51 Thanksgiving Cocktails & Mocktails To Top Dessert in 2025

Why not mix things up this Turkey Day with some festive Thanksgiving cocktails? While everyone’s putting their effort into new and creative takes on familiar dishes, the drinks deserve some love too. For the host who likes to experiment, cocktails are another way to get creative and honestly, they can be just as good as any Thanksgiving dessert. You can even serve them in place of one if you want to end the meal on a lighter note. And with current drinking trends, taking a little creative license with your drinks isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected.

According to Datassential, even the simplest pours are getting a glow-up with premium spirits, bitters and fresh ingredients. That sense of reinvention fits Thanksgiving perfectly, where tradition always leaves room for something new.

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• Join a Mixology Class This Thanksgiving
• Best Fall-Themed Thanksgiving Cocktails
• Best Thanksgiving Dessert Drinks
• Best Nonalcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks
• Fun Thanksgiving Drinks For The Family

Join a Mixology Class This Thanksgiving

Pairing cocktails with Thanksgiving charcuterie boards or Thanksgiving salads isn’t always as simple as pouring wine or beer. The key is understanding how flavors work together. A savory turkey, for example, goes well with a dry gin cocktail, the sweetness of vermouth or a bright brandy with apricot or lemon notes. 

Nailing the basics of perfectly balanced Thanksgiving cocktails gives you the creative freedom to experiment with seasonal flavors. And what better way to do that than hosting a fun, interactive Thanksgiving activity at your holiday party with mixology classes in Chicago, Las Vegas, or San Diego (to name a few).

You can even stream online mixology classes where you can learn from an expert how to pair flavors of fruit, citrus, smoke or spice with the various underlying herbs and notes in your favorite spirit — all the better to pair your food with. Mixologists can point you in the right direction for mixing up the best cocktails for the season or year-round favorites, even better than at your local watering hole. Put it on an experience gift card and you've sorted out a fun holiday or birthday gift for cocktail lovers, too. 

Best Fall-Themed Thanksgiving Cocktails

1. Earl Grey Bourbon Punch

Welcome guests with a refreshing Thanksgiving cocktail that’s easy to serve by the pitcher. Make a show-stopping giant ice ring in a bundt pan with lemon slices and rosemary, then pour over a mix of chilled Earl Grey, lemon, honey, orange bitters and bourbon. This tasty sipper will get your guests ready for the feast ahead. 

2. Cranberry Aperol Spritz

The Aperol spritz is a classic pre-dinner drink any time of year, but you can easily turn it into everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving cocktail with a quick addition. Simply add a dash or two of 100% cranberry juice to a regular Aperol spritz. Garnish with an orange wedge, a few fresh cranberries and maybe a sprig of rosemary and enjoy. 

3. Campari And Cranberry

Another slightly bitter Thanksgiving cocktail that’s perfect for kick-starting digestion, this bold red beverage calls for just three ingredients: sparkling wine of your choice, a bit of Campari and a dash of cranberry juice. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve in a tall glass, over ice. It's a little bit upscale, the kind of drink you'll find served up at restaurants open on Thanksgiving. 

4. Gold Rush

While enjoying the gorgeous shades of red and gold of the season, why not sip on a Thanksgiving cocktail that feels just as vibrant? The Gold Rush is almost a whiskey sour, but with two simple changes: honey instead of simple syrup and no egg whites. It’s warming and refreshing all at once, perfect for sipping before or after the big meal. 

5. Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler

While cranberries might feel like the obvious fall choice, pears are also in season and balance well with your favorite bourbon cocktails. Combine spiced pear syrup — made with pear juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger — with bourbon, lemon juice and a splash of sparkling wine. Add a cinnamon-sugar rim or a cinnamon stick to garnish for the ultimate autumn glow.

6. Mulled Wine

The cold-weather version of sangria is back in season and serves well as Thanksgiving cocktails for guests. You can put your own spin on this warm beverage, but it’s typically made by warming red wine and apple cider with fruits like raisins or oranges, along with your favorite mulling spices. The aroma is heavenly and it’s not too strong, so you can sip on it before dinner without getting overserved. 

7. Applejack Sour

Another twist on the whiskey sour, the Applejack sour is a perfectly fall-themed sipper. Apple brandy with oranges, lemons, maple syrup and some baking spices, this Thanksgiving cocktail is a real crowd-pleaser. 

8. Francophile

If you’ve already whipped up a batch of mulled wine, then you’re halfway to the Francophile. Add Calvados and a cinnamon simple syrup for a French twist that’s rich and comforting. Warm it gently with Rioja, lemon wedges and a splash of water to mellow the strength and let the spices shine.

