7 Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails to Delight Your Guests

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to raise a glass and toast to all the things we’re grateful for! From festive cocktails to traditional drinks, there’s no shortage of options to sip on while enjoying the holiday feast. Let’s explore some fun and delicious alcohol options that will bring a warm and cheerful vibe to your gathering!

Maple Whiskey Sour

The Maple Whiskey Sour is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail. This drink combines the warmth of whiskey with the sweetness of maple syrup, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. The cozy setting, with soft candlelight and autumn decorations, adds to the charm of this seasonal favorite.

To make this drink, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find. The balance of flavors creates a refreshing yet comforting experience, ideal for sipping while enjoying good company.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (optional for froth)
• Ice
• Lemon slice and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions

1. In a shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white if using.
2. Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to froth the egg white.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick.

Cranberry Orange Mimosa

The Cranberry Orange Mimosa is a delightful twist on the classic brunch favorite. This drink combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the sweetness of orange juice, creating a refreshing beverage perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. The vibrant colors and festive garnishes make it visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.

To make this drink, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The combination of sparkling wine and fruit juices creates a bubbly, celebratory feel. It’s a great way to toast to family and friends while enjoying a delicious meal.

Here’s how to whip up this tasty drink:

Ingredients

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 bottle of sparkling wine (like Prosecco or Champagne)
• Fresh cranberries for garnish
• Orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, mix the cranberry juice and orange juice together.
2. Fill champagne flutes halfway with the juice mixture.
3. Top off each glass with sparkling wine.
4. Add a few fresh cranberries and an orange slice to each glass for garnish.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Apple Cider Sangria

Apple cider sangria is a delightful drink that brings the flavors of fall right to your table. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, offering a refreshing twist on traditional sangria. The combination of crisp apples, warm spices, and a splash of wine creates a cozy vibe that everyone will enjoy.

To make this drink, you’ll want to gather some simple ingredients. Start with a good quality apple cider as your base. Then, add in your favorite white wine, some sliced apples, and a few cinnamon sticks for that warm, spicy kick. You can also throw in some orange slices for a citrusy touch.

Let the sangria chill in the fridge for a couple of hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. When it’s time to serve, pour it over ice and enjoy! It’s a fun and festive way to toast to the season with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cups white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 1 cup club soda
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider and white wine.
2. Add the sliced apples and orange, along with the cinnamon sticks.
3. If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in the maple syrup.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend.
5. Just before serving, add the club soda for a little fizz.
6. Pour over ice and garnish with additional apple slices or cinnamon sticks if desired.

Cinnamon Bourbon Hot Chocolate

Warm up this Thanksgiving with a delightful twist on a classic drink. Cinnamon Bourbon Hot Chocolate combines rich chocolate with a hint of bourbon and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s the perfect way to cozy up after a long day of feasting.

The smoothness of the bourbon pairs beautifully with the creamy hot chocolate, making each sip feel like a warm hug. Top it off with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for that extra festive touch. This drink is not just a treat; it’s a celebration in a mug!

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Whipped cream for topping
• Extra cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
2. Add Chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth. If you like it sweeter, add sugar to taste.
3. Mix in Bourbon: Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
4. Serve: Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
5. Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the warmth and flavors of this festive drink!

Pecan Pie Martini

The Pecan Pie Martini is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This drink captures the essence of pecan pie in a glass, making it a festive addition to your holiday table. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests.

To make this martini, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The combination of vodka, pecan liqueur, and cream creates a smooth and rich drink. The rim of the glass is often coated with crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs, adding a nice crunch and enhancing the pie-like experience.

Serve this cocktail chilled and garnish with a pecan on top for that extra touch. It’s not just a drink; it’s a conversation starter and a sweet way to toast to the season.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz pecan liqueur
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• Crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs for rimming
• Pecan for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glass: Start by rimming your martini glass with maple syrup, then dip it into crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs to coat the rim.
2. Mix the Drink: In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, pecan liqueur, heavy cream, and maple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
4. Garnish: Top with a pecan for decoration and enjoy your festive drink!

Mulled Wine with Fresh Spices

Mulled wine is a classic drink that warms the heart and soul, especially during Thanksgiving. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings with family and friends. The rich aroma of spices fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere. This drink combines red wine with fresh spices and citrus, making it a delightful treat.

To make mulled wine, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Start with a good bottle of red wine. Look for something fruity and full-bodied. Fresh spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves add depth. Oranges bring a zesty brightness, while a touch of honey or sugar balances the flavors.

As you simmer the wine with these ingredients, the flavors meld beautifully. The result is a warm, spiced drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at your Thanksgiving table. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 5-6 whole cloves
• 1/4 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Pour in the red wine and add the sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, honey, and water.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warm, but do not let it boil. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the honey or sugar.
3. Once heated through, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
4. Strain the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses, discarding the spices and orange slices.
5. Garnish with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Spiced Pumpkin Ale

Spiced pumpkin ale is a delightful drink that captures the essence of fall. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. The rich amber color and frothy head make it visually appealing, while the spices add a cozy touch.

This ale combines the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, creating a festive experience. It’s a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family. Pair it with your Thanksgiving feast for a memorable meal.

Making spiced pumpkin ale at home is easier than you might think. With a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a drink that impresses everyone. Here’s how to whip up your own batch!

Ingredients

• 4 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 5 gallons of water
• 8 ounces of malt extract
• 1 packet of ale yeast
• 1 cup of honey

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: In a large pot, combine the pumpkin puree and water. Heat until warm, then stir in the brown sugar and spices until well mixed.
2. Add Malt Extract: Slowly stir in the malt extract, ensuring it dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
3. Cool the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This is important for the yeast to thrive.
4. Add Yeast: Once cooled, sprinkle the ale yeast over the mixture and stir gently. Cover the pot with a clean cloth and let it sit for about 24 hours.
5. Ferment: Transfer the mixture to a fermentation vessel. Seal it with an airlock and let it ferment for about two weeks in a cool, dark place.
6. Bottle the Ale: After fermentation, add honey to the ale for sweetness. Bottle the ale and let it carbonate for another week before enjoying.