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20 Must-Try Thanksgiving Cocktails

Thanksgiving Cocktails

Thanksgiving cocktails are a fun way to bring seasonal flavors to your holiday table and make gatherings feel even more special. These drinks often highlight classic fall ingredients like apple cider, cranberry, pumpkin, and warm spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Whether you prefer something light and bubbly, smooth and spiced, or rich and cozy, there is a cocktail that fits the mood. Many can be prepared in large batches, making them easy to serve for family dinners or parties. From refreshing punches to warming mixes, Thanksgiving cocktails are a festive addition that guests will enjoy sharing together.

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Fig Old Fashioned

fig old fashioned

The Fig Old Fashioned is a creative take on the timeless classic, bringing warmth and depth to every sip. Bourbon provides a rich base with smooth caramel notes, while fig simple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that feels natural and comforting.

A touch of bitters rounds out the drink with balance, keeping the flavors layered but not overwhelming. Stirred until perfectly chilled and served over a large ice cube, it makes a striking presentation in the glass. Finished with a fresh fig for garnish, this cocktail is perfect for fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or when you want a cozy classic.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

The Pumpkin Spice White Russian is a seasonal twist on the classic cocktail, bringing the cozy flavors of autumn into a creamy, coffee-forward drink. The mix of vodka, coffee liqueur, and heavy cream is enriched with pumpkin puree, pumpkin syrup, and warm pumpkin pie spice.

Topped with optional garnishes like whipped cream or crushed graham crackers, this drink feels festive yet comforting. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, fall parties, or simply enjoying by the fire on a cool evening. A dessert-like cocktail, it delivers smooth richness with a touch of seasonal flair.

Sparkling Thanksgiving Cocktail

Sparkling Thanksgiving Cocktail

The Sparkling Thanksgiving Cocktail is a festive drink that adds cheer to any holiday celebration. It brings together smooth vodka with the crisp flavors of apple and cranberry juice for a balance of sweet and tart.

Topped with chilled champagne, it has a lively sparkle that makes it perfect for raising a glass with family and friends. The mix is refreshing and easy to enjoy, yet special enough to feel celebratory. Served in flutes or cocktail glasses, this drink looks beautiful at the table and sets the mood for gratitude, laughter, and good times during the Thanksgiving season.

Maple Bacon Old Fashioned

maple bacon old fashioned

The Maple Bacon Old Fashioned is a bold twist on a timeless classic, bringing together sweet, smoky, and rich flavors in one memorable drink. This cocktail starts with the smooth depth of bourbon, which pairs beautifully with the comforting sweetness of maple syrup.

The addition of smoky bacon gives it a savory note that makes the drink stand out from more traditional versions. Balanced with a touch of bitters, it offers both warmth and complexity without being overwhelming. Served over ice and garnished with a crisp piece of bacon, it is perfect for fall evenings, gatherings, or after-dinner sipping.

Fall Spiced Whiskey Sour

Fall Spiced Whiskey Sour

The Fall Spiced Whiskey Sour takes a classic cocktail and gives it a seasonal refresh. Whiskey forms the base, layered with crisp apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and the smooth sweetness of maple syrup.

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Pumpkin pie spice ties it all together with warm autumn character, making each glass both refreshing and comforting. Served over ice and finished with a garnish of apple or rosemary, it’s a drink that fits perfectly with cool evenings, festive gatherings, and holiday celebrations. This version is balanced, flavorful, and simple to prepare while still feeling special for the season.

Cranberry Apple Spice Mule

Cranberry Apple Spice Mule

The Cranberry Apple Spice Mule is a festive twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made to fit perfectly with Thanksgiving celebrations. This cocktail blends smooth vodka with crisp apple cider and the tart flavor of cranberry sauce, creating a base that feels both fruity and seasonal.

A splash of ginger beer adds a refreshing kick of spice, giving each sip a lively finish. Served in the traditional copper mug and garnished with fresh cranberries or apple slices, it looks as good as it tastes. Easy to make in single servings or batches, it is a crowd-pleasing choice for holiday gatherings.

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

Cranberry Bourbon Sour

The Cranberry Bourbon Sour is a festive drink that brings seasonal flavor to Thanksgiving gatherings. It takes the classic bourbon sour and gives it a holiday touch with tart cranberry juice and the bright taste of fresh lemon.

The smooth warmth of bourbon ties everything together, while a dash of orange bitters adds depth and a hint of spice. Served over ice, this cocktail is both refreshing and cozy, making it a great choice for holiday dinners or relaxing by the fire. Garnished with cranberries or an orange peel, it is as beautiful as it is flavorful.

Ruby Vermouth Spritz

Ruby Vermouth Spritz

The Ruby Vermouth Spritz is a light and refreshing cocktail that fits beautifully on the Thanksgiving table. It combines the smooth, herbal notes of red vermouth with the crisp citrus flavor of ruby red grapefruit juice, creating a balance of sweet and tart.

A touch of Angostura bitters adds depth and warmth, while a splash of seltzer gives the drink a sparkling finish. Garnished with fresh grapefruit slices and a sprig of rosemary, it looks festive and inviting. Easy to prepare in single servings or larger batches, this spritz is an ideal choice for holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Harvest Apple Spritz

Harvest Apple Spritz

The Harvest Apple Spritz is a festive cocktail that feels right at home during Thanksgiving celebrations. It blends the crisp taste of apple with the earthy flavor of sage and the gentle spice of ginger, creating a drink that is both cozy and refreshing.

