24 Thanksgiving Cocktails and Drink Ideas to Serve This Year

Mulled Wine Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Mulled Wine

Opt for a dry, fruity red wine for this warming mulled cocktail—merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir are a few red wine types that work well in this recipe. No need to splurge; just make sure to choose a wine you wouldn’t mind drinking on its own!

“This mulled wine is soothing and satisfying with a delightful blend of spices warmed to perfection. Refrigerating the wine mixture overnight allows the flavors to blend, so don’t omit this essential step.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Bourbon Slush Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Bourbon Slush

Bourbon and tea are one of the all-time great drink pairings, and this boozy slush comes alive with sweet baking spices. Feel free to use whiskey if you don’t have bourbon on hand, but, yes, there is a difference between whiskey and bourbon. Spiced rum is another tasty swap!

“At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice.” —Recipe contributor Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio

Cranberry Orange Mimosas Recipe photo by Kristina Vanni for Taste of Home

Cranberry Mimosa

Top these pink-hued mimosas with aromatic fresh mint and serve them with your appetizer spread before the big feast. If you don’t have Champagne, any dry sparkling wine will work here, like Prosecco or cava.

“Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberry juice to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice.” —Recipe contributor Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Hot Buttered Rum Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hot Buttered Rum

With warm spices and lots of butter (come on, it’s the holidays!), vanilla ice cream turns into a cozy, rum-spiked cocktail. Here are some of the best rums to try if you don’t have one in your bar cart right now.

“I received this recipe from a friend more than 30 years ago, and I think of her every time I stir up a batch. This keeps well in the freezer, so feel free to make it ahead of time.” —Recipe contributor Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Butterscotch Mulled Cider

You only need three ingredients to make this toasty spiked cider, which also tastes wonderful with apple juice. If you end up with any unused cider, check out our favorite recipes to make with apple cider, from doughnuts to dumplings.

“Only five minutes of preparation is needed for this dynamite slow-cooked drink. You will love the sweet taste of butterscotch and cinnamon in the hot apple cider.” —Recipe contributor Karen Mack, Webster, New York

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pomegranate Cranberry Martini

This tart, ruby red cocktail looks beautiful in a coupe glass garnished with a simple slice of lime. The drink calls for lime juice (fresh is best!), so make sure you’re cutting a lime to get the most juice out of it.

“The pretty red color of this cocktail makes it perfect for many special occasions. I love the balance of sweet and tart and how easy it is to make.” —Recipe contributor Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois

Butterscotch Martinis Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Butterscotch Martinis

These decadent martinis look extra playful with a toothpick of soft butterscotch candy as the garnish. Sip with your favorite Thanksgiving dessert.

“The rich flavors of butterscotch and chocolate pair up for a nightcap that will satisfy any sweet tooth.” —Recipe contributor Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio

Pumpkin Pie Shots Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Pumpkin Pie Shots

If your Thanksgiving dinners need a little pick-me-up, these adorable pumpkin pie shots are sure to add some fun to the evening. Make them without the vodka and butterscotch schnapps liqueur for nonalcoholic party drinks options.

“Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they’re a great party starter.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Apple Cider Smash Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Apple Cider Smash

Use any assortment of your favorite types of apples to make this sweet, seasonal pitcher cocktail that combines sparkling apple cider and smoky bourbon. The cocktail pairs wonderfully with all the best fall dinner recipes, including Thanksgiving turkey.

“A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing! It’s a great use for those apples and cider you bought from the orchard.” —Recipe contributor Moffat Frazier, New York, New York

Taste of Home

Cranberry Sparkler

These lively, pretty-in-pink cocktails feature fruity raspberry rum, tart cranberry juice and lots of bubbly ginger ale. Mild, clear rum will meld best with the other flavors here.

“The flavors of this refreshing cran-raspberry cocktail are great any time of year. In winter, the cranberry makes it a good fit for holiday parties; on a warm summer’s night, the raspberry comes to the fore. It’s a favorite for our girls’ night!” —Recipe contributor Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

Mulled Merlot Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Mulled Merlot

There’s nothing quite like fragrant mulled wine to warm up during the colder months, and this cinnamon-spiced version is the perfect big-batch cocktail for hosting a crowd. Garnish it with orange slices and extra cinnamon sticks for even more lovely aromas.

“Our delightful recipe is sure to warm up your holiday guests! Keeping it ready to serve in the slow cooker means that you can enjoy the party.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

JIM WIELAND FOR TASTE OF HOME

Apple Amaretto Sours

Amaretto, an Italian liqueur made from bitter almonds, pairs beautifully with fresh apple flavors and warm cinnamon in this twist on a classic amaretto sour. Any of these seasonal apple cider desserts would make a tasty pairing.

“An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.” —Recipe contributor Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Homemade Kahlua

Yes, you can make Kahlua from scratch, and it comes together in just fifteen minutes. Sip the luscious liqueur on the rocks or spike your favorite hot drinks with it—it also makes a fantastic homemade food gift.

“This coffee liqueur is an amazing way to elevate your hot chocolate or favorite coffee drink.” —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pumpkin Martini

If you’re the type of person who starts making all sorts of pumpkin recipes the moment fall hits, then this creamy martini will be your new favorite mixed drink. Opt for good-quality vodka and either store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice.

“Take your favorite fall beverage and turn it into a cocktail! This pumpkin martini combines the warm, autumn flavors of pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin with rich, slightly sweet half-and-half cream and a shot of vodka for a smooth drink.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Hot Toddy Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Hot Toddy

Popularized in the late 1700s, the aromatic hot toddy is packed with soothing honey and spices and is one of our favorite whiskey cocktails to make at home. For an even quicker hot toddy, simply steep a citrus-forward black tea, stir in honey and add a shot of whiskey.

