The turkey’s in the oven. The cranberry sauce is simmering. The table is set. As guests start to arrive, how about handing them a Thanksgiving-themed cocktail to get everyone in a festive mood?
For what’s sure to be a long, joyous celebration, we like to have a few different drinks on hand to make it through the night. Wines, of course, are a classic pairing with meals (and these bottles go great for Thanksgiving menus of all stripes) but there’s nothing quite like a cocktail to boost spirits.
When thinking about cocktails to serve, we suggest variations on the ingredients that represent the bounty of autumn—the ones that are front and center in the holiday’s famous side dishes. Think apples, cranberries, pumpkins, baking spices, citrus and more edible delights that peak in fall. The flavors that you’ll find on the dinner table are also remarkably delicious in your glass. Meanwhile, leaning into punches and easy-to-batch drinks like sangria, mulled wine and spiked ciders offer satisfying ways to make drinks without getting stuck behind the bar. Then, serve it in stunning glassware.
Mix up one of these cocktails and say cheers to all of the things to be thankful for this year.
Sparkling Cranberry Sangria
While we love cranberries as a side dish, these tart fruits are also perfect for a Thanksgiving-themed cocktail. This sparkling sangria, made with Lambrusco and rosemary, has sweet and savory notes. Plus, it’s great to batch for a crowd.
Poinsettia Holiday Cocktail
While these deep red flowers are often associated with Christmas, this poinsettia-themed cocktail brims with the Thanksgiving-friendly flavors of cranberry and orange. Topped off with Prosecco, it’ll help coax out fizzy feelings in whoever drinks one.
Waiting for Chinola
This one’s for the beer lovers. Made with lager beer and passionfruit syrup, this sunset-hued drink is garnished with fresh pomegranate—a fruit that is in season during Thanksgiving.
Stone Fence Riff #1
In the Colonial era, alcohol was an everyday drink—considered safer than water—so hard ciders were everywhere. This highball cocktail is made with the ingredient, plus aged rum and allspice syrup for a spicy kick.
Whiskey-Spiked Mulled Cider
A warm cider simmering away is the ultimate cozy-making drink. This cider—steeped with ginger and orange—can be made non-alcoholic, too.
A Slice of Pie
We love a good apple-flavored cocktail and this one channels the dessert course. It’s mixed with creme de cacao, the herbaceous Spanish spirit Licor 43 and apple brandy.
In the Shop
Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Double Rocks Set of 2
In Stock | $45
Autumn Mule
Mules—a drink made with ginger beer, citrus and a spirit—are simple to mix, which makes it an easy cocktail to serve at a party. But for a holiday where you want to impress, it’s nice to add a bit extra to this refreshing drink. This recipe uses cardamom pods, mint and allspice dram for a festive flavor profile.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
A trendy drink meets a trendy flavor. Can you even autumn without pumpkin spice? This recipe is made with vanilla vodka and coconut milk for a frothy, caffeinated experience.
Pumpkin Spice Latte (NA Friendly)
Need another riff on the perennially popular pumpkin spice latte? You can easily make this one at home. Leave it non-alcoholic or dose it with Cognac for a spirit-warming element.
Pumpkin Painkiller
Many cocktails can be modified with Thanksgiving-themed ingredients and this Painkiller, made with pumpkin-infused coconut cream, is one of the best variations we’ve tried.
Classic Hot Toddy
Perhaps you’re a purist and like classic drinks. You can’t go wrong with a hot toddy. With just a few ingredients, it may also help calm your stomach after dinner.
Mulled Wine
Is there a more Thanksgiving-adjacent drink than mulled wine? Doctor this with cranberries, cinnamon, star anise and more for a festive, warm libation.
Apple Cider Spritz
Almost every aspect of this drink is customizable. You can swap in all sorts of spirits and tweak the flavors of the syrup using whatever's in your spice rack. The only ingredient you absolutely need is cider, which gives the drink its autumnal warmth.
More Holiday Entertaining Coverage
- Making mulled wine? Then buy one of these expert-approved bottles of vino for your recipe.
- How Wine Enthusiast’s staffers celebrate the holidays.
- Read our wine guide to Thanksgiving sides.
- Five tips for making holiday meals more wine friendly.
- The eight best digestifs to sip after a big meal, according to pros.
- Avoid Thanksgiving nightmares with these tips.
In the Shop
Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Highball Set of 2
In Stock | $45
Published: November 6, 2024
