17 Unique Thanksgiving Cocktails You’ve Never Seen Before
When most people think about Thanksgiving, their minds go straight to the turkey, stuffing, and pie. But what about the drinks?
Wine and beer are classics, but Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative with cocktails that showcase the flavors of the season.
Whether you're looking for something boozy, non-alcoholic, or a festive punch the whole family can enjoy, these 17 unique Thanksgiving cocktails will impress your guests and keep the mood as warm as your mashed potatoes.
This spiced pumpkin punch is great to serve for thanksgiving and great for utilizing all your left over pumpkin guts from Halloween.
A Halloween cocktail that tastes like if a Pumpkin spiced latte and espresso martini had a baby...
Don’t forget your classy autumn cocktails either. Such as this one, a delicious autumn cocktail combining apple cider with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, spicy ginger and bold bourbon. Perfect for any thanksgiving party or dinner.
An indulgent autumn caramel apple martini. Great for after dinner.
#5 Cranberry Ginger Fizz
Answering the question of which Thanksgiving cocktail is made with Vodka.
If you love cranberries (and who doesn’t?), the Cranberry Ginger Fizz is a fantastic way to kick off your Thanksgiving festivities. This drink combines tart cranberries with spicy ginger beer for a refreshing cocktail that pairs well with appetizers or can be sipped while the Turkey is roasting.
Ingredients:
Vodka
Ginger beer
Fresh cranberries
Lime juice
Simple syrup
Pro Tip: Muddle fresh cranberries with simple syrup in the shaker to release their tartness, then garnish with a sprig of rosemary for that extra holiday feel.
Pairs well with any traditional thanksgiving meal.
#6 Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Pumpkin spice season might be a cliché, but this Pumpkin Spice White Russian will surprise even your most skeptical guests. Perfect for sitting around and digesting after thanksgiving dinner.
Oh and by the way, remember to put some thought into what you will be doing after dinner. Here’s a fair few ideas to get you started.
A creamy, dessert-like cocktail, this drink swaps regular cream for pumpkin spice creamer, adding a rich fall twist to the classic White Russian.
Ingredients:
Coffee liqueur
Pumpkin spice creamer
Pro Tip: Dust a little cinnamon on top, and don’t be shy about serving this after dessert!
#7 Spiked Hot Apple Cider
You can’t have Thanksgiving without apple cider, and this Spiked Hot Apple Cider is a warm, cozy way to embrace the flavors of fall. Perfect for sipping while huddled around the fireplace or watching the parade, this drink is easy to make in big batches and warms the soul.
It’s also perfect for leading into Christmas and is great if you’re hosting a larger thanksgiving and don’t want to be taking ages making lots of different cocktails.
Ingredients:
Spiced rum
Fresh apple cider
Cinnamon sticks
Star anise
Cloves
Pro Tip: Heat the cider with the spices, then stir in the rum just before serving so you don’t cook off the alcohol. Add a cinnamon stick or star anise for an extra festive look.
#8 Pear and Thyme Smash
If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, the Pear and Thyme Smash is a refreshing cocktail that balances the sweetness of pears with herbal thyme. This one’s a favorite at my family’s dinner because it pairs so well with turkey.
It also surprising pairs really well with fish and seafood thanksgiving dinners.
Ingredients:
Pear vodka or gin
Fresh pear juice
Thyme simple syrup
Lemon juice
Pro Tip: Muddle fresh thyme into the drink to release its aromatic oils. You can also swap the thyme for rosemary if you’re looking for a thanksgiving cocktail with rosemary.
#9 Maple Old Fashioned
Perfect for those looking for a thanksgiving cocktail with bourbon, this is a seasonal spin on the Old Fashioned, the Maple Old Fashioned brings a sweet, smoky depth to a classic cocktail.
Using maple syrup instead of sugar gives this drink a rich flavor that perfectly complements bourbon’s warmth.
Ingredients:
Bourbon
Maple syrup
Bitters
Orange peel
Pro Tip: Use high-quality maple syrup (grade A) and warm it slightly before stirring into the cocktail. It blends better and adds a smoother sweetness.
#10 Pomegranate Sparkler
Nothing says celebration like bubbles, and the Pomegranate Sparkler is the perfect drink for Thanksgiving toasts. The tartness of pomegranate juice pairs beautifully with prosecco or champagne for a drink that’s light, fizzy, and festive.
Also pairs well with pasta and Italian themed thanksgiving dinner parties.
Ingredients:
Pomegranate juice
Champagne or prosecco
Vodka
Simple syrup
Pro Tip: Float a few pomegranate seeds in each glass to give it that extra festive pop!
#11 Bourbon Pumpkin Sour
Pumpkin meets bourbon in the Bourbon Pumpkin Sour, a cocktail that’s smooth and spicy with a touch of richness from the pumpkin puree. It’s a bit unexpected, but trust me, it works.
