50 Thanksgiving Drinks to Celebrate the Holiday in Style

From cozy mugs of cider to sparkling cocktails that brighten the table, a well-chosen drink can set a festive tone for the whole meal. The list below rounds up fifty seasonal sippers—both spirited and spirit-free—that showcase familiar autumn flavors like apple, cranberry, pumpkin, and warming spices. Stock a few basic mixers, raid the spice rack, and you’ll be ready to mix, muddle, and shake your way through the long weekend. Cheers to good company, crisp weather, and plenty of gratitude.

1. Classic Hot Toddy

Whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water come together in a soothing drink that feels like a warm blanket in a mug. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of a Thanksgiving feast while the honey keeps things smooth. Offer a dish of whole cloves so guests can customize their spice level.

2. Spiced Cranberry Margarita

Swap traditional margarita mix for tart cranberry juice and a dash of allspice. Tequila’s earthiness balances the fruit while orange liqueur adds a subtle sweetness. Shake vigorously, strain over fresh ice, and watch the color pop against a fall tablescape.

3. Pumpkin Pie Martini

Vanilla vodka, pumpkin purée, and a splash of Irish cream create a dessert-worthy cocktail. A quick shake with ice turns the mixture silky and frothy. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg just before serving for bakery-style aroma.

4. Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

Fresh apple cider, bourbon, and muddled rosemary give this smash a fragrant twist. A little lemon juice keeps the drink from leaning too sweet. Serve over plenty of crushed ice so flavors mingle as it dilutes.

5. Pecan Old Fashioned

Pecan-infused bourbon meets classic bitters and a touch of maple syrup for a nutty variation on a standby. The infusion only takes a few hours but delivers toasty depth. Express an orange peel over the glass to tie the flavors together.

6. Pear & Ginger Fizz

Combine pear nectar, gin, and spicy ginger beer for a light yet aromatic refresher. A squeeze of lime sharpens the edges without overpowering the delicate fruit. The gentle fizz pairs nicely with rich sides like stuffing and gravy.

7. Maple Rosemary Whiskey Sour

Maple syrup replaces simple syrup, lending caramel notes and a thicker body. A dry shake with egg white yields a velvety foam that supports the rosemary garnish. The result is familiar yet distinctly autumnal.

8. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

This crowd-pleaser blends pomegranate juice, cava, and a splash of brandy. Citrus wheels add both flavor and color, making the punch a centerpiece. Keep extra chilled seltzer on hand to top off glasses without watering things down.

9. Chai White Russian

Cold-brew chai concentrates replace coffee liqueur for a spiced spin on the classic. The cream swirls dramatically when poured over the dark base. It doubles as an after-dinner treat and a digestif.

10. Cinnamon Maple Bourbon Flip

A whole egg gives this flip its signature custard-like texture. Maple syrup sweetens while cinnamon bitters provide subtle spice. Shake until your arms tire for the silkiest finish.

11. Cran-Apple Sangria

Dry white wine, apple brandy, and tart cranberry juice form the backbone of this make-ahead sangria. Let the fruit macerate for at least four hours so flavors meld. Serve in stemless wine glasses filled with ice to keep things casual.

12. Brown Butter Rum Punch

Brown butter fat-washes dark rum, delivering a nutty aroma that screams holiday baking. Mix with pineapple juice, lime, and allspice dram for tiki-meets-Thanksgiving vibes. A cinnamon stick lets guests stir as they sip.

13. Fig & Thyme Gin Spritz

Fig preserves melt into gin and lemon before being topped with prosecco. The herbaceous note from thyme keeps sweetness in check. It’s light, aromatic, and decidedly dinner-friendly.

14. Mulled Wine

Simmer inexpensive red wine with whole spices, citrus, and a bit of brandy for depth. Keep it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker so guests can ladle their own. The scent alone feels like a holiday candle come to life.

15. Caramel Apple Mimosa

Swap orange juice for chilled apple cider and add a whisper of caramel syrup. Top with dry sparkling wine for a not-too-sweet brunch starter. Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar for extra flair.