9. Kir Royale

Keep the ABV low with these simple, two-ingredient Thanksgiving cocktails. Crème de cassis adds sweetness and a jewel-toned hue when topped with champagne or sparkling water. Finish with a few fresh currants for color and sparkle.

10. Pear Brandy Sidecar

This seasonal twist on the classic sidecar makes a lovely Thanksgiving cocktail. Shake together your favorite pear brandy with Cointreau and some fresh lemon juice. Serve it in a martini glass or something similar with a sugared rim. 

11. Jersey Lightning

Like a Manhattan but fall-themed, the Jersey Lightning uses apple brandy instead of whiskey. Mix it with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters, then serve over ice. If you can, use Laird’s, the original Jersey Lightning, and finish with an orange peel twist for flair.

12. Bizzy Izzy Highball

The perfect Thanksgiving cocktails to offset salty Thanksgiving appetizers like olives or cheese, the Bizzy Izzy highball is simple and refreshing. Made with rye whiskey, pineapple and sherry, serve it chilled with a lemon rind or chunk of pineapple. 

13. Pomegranate Cocktail

There’s no fancy name for this delightfully tart cocktail. Mix pomegranate juice, orange liqueur and vodka in a lowball glass, then top with a handful of ruby-red arils for a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.

14. The New York Sour

Not too sweet but heavy on flavor, the New York Sour will be your favorite whiskey cocktail and mixology staple. Top it with a float of dry red wine to create a beautiful two-tone Thanksgiving drink of red and gold.

Best Thanksgiving Dessert Drinks

15. Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

16. Pumpkin Spice White Russians

The adult version of the Pumpkin Spice Latte is here and it’s a sweet and spicy Thanksgiving dessert drink. Made with vodka, Kahlua and pumpkin spice creamer, this drink deserves a spot on everyone's Thanksgiving cocktails list. You won’t need a slice of pie after sipping on this! Make a festive but optional rim of crushed graham crackers mixed with pumpkin spice. Don’t forget whipped cream and a cinnamon stick to finish. 

17. Chipotle Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

This Thanksgiving cocktail is rich, spicy and best saved for after dinner. Soak dried chiles in whiskey ahead of time until you reach the perfect smoky flavor, then mix with Aztec chocolate bitters, maple syrup and an orange peel for a bold, warming sip.

18. Apple Pie Bourbon Shots

Sip or slam your dessert with this spiced apple pie bourbon shot. Infuse chopped red and green apples, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and a dash of sugar in some bourbon. Serve over ice with an optional cinnamon-sugar rim or with some whipped cream on top.

To look the part, you can serve your Thanksgiving cocktails and dessert drinks as shots or tall with the addition of club soda or sparkling cider.

19. Pumpkin Spiced Mule

The Moscow Mule gets a festive spin with the addition of pumpkin spice. Shake together a little pumpkin butter, apple cider and vodka (pumpkin-spiced if you can find it) with ice. Top with a few glugs of ginger ale, which has a more subtle flavor than ginger beer and your choice of garnish. If you can’t find spiced vodka, you can always add a few dashes of pumpkin pie spice to the mix.

You can make many of our Thanksgiving cocktails nonalcoholic by omitting the liquor and adding ginger ale or an N/A vanilla seltzer. 

20. Pecan Pie Martini

These Thanksgiving cocktails are so rich they might just replace dessert. Combine Rumchata, crème de cacao, bourbon and half and half over ice, then coat the glass rims with caramel and chopped pecans. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a floating pecan on top.

21. Pumpkin Pie Martini

The pumpkin pie martini is a dessert in a glass. So rich you might only be able to handle one, it’s a boozy and well-deserved entry on our Thanksgiving cocktails list. Simple shake together whipped cream, vodka, half and half, pumpkin purée and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Don’t forget the graham cracker rim on your martini glass.

22. Hot Buttered Apple Cider

Prepare a big batch of these creamy Brandy Thanksgiving dessert cocktails for your next event. Simmer butter, brown sugar and plenty of apple cider on the stove or in a crockpot with warming spices. Stir in some brandy or Fireball before serving and add a cinnamon stick to garnish. 

23. Cranberry Cobbler

With a little extra prep time, you can enjoy this delightful Thanksgiving cocktail. Made with gin, off-dry sherry, simple syrup, frozen cranberries and a hint of fresh mint, it’s both sweet and refreshing. Add in a dash of lemon and orange (fresh-squeezed) and it’s pretty close to perfection. Have your muddler handy to get that signature deep-red look from smashed cranberries. 

24. Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini

The holidays are always ripe with excitement for the coming celebration. These Thanksgiving cocktails and dessert drinks will have you thinking ahead to Christmas and New Year's. For one of the most delicious vodka cocktails, blend together milk, hot chocolate mix, vodka and ice and pour into a martini glass. Get extra fancy by dipping the rim in a cocoa mix or chocolate sauce and don’t forget plenty of whipped cream and mini marshmallows on top.

25. Apples and Oranges

Hot buttered rum meets caramel apple in this cozy Thanksgiving cocktail. Mix apple cider, Grand Marnier, a splash of Amaro and a touch of melted butter, then garnish with a lemon slice and a sprinkle of pink peppercorns. This is a sweet base for a snow globe cocktail if you're planning on entertaining over the festive season.

26. Brandy Milk Punch

Enjoy a sweet and creamy treat with these Thanksgiving cocktails and dessert drinks. A distant relative of eggnog, you make this punch by combining milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, brandy and a dash of nutmeg. Give it a good shake and enjoy it chilled. You can always add some pumpkin pie spice for a little more fall flavor. 

Best Nonalcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

27. Pomegranate Spritzer

This Thanksgiving mocktail comes courtesy of everyone’s favorite hostess: Ina Garten. Made with tart pomegranate juice, a squeeze of lime and some sparkling water, these alcohol-free Thanksgiving cocktails have a festive fuchsia hue that lights up any table. You can always add a splash of your favorite spirit and garnish with a few cranberries and a lime wedge floating in the glass. 

28. Utilize Chipotle Maple Simple Syrup

The best way to add specialty flavors to your Thanksgiving cocktails or the best mocktails is with homemade simple syrup. Blend and infuse maple syrup with dried chipotle peppers and a dash of salt and let it rest in the fridge overnight. Want more heat? Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper. After straining the solids out of your special concoction, add it to hot chocolate or sparkling water with lemon for a spicy nonalcoholic drink. 

29. Chaider

Add some extra spice to your Thanksgiving cocktails by creating a blend of Chai spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice and a few others. Simmer a pot on the stove with fresh ginger and cinnamon sticks for a wonderfully fragrant kitchen to welcome your guests. 

30. Honey And Lime Ginger Mocktail

You won’t miss the alcohol at all in this sweet, spicy and slightly tart Thanksgiving mocktail. Ginger beer or ginger ale mixed with lime and a drizzle of honey perfectly balances flavors. Garnish with chunks of candied ginger pressed onto a toothpick to add some extra flair to these Thanksgiving cocktails. 

31. Ginger Orange Mocktails

Combine two festive flavors with this simple Thanksgiving mocktail. Ginger beer or ginger ale, a splash of orange juice, and a splash of pineapple juice yield a sweet and refreshing non-alcoholic drink that is perfect for Thanksgiving cocktail menus.

32. Life of the Party Punch

Pick up a few bottles of non-alcoholic red wine to enjoy this Thanksgiving mocktail. Made with pomegranate juice, cinnamon simple syrup, a bit of sugar and some sparkling cider or club soda, you’ve got a gorgeous, deep red punch that is brimming with fall flavor. 

33. Tarragon Hibiscus Spritz

Brewed and chilled hibiscus tea adds a fun reddish-pink hue to this non-alcoholic Thanksgiving mocktail. While these flavors are refreshing all year round the bright red hue feels very on theme for the Thanksgiving season. Muddle together blackberries and a few tarragon leaves with a sprinkle of sugar. Top with hibiscus tea and some sparkling water for effervescence and garnish with a sprig of tarragon. 

34. Spiced Tea

You can serve this Thanksgiving mocktail hot or cold, depending on the climate. Use your favorite blend of Chai, stir in some orange juice and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with a cinnamon stick for a non-alcoholic relative of the hot toddy. 

35. Fizzy Pomegranate Punch

Wow your guests with a punch bowl full of this sparkling pomegranate mixer, made extra special with a show-stopping giant floating ice cube. Fill your bundt pan with water and a whole bunch of pomegranate arils. In your punch bowl, stir together pomegranate juice, orange juice and some apple cider. If you want to make this an alcohol Thanksgiving cocktail, opt for spiked apple cider, or keep it as a mocktail by just using sparkling juice. 

36. Comfort and Joy

You’ll need a bottle of non-alcoholic whiskey for this warming Thanksgiving mocktail. Stir a shot or two with apple cider, a splash of citrus and a touch of your favorite sweetener, then serve hot or chilled for a cozy, zero-proof sip.

36. Cranberry Mojito

Muddle fresh cranberries and mint with a little sugar, then top with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry juice. This bright, fizzy Thanksgiving mocktail looks festive in a tall glass with a few cranberries and a mint leaf on top.