Ingredients:
Bourbon
Pumpkin puree
Lemon juice
Maple syrup
Egg white (optional)
Pro Tip: Shake it well with ice to get a nice, frothy top. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg for a holiday-worthy presentation.
#12 Cinnamon Toast Martini
If dessert cocktails are your thing, you’ll love the Cinnamon Toast Martini. It’s a sweet, creamy mix that tastes like cinnamon toast in liquid form, perfect for sipping after dinner or with dessert.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon whiskey
Vanilla vodka
Cream
Cinnamon sugar rim
Pro Tip: Rim your glasses with cinnamon sugar before pouring for an extra-special touch.
#13 Rosemary Gin Sour
Another one for those looking for thanksgiving cocktails with rosemary. The Rosemary Gin Sour is an herbal, refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for those who love a good gin sour but want to add a seasonal twist.
The rosemary syrup gives this drink a subtle earthiness that feels right at home on a fall table.
Ingredients:
Gin
Lemon juice
Rosemary syrup
Egg white (optional)
Pro Tip: Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon twist to take the presentation to the next level.
#14 Apple Pie Moscow Mule
The Apple Pie Moscow Mule is a Thanksgiving twist on the classic mule, featuring spiced apple cider, ginger beer, and vodka for a refreshing cocktail with fall flavors.
I made this last year, and it’s been requested at every family gathering since!
Ingredients:
Vodka
Apple cider
Ginger beer
Lime juice
Cinnamon
Pro Tip: Serve in a copper mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick for an extra cozy touch.
#15 Spiced Pear Collins
The Spiced Pear Collins is a light, bubbly cocktail featuring the sweetness of pears and the warmth of fall spices. It’s a refreshing option for guests who prefer something on the lighter side.
Ingredients:
Gin (or tequila)
Pear juice
Lemon juice
Simple syrup
Club soda
Cinnamon
Pro Tip: Make a spiced simple syrup with cinnamon and nutmeg to add depth to the drink.
#16 Cranberry Tequila Spritz
The Cranberry Tequila Spritz is a bright, zesty cocktail with a festive flair. The tart cranberry juice paired with the smooth, earthy flavor of tequila makes for an unexpected but delightful drink.
Perfect for Mexican themed thanksgiving dinner parties.
Ingredients:
Cranberry juice
Lime
Sparkling water
Pro Tip: Garnish with sugared cranberries or a sprig of rosemary to make this cocktail holiday-ready.
#17 Non-Alcoholic Family Thanksgiving Punch
For the kids, designated drivers, or those who prefer not to drink, this Non-Alcoholic Family Thanksgiving Punch is a crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with seasonal flavors, easy to make in large batches, and festive enough to feel special.
This is an absolute classic and as so will work with any theme of thanksgiving dinner from the classic to the most unique thanksgiving party.
Ingredients:
Apple cider
Cranberry juice
Ginger ale
Fresh orange slices
Cinnamon sticks
Pro Tip: Serve in a large punch bowl with a cinnamon stick in each glass for a touch of elegance.
What’s a Good Signature Drink for Thanksgiving?
A good signature drink for Thanksgiving should capture the essence of the season. If you’re looking to impress your guests, try something like the Maple Old Fashioned or Bourbon Pumpkin Sour.
Both drinks combine classic cocktail elements with seasonal flavors, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Drinks for the Family
It’s important to have options for everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering, from non-drinkers to kids.
Offering a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is a great way to make everyone feel included. Alongside your boozy cocktails, make a batch of Non-Alcoholic Family Thanksgiving Punch or mix up some Cranberry and Rosemary Fizz, just swap the vodka for sparkling water.
Planning a Thanksgiving Dinner Party
The perfect cocktail for your thanksgiving will also largely depend on the type of thanksgiving you’re after. What’s your thanksgiving theme this year? Because if you’re hosting a Mexican themed thanksgiving then the Tequila cocktails will fit better. Whilst as those hosting an Italian thankgiving might prefer some aperitif type drinks.
So step 1. Plan your thanksgiving theme, step 2, plan your thanksgiving outfits. Step 3, plan your thanksgiving after dinner activities. THEN figure out the drinks you’ll need.
You might not even want cocktails. A seafood based thanksgiving would work better with prosecco drinks.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is all about celebrating with family, friends, and food, and these 17 unique cocktails will add something special to the table.
Whether you’re experimenting with a new recipe or sticking to classics with a twist, these drinks are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. So grab your shaker, stock up on fresh ingredients, and get ready to toast to a memorable holiday!
Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
More Articles
Smartblend is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk and amazon.com. Smartblend does earn a small commission on goods purchased through the included links. Don't worry, it doesn't cost you any more, but we do appreciate your referral!