“Super quick and easy to make, this warming whiskey drink will get you through those cold months. Boiled water gets poured over honey until it dissolves, then a helping of whiskey and lemon juice gets added to the mix, resulting in a sweet, soothing drink.” —Recipe contributor Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Grasshopper

To make this sweet, three-ingredient cocktail even more indulgent, top it off with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and curls of shaved chocolate. If you’re a big grasshopper fan, check out more of the best boozy desserts we love to serve at dinner parties.

“A grasshopper is the perfect dessert cocktail. It’s creamy and rich with refreshing minty flavor, plus it has all the retro fun to help celebrate any occasion.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Liqueur Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chocolate Liqueur

This chocolate liqueur is like a boozy chocolate bar in a glass, and it’s the star ingredient in crowd-pleasing drinks like chocolate martinis and Viennese coffee. Need an easy dessert idea? Pour a shot of this chocolate liqueur over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

“Every home bar and pantry should have a bottle of chocolate liqueur on hand for cocktails, hot cocoa, desserts and more. This easy DIY recipe ensures you’ll never run out.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Chocolate Martini

This decadent drinkable dessert is the cocktail of our dreams thanks to rich Baileys, chocolate liqueur and generous drizzles of chocolate syrup. Play with the flavor profile and make it nuttier by adding amaretto, Frangelico or pistachio liqueur.

“This rich, creamy after-dinner drink doubles as a dessert! You’ll dazzle guests with the pretty swirl of chocolate sauce in the glass.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Holiday Aperol Spritz Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Holiday Aperol Spritz

Aperol spritzes aren’t just for summer happy hours! This cranberry-infused spritz is one of the loveliest champagne-based cocktails to make for the holiday season. Use either fresh or frozen cranberries, and squeeze the grapefruit juice yourself for the freshest, slightly bitter flavor.

“Once you’ve made a batch of cranberry syrup, this cocktail is quick and easy to make. You can find prepared cranberry syrup in some high end grocery or liquor stores, but it’s just as easy to make your own.” —Recipe contributor Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia

ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pomegranate Margarita

We like to use silver tequila for margaritas for the brightest agave flavor, but smoky mezcal makes a wonderful complement to the sweet pomegranate juice, as well. Grate a few pinches of fresh ginger into the cocktail for extra zing.

“Adding pomegranate juice to your margarita is refreshing and unique, but it’s also incredibly good for you. Pomegranate juice is high in antioxidants and vitamin C—just what your body needs during those colder months! Add some extra zing by putting a few pinches of freshly grated ginger in your cocktail shaker before shaking your drink.” —Recipe contributor Laura Scherb, Evanston, Illinois

SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

Serve this zippy autumnal sangria in stemless wine glasses if drinking indoors, or these wine tumblers if you’ll be enjoying them around the fire pit. Feel free to swap in red wine, or even switch up the fruit—diced pears, frozen cranberries and citrus all work well here.

“This simple apple cider sangria is infused with fall-inspired flavors. Apple cider, cinnamon and brandy bring warmth, while pomegranates, orange juice and apple chunks bring a tinge of sweetness. Top it off with ginger beer for a light, bubbly taste.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pomegranate Martini

Before juicing your lemon to add to this lively pomegranate cocktail, cut a thin slice and save it for a garnish. Stick in a sprig of mint for even more fresh, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the lime juice.

“Tart and slightly sweet, this martini combines pomegranate juice, lemon juice and Cointreau for a vibrant flavor that blends well with the subtle and inviting vodka base. Make a glass the next time you enjoy a cheese board for a harmonious pair.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pear Martini

We like to serve this refreshing autumnal martini in a chilled glass with lots of salty appetizers like marinated almond-stuffed olives. If you prefer your cocktails on the dryer side, cut down the simple syrup to a half ounce.

“This martini is simple, elegant and potently pear flavored, thanks to pear-infused vodka. Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup provide the perfect balance.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pumpkin Espresso Martini

Real pureed pumpkin and robust brewed espresso offer this creamy cocktail so much rich flavor. If it’s more convenient than fresh espresso, swap in strong cold-brew coffee in a pinch. (Note: The martini easily becomes vegan if you use plant-based vanilla creamer.)

“If you love starting your days with a pumpkin-spiced latte, you’ll want to try this autumn-themed nightcap. Pumpkin flavors power through the subtle vodka flavors for a sweet and rich blend.” —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Thanksgiving Cocktails FAQ

What spirits pair well with Thanksgiving flavors?

Thanksgiving is an autumnal celebration that calls for spirits that go well with warm baking spices and earthy flavors, like bourbon and rum. Vodka, of course, pairs with just about anything, which is why we love its more muted flavor profile in fall vodka drinks. Sweet liqueurs like butterscotch schnapps liqueur, creme de menthe and homemade Kahlua are perfect for spiking all the warm and cozy drinks we like this time of year.

How can I create a signature cocktail for Thanksgiving?

To create a signature cocktail for any occasion, start with a classic cocktail recipe that you love—say, a martini or sangria—and go from there. Play with the spirits, juices and garnishes in a cocktail to make it truly your own. In the case of big batch drinks like mulled wine or a seasonal sangria, there’s lots of room to use your favorite spices and fruits.

What seasonal ingredients should I use in my drinks?

Thanksgiving falls in the peak of autumn, when farmers markets are filled with our favorite fall produce like pumpkins, squash, pomegranates and so many types of apples. Lean into those ingredients when making your drinks. For instance, apple cider makes a fantastic base for cocktails: Splash in some ginger beer and vodka for an apple cider Moscow mule.