Dark & Stormy combines dark rum, ginger beer, and fresh lime for an easy cocktail with plenty of warming flavor. It’s similar to a Moscow Mule but uses rich dark rum instead of vodka.
19. Smoky Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
If bourbon is your Thanksgiving drink of choice, save this one.
Bourbon, maple syrup, walnut bitters, and a touch of apple smoke give the classic Old Fashioned some serious fall personality. Pour it over a large ice cube and finish it with an orange twist for a cocktail that feels made for sitting around the fire after dinner.
Which Thanksgiving Cocktail Should You Make?
Can’t decide? Think about when you’re planning to serve it.
- For Thanksgiving brunch:Â Cranberry Orange Mimosa
- For a big crowd:Â Apple Cider Sangria
- For pre-dinner drinks:Â Festive Fall Sparkler or Apple Cider Aperol Spritz
- For margarita lovers:Â Spicy Apple Cider Margarita
- For whiskey drinkers:Â Cranberry Old Fashioned or Smoky Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
- For pumpkin spice lovers:Â Pumpkin Pie Martini or Pumpkin Spice White Russian
- For after dinner:Â Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, Salted Caramel Martini, or Spiked Pumpkin Spice Cafe au Lait
You could even choose one lighter cocktail for appetizers and one cozy drink for dessert instead of trying to offer a full bar.
And if you’re still planning the food, pair your drinks with some of our favorite Thanksgiving appetizers for an easy holiday spread.
Cheers to Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is already busy enough, so your drinks don’t need to be complicated. Pick one or two favorites, prep whatever you can ahead of time, and spend the rest of the day enjoying your family and friends.
Whether you go with apple cider, tart cranberry, cozy pumpkin spice, or a classic bourbon cocktail, any of these Thanksgiving cocktails will make your celebration feel a little more festive.
Which one are you making first?
Save this list for Thanksgiving and share it with someone who always volunteers to make the drinks!
