8 Thanksgiving Cocktails That Will Steal the Show This Holiday
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Thanksgiving is all about good food, cozy moments, and gathering around the table with your favorite people. But there’s one thing that instantly elevates the entire day — a truly great cocktail. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown feast or lounging in sweats with your family, these Thanksgiving cocktails bring all the warmth, spice, and fall flavor you want this time of year.
Here are eight crowd-pleasing drinks that are easy to make, photogenic enough for your feed, and guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
1. Apple Cider Bourbon Smash
A fall staple. This cocktail is crisp, cozy, and dangerously drinkable.
Ingredients:
• Apple cider
• Bourbon
• Lemon juice
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon stick + apple slices for garnish
Why it works: The sweetness of cider meets the warmth of bourbon — basically Thanksgiving in a glass.
2. Cranberry Rosemary Spritz
Light, festive, and perfect for sipping while you finish cooking.
Ingredients:
• Vodka
• Cranberry juice
• Sparkling water or Prosecco
• Rosemary simple syrup
• Fresh cranberries
Why it works: The rosemary feels fancy without being complicated, and the color is peak holiday aesthetic.
3. Spiced Pear Mule
A simple Moscow Mule with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients:
• Vodka
• Pear nectar
• Lime
• Ginger beer
• Cinnamon
Why it works: Pear is the underrated fall queen — and the ginger beer adds the perfect bite.
4. Pumpkin Pie Martini
Dessert in cocktail form.
Ingredients:
• Vanilla vodka
• Pumpkin purée
• Kahlúa or Irish cream
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped cream
Why it works: This is the final course and nightcap all in one. People love it.
5. Maple Old Fashioned
A cozy upgrade to a classic.
Ingredients:
• Bourbon
• Maple syrup
• Bitters
• Orange peel
• Ice
Why it works: It’s smooth, strong, and just sweet enough. Ideal for the “I don’t like sweet cocktails” crowd.
6. Harvest Sangria
Make a big pitcher and let your guests help themselves.
Ingredients:
• White wine
• Apple cider
• Brandy
• Chopped apples, oranges, pears
• Cinnamon sticks
Why it works: Easy, make-ahead, and always a hit.
7. Chai White Russian
A cozy twist on the classic.
Ingredients:
• Vodka
• Coffee liqueur
• Chai concentrate or chai-spiced cream
• Cinnamon
Why it works: Think creamy, spiced, rich — perfect for after-dinner sipping.
8. Honey Sage Gin Fizz
Herby, fresh, and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
• Gin
• Lemon juice
• Honey sage simple syrup
• Club soda
• Fresh sage
Why it works: This one tastes like fancy farmhouse Thanksgiving — light, botanical, and refreshing.
Final Tips for Hosting a Thanksgiving Cocktail Moment
• Offer one signature cocktail + one batch cocktail for easier hosting
• Prep garnishes ahead of time (dehydrated oranges, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, sage)
• Use fun glassware (yes, this is where your brand products shine 👀)
• Add a non-alcoholic version for guests who prefer it