38. Hot Pumpkin Pie

Those who don’t drink alcohol don’t have to miss out on all the delicious Thanksgiving cocktails. This hot pumpkin pie is non-alcoholic and heavenly rich – some might even say it could replace dessert. Utilize a zero-proof rum for a little extra spice, then blend heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and a little bit of homemade simple syrup. Garnish with star anise or some freshly grated nutmeg and sip it, chilled, out of a martini glass. 

39. Cranberry Gimlet

Make a batch of cranberry simple syrup for these ruby-red, non-alcoholic gimlets. Mix it with lime juice, a splash of club soda or a zero-proof gin for extra bite. Freeze cranberries in ice cubes for a festive touch that makes these Thanksgiving cocktails or mocktails look as good as they taste.

Fun Thanksgiving Drinks for the Family

40. Moscow Mules

Spicy ginger beer brings the perfect fall kick to this classic mocktail. Add fresh lime wedges and a splash of cranberry juice for color, or a touch of vodka if you want to spike it, and turn this year-round drink into refreshing Thanksgiving cocktails or mocktails. 

41. Cranberry Punch

42. Hot Toddies

A true Thanksgiving classic for grown-up gatherings, the hot toddy warms from the inside out. Combine boiling water, whiskey, demerara sugar and a clove-studded lemon peel for a lightly spiced version. Sometimes called Southern cough syrup, it’s the perfect sip for chilly evenings and post-feast relaxation.

43. Ginger Fizz

It doesn’t get any simpler than the ginger fizz for Thanksgiving cocktails or mocktails for the family. Prosecco, champagne or your favorite sparkling water gets a kick of spice from homemade ginger simple syrup that’s well worth the 15 minutes or so that it takes to whip up. 

44. Apple Cider Mimosas

Sip on apple cider mimosas as you prepare a feast for the masses. Just two ingredients, chilled and combined, make for delightful and light Thanksgiving cocktails for families. Add as much or as little apple cider as you like to a champagne flute and top with bubbles. Voila!

45. Cran-Apple Sangria

It’s easy to whip up a pitcher of these Thanksgiving cocktails that can be passed and poured for the whole table, and it just gets better with time. Sliced green and red apples, oranges, and cranberries float in a bath of red wine, apple cider, cranberry juice and brandy. 

46. Buck Buck Mule

Give the classic Moscow mule a fresh twist with the Buck Buck mule. This Thanksgiving cocktail blends muddled cucumber, gin, sherry, simple syrup, lime juice and spicy ginger beer. It’s neither red nor cranberry flavored, but it’s the perfect sipper alongside savory appetizers. Get fancy with a peeled cucumber garnish, wrapped around the inside of the glass. 

47. Make a Martini Bar

When you’re busy preparing dishes to feed a crowd, it’s perfectly acceptable to let guests serve themselves. Set up a fun martini bar with everything they need to stir together their perfect martini. Olives, lemon twists and plenty of gin cocktails and ice can become simple Thanksgiving cocktails in no time. Use fun glasses, even if they’re not true martini glasses, to make it more festive. 

48. Aperitif Scorpion Bowl

Keep things light before the feast with an aperitif-style scorpion bowl. Mix sweet vermouth, amaro, club soda and a dash of bitters over ice, then top with curly lemon peels for garnish. Served in a punch bowl, this refreshing Thanksgiving cocktail gets everyone’s appetite going without feeling heavy.

49. Mezcal Sour

This smoky Thanksgiving cocktail is like a fall bonfire in a glass. A little egg white gets you that perfect frothy top and lots of fresh lime and lemon juice pair perfectly with mezcal cocktails with a hint of amaro. 

50. Paradise Apple

Open up a bottle of Riesling to share with your family, but give it some festive flavor with the help of fresh apple cider and a splash of bourbon. Serve it in a coupe glass and float a thinly sliced piece of apple on top. 

51. Extra Stormy Dark and Stormy

A tropical twist that still feels right at home in fall, this Thanksgiving cocktail riffs on the classic dark and stormy. Combine dark rum, fresh lemon juice and extra-spicy ginger beer for a drink that’s tart, warming and just sweet enough to take the chill off.

You can always open a bottle of wine, but with Thanksgiving cocktails, it’s more fun to play. Fall flavors like apple, pear, cranberry and ginger do the heavy lifting — you just get to be creative. Freeze cranberries or orange slices into ice cubes for an easy garnish, or make one giant block for your punch bowl if you’re feeling fancy.

And once the plates are cleared and the party games for Thanksgiving start, those cocktails are what keep the laughter going. They’re not about perfection, just about sharing something that feels good, tastes seasonal and makes everyone linger a little longer after dinner.

For even more fun Thanksgiving ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!