10 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Pair With Your Meal

You deserve the best culinary experience on Thanksgiving. Whether you’re hosting loved ones or attending someone else’s dinner, you can elevate your dining experience with clever cocktails that celebrate the season. Check out a few Thanksgiving cocktails everyone will love, no matter what you traditionally eat for dinner.

1. Pumpkin-Spiced Whiskey Sour

Sometimes, people skip potential cocktail ideas because they sound complicated. The good news is that you can make a pumpkin-spiced whiskey sour without any mixology experience. Add two ounces of whiskey, one ounce of lemon juice, and whiskey sour mix to a glass. Add pumpkin spice syrup to taste and mix before serving it over ice.

2. Apple Cider Margarita

Apples are a foundational fall food. Add them to your Thanksgiving cocktails this year by making apple cider margaritas. Add three ounces of tequila, one ounce of triple sec and one ounce of lime juice to a glass. Top it with apple cider and mix. You’ll enjoy that classic margarita flavor you love while the apple micronutrients prevent chronic diseases with the power of bioactive constituents. 

3. Cranberry Prosecco Sparkler

Washing down a savory bite of turkey with a sparkling drink is so refreshing. Treat yourself and your loved ones to cranberry prosecco sparklers to create that exact experience. You only need to add five ounces of cold prosecco to each cocktail glass and top them off with sweetened cranberry juice. It’s a two-ingredient Thanksgiving cocktail that makes any meal feel fancier.

4. Pumpkin Martini

Martinis are among the most iconic drinks. Give yours an autumn twist by turning it into a pumpkin-inspired beverage. Add one ounce of vanilla vodka, one ounce of Irish cream liquor, one tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a quarter teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a cocktail shaker. Shake thoroughly with ice before serving it in chilled martini glasses.

5. Winter Blossom Cocktail

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving cocktail that will warm you right down to your toes, try a winter blossom beverage this fall. It uses hibiscus-infused shochu to create a berry flavor with a hint of floral hibiscus notes. You’ll feel like you’re indulging in autumn berry pies while sipping on this easy drink. Add plum juice, lemon juice and amaretto to your glass to create the perfect balance between tart and sweet flavor profiles.

6. Pear Sangria

People wait all year just to enjoy sangrias in the fall. They most often feature autumn fruits, which is why a pear sangria could be the best addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Add a bottle of Riesling, two cups of pear juice, three cups of ginger ale and one sliced pear to a large drink dispenser. Chill it overnight and serve cold. The fruity, bubbly drink will add an extra layer of fun to your meal, no matter what you serve.

7. Hot Buttered Rum

Anyone who wants to take on a more elaborate Thanksgiving cocktail can try making hot buttered rum for their guests. You’ll need to create a batter base, which includes ingredients like brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon and more. Refrigerate the base when it’s ready.

When it’s time to pour each glass, add two tablespoons of batter, top it with two ounces of dark rum and ⅔ cup of hot water. If you mix it thoroughly and top it with whipped cream, you’ll serve fancy cocktails everyone will be talking about through the new year.

8. Pumpkin White Russian

Turkey is delicious, but it can also make everyone sleepy. Fight off the post-Thanksgiving yawns by serving pumpkin white Russians. They keep everyone awake with a small amount of caffeine. Combine one ounce of coffee liquor, one ounce of vodka, two ounces of half and half, plus half a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to each cocktail glass. Serve this drink over ice alongside a slice of pumpkin pie.

9. Mulled Wine

Mulled wine could be the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail for your loved ones if they all prefer wine. It’s also ideal for party hosts who want to make one big batch of drinks and simplify their kitchen routine this year. Combine a bottle of dry red wine, brandy, and a sliced orange in a large saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and let it stay there between 15-30 minutes. Pour it through a strainer and serve this cocktail warm. You could even get holiday-themed mugs to complete your meal.

10. Maple Old-Fashioned

An old-fashioned will keep the conversation flowing and warm everyone while you finish the last touches of your Thanksgiving meal. Combine three ounces of bourbon, one ounce of maple syrup and a few dashes of aromatic bitters before serving over ice. Your guests will love this easy cocktail because it tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant.

Enjoy Making Thanksgiving Cocktails This Year

Explore the world of Thanksgiving cocktails before the holiday arrives. If you know what flavors your guests prefer and how much time you want to invest in the kitchen, you’ll find the best beverage recipes to accompany your feast.