Are you hosting a Thanksgiving gathering at your house this year and not sure what to serve your guests? Or do you want to help your friends out by presenting them with fun and quirky ideas for Thanksgiving drinks and holiday cocktails to make their evening eventful? You’ve come to the right place. Thanksgiving is a time to share meals, laughter, and stories with loved ones. And no Thanksgiving feast would be complete without a selection of festive drinks that capture the warmth and spirit of the holiday.
Whether it’s cozy mulled wine by the fire, a refreshing cranberry margarita, or family-friendly sparkling cider, there are endless choices to make your Thanksgiving gathering extra special. This guide will introduce you to a range of Thanksgiving drinks, holiday cocktails, and festive mocktails that delight guests of all ages!
Cozy Warm Drinks: Setting the Mood for Thanksgiving
Nothing says cozy Thanksgiving like a warm, comforting drink. Try these seasonal staples to set the mood.
1. Mulled Wine
Warm up with classic mulled wine this Thanksgiving.Originally a European holiday beverage, mulled wine has become a popular Thanksgiving drink. Red wine combined with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise are heated up to coax out deep flavors and soothing aromas. Pouring it in warm mugs can help the guests settle in and feel welcomed.
Recipe Tip: Add a little honey or brown sugar to balance out the acidity of the wine, and then let flavors meld over low heat for added sweetness.
2. Hot Apple Cider
Steaming apple cider, a Thanksgiving favorite.You might have come across many apple cider recipes whenever you’re searching for the best Thanksgiving drinks. But we promise to bring you the best one. A Thanksgiving staple, steaming hot apple cider warms the season in an especially accessible drink. Begin with apple juice or unfiltered apple cider; add cinnamon sticks and a few cloves, and finish with a dash of allspice. Simply simmer and serve with slices of orange to complete the drink. PS. Add bourbon to change this kid-friendly recipe to something your adult friends will enjoy.
Serving Tip: Consider using a slow cooker to keep the cider warm for self-serve refills for larger gatherings.
3. Pumpkin-Spiced Latte
Indulgent pumpkin-spiced latte for coffee lovers.Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete for coffee lovers without a pumpkin-spiced latte. Use strong coffee or espresso mixed with steamed milk, pumpkin puree, or syrup and top with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then topped with whipped cream. It is an easy treat that all can enjoy, especially after dessert.
Customization Tip: Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking so that every glass is just right for your party.
Festive Cocktails: Thanksgiving Fun with a Seasonal Twist
For the party people, these seasonal holiday cocktails bring flavor and color to the Thanksgiving gathering table.
4. Cranberry Margarita
Cranberry margarita with a festive twist.Add a Thanksgiving spin to a classic cocktail with a cranberry margarita. Made of cranberry juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime squeezed for garnish, complete this recipe with whole cranberries and rosemary, just for that festive pop to the cocktail. That adds a bit of cranberry tartness to compensate for the bold flavoring of the tequila.
Tip: To add flavor to the rim of glasses before serving, mix some sugar or salt with cinnamon before applying to the rims.
5. Spiced Rum Punch
Light and fruity spiced rum punch.This spiced rum punch is perfect for a lighter, fruity option. This punch involves mixing spiced rum with apple cider, pineapple juice, and a splash of ginger beer. This punch blends in sweetness and a twist of spice, making it refreshingly warming and perfect as an addition to any Thanksgiving table.
Bonus Tip: Garnish with slices of apple and orange for a bright seasonal presentation of this punch.
6. Apple Bourbon Smash
Refreshing apple bourbon smash for the holiday.It’s another one of apple cider recipes, but this one is our favorite. Bourbon is combined with apple cider, lemon juice, and a dash of maple syrup. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick if you want the drink to accompany your Thanksgiving meal.
Tip: Muddle some fresh apple slices into lemon juice within the glass if you prefer a strong fruity taste.
Non-Alcoholic Options
For visitors of all ages, these Thanksgiving mocktails offer the spirit of holiday drinks without liquor so everyone can cheer.
7. Sparkling Apple Cider
Bubbly sparkling apple cider for all ages.This easy-to-make sparkling apple cider combines apple juice with club soda or sparkling water for a bubbly twist. Mix in some lemon juice, add some cinnamon, and it tastes richer. This Thanksgiving drink might be ideal for kids, yet pretty refined enough that adults won’t mind finishing it over sliced apples.
Serving Suggestion: Add a cinnamon stick to stir into this for its visual and flavorful effect.
8. Cinnamon Cranberry Cooler
Cinnamon cranberry cooler, sweet and tart.Cranberry juice and cinnamon syrup will be combined to create a sweet-tart festive mocktail. Finish it with a splash of sparkling water and an orange slice as a garnish to give the color and the taste.
Recipe Tip: You can make the cinnamon syrup at home by mixing sugar and water in equal proportions. Keep simmering with sticks of cinnamon till sugar fully dissolves.
9. Pomegranate Spritzer
Pomegranate spritzer, bright and refreshing.Beautiful, refreshing, and healthy, this drink combines pomegranate juice with club soda, a squeeze of lime, and some pomegranate seeds as garnish. The bright red and fruity flavors make it visually appealing on any Thanksgiving table. Hence, this is a valuable addition to our list of Thanksgiving beverages.
Customization Tip: Add a splash of orange juice or lemonade to make it sweeter and more layered in flavor.
Signature Thanksgiving Drink Ideas: Create Memorable Experiences
Make a signature Thanksgiving drink to make your gathering special and different. Here are a few ideas to make an impact for Thanksgiving.
10. Thanksgiving Sangria
Festive Thanksgiving sangria with seasonal fruits.Combine red or white wine with apple cider, orange liqueur, and seasonal fruits, including apples, oranges, and cranberries. Allow the sangria to chill for a few hours before serving to let the flavors mingle.
Flavor Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or star anise to give that sangria a spiced finish, which blends well with most dishes served on Thanksgiving.
11. Rosemary and Thyme Cocktail
Herb-infused cocktail for a refined taste.Capture Thanksgiving’s earthy essence with a herb-infused cocktail. Infuse vodka or gin with fresh rosemary and thyme, mix them with lemon juice and honey, and you get one of the simplest yet classy cocktails. This cocktail is simple yet elegant and has a light, refreshing flavor that pairs well with savory Thanksgiving sides.
Serving Suggestion: Garnish with rosemary or thyme before adding the drink to each glass.
Wrapping It Up: Share the Holiday Spirit with Thanksgiving Drinks
Bring some warmth, flavor, and fun to your dinner table this Thanksgiving holiday with warm, flavorful, and fun drinks. Whether cozied-up mulled wine, spiced hot apple cider, refreshing mocktail, or a signature cocktail, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to customize your menu with a Thanksgiving sangria or a specially prepared herb-infused cocktail to make the day unforgettable. Cheers!
These Thanksgiving drinks come with old favorites and new twists for the holiday season, ensuring everyone gets a chance to be together in the spirit of Thanksgiving. As you enjoy trying these recipes with your friends and family, drop down your favorite choice in the comments below.
References/Resources
Halfbakedharvest
reddit
Allrecipes
Southernliving
Howsweeteats
Lovetoknow
reddit