A touch of citrus brightens the mix, while the sparkling finish makes it light and easy to enjoy with a holiday meal. Garnished with fresh herbs or apple slices, it looks as inviting as it tastes. Simple to prepare, this spritz is a perfect choice for Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends.

Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz

The Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz is a festive cocktail that brings warmth and sparkle to Thanksgiving gatherings. It combines the smooth richness of bourbon with the bright flavor of fresh lemon and the comforting sweetness of spiced maple syrup.

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The drink is topped with chilled champagne, giving it a bubbly finish that feels celebratory and fun. Garnished with a slice of orange and a star anise pod, it looks just as inviting as it tastes. Both cozy and refreshing, this cocktail is a wonderful choice for sharing with family and friends during Thanksgiving dinner or seasonal holiday parties.

Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail

Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail

The Sparkling Apple Pie Cocktail is a festive drink that brings the cozy taste of apple pie to your Thanksgiving table. It blends crisp apple juice with the sweet spice of cinnamon schnapps and is finished with sparkling wine for a bubbly touch.

The flavors are warm yet refreshing, making it a great choice to enjoy with family and friends during the holiday. A rim of cinnamon sugar and a fresh apple slice garnish make each glass look inviting and festive. Easy to prepare, this cocktail is a perfect way to toast Thanksgiving with flavor and seasonal charm.

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita

The Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margarita is a seasonal twist on the classic margarita, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings. Mezcal (or tequila) provides the base, with mezcal offering a bold smokiness that pairs beautifully with the crisp sweetness of apple cider.

Orange liqueur adds citrus balance, while lime juice and maple syrup bring brightness and warmth. Finished with a cinnamon sugar–salt rim, apple slices, and a cinnamon stick, this cocktail is both aromatic and festive. Optional rosemary sprigs and a flamed cinnamon stick can enhance the presentation and aroma, making it a drink that feels truly seasonal.

Cranberry Thyme Spritz

Cranberry Thyme Spritz

The Cranberry Thyme Spritz is a refreshing cocktail that makes a lovely addition to any Thanksgiving celebration. It combines the tart flavor of cranberries with the fragrant, herbal notes of thyme and a light touch of elderflower for a balanced and seasonal taste.

A splash of ginger beer brings gentle spice and fizz, while a drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness to round out the flavors. Served over ice and garnished with fresh cranberries or a sprig of thyme, it looks festive on the table. This spritz is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash

Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash

The Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash is a festive cocktail that feels just right for Thanksgiving gatherings. It blends the natural sweetness of figs with the smooth richness of honey and the fresh, herbal taste of thyme, creating a drink that is both flavorful and seasonal.

Topped with crisp, bubbly prosecco, it has a light and refreshing finish that balances the deeper notes of fruit and honey. Garnished with fresh figs or a sprig of thyme, it looks as beautiful as it tastes. This cocktail is an inviting way to toast with family and friends during the holiday season.

Spiced Pear Gin

Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail

The Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail is a flavorful drink that brings the taste of the season to your Thanksgiving celebration. It combines crisp gin with sweet pear juice and spiced pear liqueur, creating a smooth base filled with fruity warmth.

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A dash of cardamom bitters adds gentle spice and depth, making each sip layered and interesting. Garnished with a slice of fresh pear and a sprig of thyme, this cocktail looks festive and inviting on the table. Both refreshing and aromatic, it is an ideal choice for serving guests at Thanksgiving dinners or cozy fall gatherings with family and friends.

Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritz

Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritz

The Thanksgiving Bourbon Pear Spritz is a festive cocktail that highlights the cozy flavors of the season. Smooth bourbon is paired with the gentle sweetness of pear juice, while ginger adds a touch of spice and sage brings an herbal note that feels perfect for fall.

The drink is topped with a light sparkle, making it both refreshing and warming at the same time. Garnished with fresh pear slices and a sprig of sage, it looks just as seasonal as it tastes. This cocktail is a wonderful choice for Thanksgiving gatherings, offering guests a flavorful way to toast the holiday.

Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz

Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz

The Bourbon Apple Cider Fizz is a festive cocktail that fits perfectly on the Thanksgiving table. It blends the smooth warmth of bourbon with the crisp taste of apple cider, creating a mix that feels cozy yet refreshing.

A splash of sparkling wine adds lively bubbles that make it feel special for the holiday. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, it carries the comforting flavors of fall while also looking festive in the glass. Easy to prepare for a group or as single servings, this cocktail is an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends during Thanksgiving gatherings.

Thanksgiving Sangria

Thanksgiving Sangria

Thanksgiving Sangria is a festive twist on the classic drink, filled with flavors that highlight the season. It starts with dry white wine and apple cider, which give the base a crisp and refreshing taste. Brandy adds warmth, while fresh pumpkin, apple, and pomegranate bring in the colors and flavors of fall.

To finish, a splash of ginger beer gives the sangria a fizzy kick that keeps it lively and fun to share. Served in a pitcher with slices of fruit, this sangria is an inviting choice for Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash

Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash

The Apple Cinnamon Whiskey Smash is a cozy cocktail that feels just right for Thanksgiving gatherings. It combines the smooth warmth of whiskey with the sweet taste of apple cider, while a hint of cinnamon adds comforting spice. Fresh apple slices and mint give the drink a refreshing twist, balancing the richness of the other flavors. Served over ice, it is both inviting and easy to sip, making it a great choice for sharing with family and friends. With its blend of seasonal flavors, this cocktail is perfect for enjoying on a crisp fall evening or during holiday celebrations.

Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail

Wild Turkey Thanksgiving Cocktail

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.

20 Must-Try Thanksgiving Cocktails
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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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