15 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktail Ideas

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and festive drinks. As someone who loves to host, I’ve found that serving special cocktails adds an extra touch of cheer to the holiday gathering. Mixing up tasty drinks doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

I’ve put together 15 easy Thanksgiving cocktail ideas that anyone can make at home with basic ingredients. These recipes are simple but impressive, perfect for toasting with loved ones or sipping while preparing the big meal.

From autumn-inspired twists on classics to creative new concoctions, there’s something here for every taste.

1. Cranberry Moscow Mule

I love making this festive twist on a classic Moscow Mule for Thanksgiving. Here’s my simple recipe:

In a copper mug, combine:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer

Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary or sage.

The tart cranberry perfectly balances the spicy ginger beer. It’s refreshing and seasonally appropriate. My guests always enjoy sipping these from chilled copper mugs.

2. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This festive twist on a classic cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving. I mix vodka, Kahlua, and pumpkin spice creamer in a shaker with ice.

I pour it into a glass rimmed with crushed graham crackers and pumpkin pie spice. A cinnamon stick makes a nice garnish.

I sometimes use vanilla vodka for extra flavor. The pumpkin spice and coffee notes blend wonderfully. This drink is creamy and cozy and captures the essence of fall.

3. Apple Cider Margarita

This fall twist on a classic margarita is perfect for Thanksgiving. Here’s how I make it:

Rim a glass with cinnamon sugar. Fill the glass with ice.

Pour 2 oz tequila, 2 oz apple cider, and 1 oz orange liqueur into a shaker with ice. Shake well for about 30 seconds.

Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice to taste.

Give it a quick stir. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick if desired.

This cocktail combines apple cider’s warmth with tequila’s kick for a festive holiday drink.

4. Maple Bourbon Smash

I love making this Maple Bourbon Smash for Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect blend of autumn flavors.

Here’s how I make it:

In a shaker, I combine 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of pure maple syrup, and 1 ounce each of fresh lemon and orange juice. I add 2-3 dashes of bitters – Angostura or orange work well.

I fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake it hard for about 25 seconds. Then I strain it into a glass filled with ice.

For a finishing touch, I garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. The result is a delicious, seasonal cocktail that will impress my guests.

5. Pomegranate Gin Fizz

I love this festive and refreshing cocktail for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make and looks beautiful in a glass.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a shaker with ice
• Add gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup
• Shake well and strain into an ice-filled glass
• Top with club soda
• Garnish with pomegranate seeds

The bright red color and fizzy texture make this drink perfect for holiday celebrations.

6. Spiced Rum Punch

I love making this festive punch for Thanksgiving gatherings. Here’s my simple recipe:

In a large punch bowl, I mix 2 cups spiced rum, 4 cups apple cider, 2 cups cranberry juice, and 1 cup orange juice.

I add 1/4 cup honey and stir until dissolved. Then I toss in some cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices for extra flavor.

Just before serving, I pour in 2 cups of ginger beer for a bubbly kick. I serve it over ice and garnish each glass with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

This punch is always a hit with its warm fall flavors and festive look.

7. Bourbon Apple Cider

I love this cozy fall cocktail that combines two seasonal favorites. To make it, I mix 2 ounces of bourbon with 4 ounces of apple cider in a glass filled with ice.

I add a splash of lemon juice for brightness and a dash of cinnamon for warmth. A cinnamon stick makes a nice garnish and adds more spice flavor as you sip.

For extra flair, I sometimes rim the glass with cinnamon sugar before pouring. This drink always reminds me of crisp autumn days and Thanksgiving gatherings with family.

8. Ginger Pear Martini

I love this elegant cocktail for Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect blend of fall flavors.

To make it, I shake 2 oz pear vodka, 1 oz pear nectar, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz ginger syrup with ice.

Then I strain it into a chilled martini glass. For a festive touch, I garnish with a thin pear slice and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

The ginger adds a nice spicy kick that complements the sweet pear perfectly. It’s refreshing yet cozy – just right for autumn sipping.

9. Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

This twist on a classic whiskey sour adds warmth and spice to the perfect fall cocktail. Here’s how I make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• Ice
• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine whiskey, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Strain into a rock glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

The cinnamon syrup combines a cozy autumn flavor nicely with the bourbon and bright citrus. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving gatherings.

10. Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

I love making this cozy Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned for Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s a delicious twist on a classic cocktail.

To make it, I start by creating a spiced chai simple syrup. I mix this with a good bourbon, a splash of winter citrus juice, and a hint of vanilla extract.

I pour the mixture over ice in a rock glass and top it with a bit of sparkling water for some fizz. A cinnamon stick and orange peel make nice garnishes.

This drink has warm fall flavors that pair perfectly with Thanksgiving dishes. It’s not overly sweet or strong, so most guests enjoy it.

11. Sparkling Cranberry Sangria

I love this festive and bubbly Thanksgiving cocktail. It’s easy to make and looks beautiful in a glass.

Here’s my recipe:

1 bottle white wine 25 oz sparkling cranberry juice 1 sliced apple 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 1 sprig rosemary

I mix the wine and juice in a pitcher. Then I add the fruit and rosemary. I chill it for at least an hour before serving.

Right before serving, I add some ice to keep it cold. This sangria is light, fruity, and perfect for sipping while cooking or visiting with guests.

12. Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy Thanksgiving cocktail that warms you up on chilly evenings. I love how simple it is to make.

Here’s my recipe:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 6 oz hot water

I mix the butter, sugar, and spices in a mug. Then I pour in the rum and hot water. I stir until everything is well combined.

This drink is perfect for sipping by the fire after a big Thanksgiving meal. The warm, spiced flavors are so comforting.

13. Maple Old Fashioned

I love this twist on a classic cocktail. The Maple Old Fashioned adds a touch of autumn sweetness to the traditional recipe.

Here’s how to make it:

In a rocks glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz pure maple syrup, and 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add ice and stir until chilled. Garnish with an orange peel and a cocktail cherry.

The maple syrup brings a rich, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with the bourbon. It’s a simple yet sophisticated drink that’s sure to impress guests at your Thanksgiving gathering.

14. Caramel Apple Mimosa

I love making this festive fall cocktail for Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s simple yet impressive.

To make a Caramel Apple Mimosa, I start by rimming champagne flutes with caramel sauce and a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

In each glass, I pour 1/4 cup apple cider and 1/4 cup champagne or sparkling wine. Then I add 1-2 tablespoons of caramel vodka.

I give it a gentle stir and garnish it with a thin apple slice. The sweet, bubbly drink tastes just like a caramel apple.

For a non-alcoholic version, I use sparkling apple cider instead of champagne. It’s equally delicious and great for all guests.

15. Blood Orange Bourbon Sour

I love this twist on a classic bourbon sour. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving with its seasonal flavors.

To make it, I combine:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Dash of bitters

I shake all ingredients with ice and strain them into a rock glass over fresh ice. For garnish, I add a blood orange slice.

The blood orange gives it a beautiful color and unique citrusy-sweet taste that pairs well with the bourbon. It’s tart, smooth, and very drinkable.