The Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail is a simple yet flavorful bourbon drink that’s perfect for the holiday season. With bourbon at its core, this cocktail gains brightness from fresh lemon juice and balance from a touch of simple syrup. Served over ice and garnished with a lemon twist, it’s crisp, refreshing, and spirit-forward without being overly heavy. Its clean profile makes it an excellent pairing for hearty Thanksgiving meals or as a welcoming pre-dinner drink. Easy to prepare, it delivers a classic balance of sweet, tart, and bold flavors that celebrate the season.

This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy

Quick Content Links

Tasting Notes

The Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail highlights the bold character of bourbon with a refreshing, citrus-forward balance. Bourbon provides warmth with notes of oak, caramel, and spice, while fresh lemon juice cuts through with crisp acidity. Simple syrup rounds everything out with gentle sweetness, creating a smooth and approachable profile. Served over ice, this cocktail is both refreshing and robust, making it an excellent choice for fall gatherings. The lemon twist garnish enhances the aroma with bright citrus oils, giving the drink a polished finish. It’s a straightforward yet flavorful cocktail that celebrates bourbon in a festive way.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail, you’ll need a few basic bar tools. A shaker ensures the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup mix thoroughly while chilling quickly. A jigger provides accurate measurement to keep the flavors balanced. A bar spoon is useful if you’d like to adjust sweetness before serving. A strainer makes for a clean pour into your serving glass, leaving the ice behind. For presentation, a rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass works best, giving the drink a classic look while allowing room for large ice cubes and garnish. A peeler or paring knife helps create a neat lemon twist.

Ingredients

1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce lemon juice
1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
Lemon peel twist garnish

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 25 to 30 seconds.
Place larger ice cubes in your serving glass.
Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice in the prepared glass.
Enjoy your Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail!

Pro Tips

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brighter flavor.
Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your sweetness preference.
Choose large ice cubes to maintain chill and reduce dilution.
Express the lemon twist directly over the glass for maximum aroma.
Try a spiced simple syrup for a seasonal variation.
Pre-chill the serving glass for a crisper presentation.
Taste before serving and fine-tune balance if needed.

When to Serve

The Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail is an excellent choice for autumn gatherings, particularly around Thanksgiving. Its balance of bourbon, citrus, and sweetness makes it a versatile cocktail that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. It works nicely as a pre-dinner aperitif to open the palate or as a lighter whiskey-based option alongside dessert. With its straightforward preparation and approachable flavor, it’s ideal for serving to guests at holiday dinners, casual family gatherings, or even quiet evenings at home. This cocktail captures the warmth and brightness of the season in a simple, polished glass.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Bourbon: Wild Turkey 101 for bold character, Buffalo Trace for smoothness, or Maker’s Mark for a softer profile.
Simple Syrup: Homemade for customization, or Monin and Torani for reliable sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; bottled options like Lakewood Organic are a backup.
Garnish: Fresh, firm lemons for clean, aromatic twists.

Similar Cocktails