16. Bourbon Buttered Apple Cider

Stir spiced compound butter into hot apple cider until it melts into a silky layer. A shot of bourbon rounds out the edges and adds warmth. Serve in sturdy mugs so guests can cradle the heat.

17. Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini

Vanilla vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur get a campfire upgrade with marshmallow syrup. A quick torch caramelizes the garnish, releasing nostalgic aromas. The combination bridges dessert and nightcap beautifully.

18. Cranberry Ginger Mojito

Fresh mint and lime keep this mojito recognizable, while cranberry juice and ginger syrup steer it toward fall. Use light rum so the bright flavors shine. Top with club soda for a lively finish.

19. Maple Pumpkin Shandy

Combine pumpkin ale with maple-sweetened lemonade for a beer cocktail that’s lower in alcohol but big on flavor. The citrus keeps the pumpkin spice from becoming cloying. Chill both components thoroughly before combining for the best fizz.

20. Persimmon Whiskey Smash

Ripe persimmons offer honeyed fruit notes that pair nicely with spicy rye whiskey. A quick muddle extracts juice and vibrant color. Add crushed ice and a squeeze of lemon for balance.

21. Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma

Fresh grapefruit juice and tequila remain the stars, while rosemary simple syrup introduces woodsy flair. A splash of club soda lengthens the drink without extra sugar. The herbal grapefruit aroma feels crisp and refreshing.

22. Cranberry Orange Spritz

Aperol, cranberry juice, and prosecco create a ruby counterpart to the classic Venetian spritz. Bitter, tart, and bubbly, it works as both aperitif and palate cleanser. Garnish with sugared cranberries for sparkle.

23. Vanilla Chai Hot Chocolate (Non-Alcoholic)

Cocoa powder and chocolate chips melt into steeped chai tea for a spiced twist on classic hot chocolate. A splash of vanilla extract rounds off the flavor. Top with whipped cream for kid-friendly comfort.

24. Spiced Pumpkin Punch

This batch cocktail blends dark rum, pumpkin purée, coconut milk, and fall spices. Chill everything in advance so ice doesn’t overly dilute the mix. Ladle into small glasses and garnish with a cinnamon sprinkle.

25. Smoked Apple Mezcal Sour

Mezcal’s smoky character pairs naturally with fresh apple juice and agave nectar. A frothy egg-white cap softens the edges. Shake with ice, strain, then add a dash of bitters for visual flair.

26. Butter Pecan Milk Punch

Whole milk, bourbon, and butter pecan syrup come together in a velvety New Orleans–style punch. Chill thoroughly and dust with nutmeg right before serving. It’s dessert and cocktail all in one.

27. Cranberry Lime Rickey (Mocktail)

Fresh lime juice and cranberry syrup deliver zing without alcohol. Top with sparkling water for plenty of lift. A sprig of mint makes the colors pop and adds fragrance.

28. Maple Cinnamon Sazerac

Rye whiskey mingles with maple syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, and a whisper of cinnamon. The traditional absinthe rinse remains, adding herbal complexity. Serve neat in a chilled glass for maximum aroma.

29. Sparkling Sage Lemonade (Mocktail)

Homemade sage syrup lifts everyday lemonade into holiday territory. A quick fizz from club soda keeps it refreshing. It’s a crowd-pleaser for designated drivers and kids alike.

30. Bourbon Cran-Orange Slush

Freeze a mix of bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice, and simple syrup overnight. The semi-frozen texture feels almost like grown-up sorbet. Scrape into glasses and serve with a spoon or straw.

31. Honeycrisp Apple Sangria

Crisp rosé wine and apple brandy team up with sliced Honeycrisp apples and pears. A cinnamon stick infusion adds subtle warmth. Let it chill at least two hours before pouring over ice.

32. Blood Orange Negroni

Replace standard orange peel with fresh blood orange juice for a jeweled hue and mellow sweetness. Equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth keep the classic structure intact. Stir, strain, and garnish for simple sophistication.

33. Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Molasses-rich gingerbread syrup pairs with bourbon and aromatic bitters. A small ginger cookie doubles as garnish and edible stirrer. The drink evokes warmly spiced cookies without overpowering the palate.

34. Cardamom Pear Bellini

Pureed ripe pear meets ground cardamom for an unexpected yet gentle spice note. Top with chilled prosecco right before serving so effervescence lasts. It’s a refined start to any holiday morning.

35. Spiked Pumpkin Horchata

Rice milk, pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and rum combine in this Latin-inspired cooler. Strain well for smoothness, then serve over ice. The spices echo pumpkin pie while the texture remains light.

36. Cranberry Cider Fizz

Cranberry syrup, hard apple cider, and gin shake up into a brisk aperitif. Egg white supplies the foamy crown that carries aromatic bitters. It bridges the gap between beer and cocktail for undecided guests.

37. Maple Irish Coffee

Swap regular sugar for maple syrup in this after-dinner classic. The hint of woodsy sweetness plays nicely with smooth Irish whiskey and hot coffee. Float freshly whipped cream on top for contrast.

38. Spiced Rum Punch

Spiced rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine create sunset colors in a large-format punch. Whole spices infuse as it sits, deepening the flavor. Serve over pebble ice for an easy self-serve option.

39. Apple Brandy Sidecar

Apple brandy steps in for cognac, offering crisp orchard notes. Cointreau and lemon keep the profile bright and balanced. A light cinnamon-sugar rim nods to pie crust without overwhelming the drink.

40. Plum & Star Anise Mule

Homemade plum syrup and star anise lend depth to the traditional Moscow Mule template. Vodka and lime juice keep the flavors familiar. Ginger beer ties everything together with tingling spice.

41. Salted Caramel White Hot Chocolate (Non-Alcoholic)

Velvety white chocolate meets gooey caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt. Steam milk until frothy, then stir in the mix for instant comfort. Top with mini marshmallows for extra indulgence.

42. Pumpkin Buttered Rum

Fold pumpkin purée and pie spice into the traditional butter batter for buttered rum. Dark rum keeps the sweetness grounded. Serve piping hot so the aroma fills the room.

43. Sage-Infused Gin & Tonic

Steep a few sage leaves in gin for twenty minutes to impart earthy flavor. Top with quality tonic and a squeeze of grapefruit. The herbaceous character pairs beautifully with herb-stuffed turkey.

44. Cranberry Kombucha Sparkler (Mocktail)

Tart cranberry juice blends seamlessly with effervescent plain kombucha. A dash of orange bitters (alcohol-free versions exist) adds complexity. Garnish with an orange twist for contrasting color.

45. Toasted Pecan Manhattan

Pecan-infused rye and a touch of pecan liqueur place this Manhattan squarely in fall territory. Classic sweet vermouth and bitters remain. Stirred and served up, it’s elegance in three simple steps.

46. Apple Rosemary Collins

Gin, apple juice, and lemon form an invigorating base, while rosemary simple syrup adds woodsy depth. Top with club soda for sparkle. The drink looks as fresh as it tastes.

47. Cranberry Spiced Spritzer

Cranberry spice syrup, white wine, and sparkling water deliver flavor without heft. The lower alcohol content makes it easy to sip all afternoon. Star anise lends an aromatic kick and festive look.

48. Vanilla Pear Margarita

Fresh pear purée, vanilla bean syrup, and silver tequila blend into a silky, lightly sweet cocktail. Lime juice sharpens the edges, staying true to margarita roots. Shake hard and double strain for a smooth texture.

49. Maple Walnut Old Fashioned

Walnut bitters and maple syrup swap in for the usual sugar cube. Bourbon provides structure while accentuating nutty flavors. A gentle stir keeps the drink clear and strong.

50. Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

Float a spoonful of cranberry liqueur in the bottom of each flute, then top with chilled brut Champagne. The red ribbon of liqueur streaks upward dramatically. Offer just before toasts for a sparkling finale.