Thanksgiving Cocktails

Sure, you could bring a bottle of wine to Thanksgiving. Or… you could mix up a fabulous signature cocktail that threatens to steal the show from the feast. Because Thanksgiving isn’t just a wine holiday. It’s the perfect opportunity to wow your guests with a signature cocktail (or two), the perfect opportunity for yet another humble brag.

You: “Oh, you love the cocktail? I’m so pleased! Now grab yourself a crostini and relax why don’t you.”

Shall I give you a tour? We begin with batch cocktails, something you can mix up before the guests arrive, something that gets them drinking early on, something that gives them something to do with their hands so they feel less tempted to help in the kitchen. Next are the classics, just some good old booze-forward bangers.

Then we spice things up with some unique twists. Wine lovers who dare to be different: red wine cocktails. Thoughtful menu-planners looking for balance and bright seasonal flavor: pomegranate cocktails. The hosts who want to make everyone happy: Thankgiving margaritas. And lastly for the rebels who want a cooler, more unique alternative to apple apple everything: pear cocktails. To conclude this tour… the bathroom is down the hall and to your left.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and, as always, happy cocktailing!

But first, let’s set the mood

Favorite Thanksgiving Cocktails

What’s on the Menu?

• Batch Cocktails
• Classic Cocktails
• Red Wine Cocktails
• Pomegranate
• Margaritas
• Pear

Cocktails for a Crowd

Mix up a big batch of these easy sipping Thanksgiving cocktails everyone will enjoy.

The Classics

You really can’t go wrong with a perfect classic cocktail for your Thanksgiving get-together.

The Wine Holiday

Go one step further than setting out a few bottles of wine by making an easy-drinking red wine cocktail everyone will love.

Pomegranate Cocktails

Balance out all the brown food with something a little brighter. These Pomegranate cocktails are colorful, vibrant, and perfect for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Margaritas

You can’t go wrong with a Margarita for Thanksgiving. That’s something everyone can agree on.

Pull up a Chair

• The Sipper Club Substack
• The Art of Drinking Podcast
• Instagram
• Tiktok

The Perfect Pear-ing

Pear cocktails are the perfect, unique Thankgiving cocktail to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Thanksgiving Mocktails

Non-alcoholic drinks that feel just as festive as the boozy ones. These festive mocktails are perfect for guests who prefer N/A drinks but still want something fun and seasonal.

Thanksgiving Cocktail FAQs

What are popular Thanksgiving cocktails?

Try using seasonal fall ingredients like cranberry, pomegranate, citrus, apple, and warm spices. Classics like margaritas, martinis, sangrias or punches, and spritz-style drinks are often adapted with seasonal flavors.

What cocktails are best for Friendsgiving?

The best cocktails for Friendsgiving are easy to make and crowd-friendly. Batch cocktails, sparkling drinks, and simple wine-based recipes tend to be the most popular.

What are the easiest Thanksgiving cocktails to make?

Go for cocktails that use just a few simple ingredients like juice, soda, and a base spirit. Margaritas made with seasonal ingredients are perfect and easy to batch.

What cocktails can I make ahead for a party?

Batch cocktails like sangria, punches, and pitcher margaritas are perfect for making ahead. Anything without bubbles or egg white, especially those that are stirred instead of shaken, are easiest to make in a pitcher. You can prepare them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until serving.

What non-alcoholic drinks can I serve at a Thanksgiving party?

Thanksgiving mocktails made with sparkling water, juice, herbs, and seasonal fruits are great non-alcoholic options that still feel festive and special. The sparkling water especially makes a mocktail feel festive. Warm batch drinks like egg nog and mulled apple cider are also beloved by all alcohol and non-alcohol drinkers alike.