Are you stressing over the turkey while everyone else debates stuffing recipes and the cocktails end up being an afterthought?
I got you!
I have selected my favorite Thanksgiving drink ideas with alcohol (although you can turn them into mocktails easily) to fix that.
Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Why I love it: They’re the perfect mix of cozy and festive — easy to make, full of fall flavor, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just sipping by the fire, these drinks bring all the holiday cheer.
Packed with fall flavors like tart cranberry, spiced apple cider, warm cinnamon, zesty orange, and a kick of ginger, using everything from rum and vodka to bourbon, or prosecco, with icy cold spritzers to steaming hot toddies to keep the whole table happy on Thanksgiving day and far beyond.
Holiday Punch
Holiday upgrade for classic rum punch – you simply add cranberry juice, pineapple juice, ginger ale, and rum for a big-batch crowd-pleaser. My own trick is to freeze some cranberry ice cubes to keep the punch cold without watering it down.
Get the recipe: Holiday Punch Recipe
Candy Corn Jello Shots
Having an adult-only Halloween party? These fun, layered jello shots are made with gelatin, whipped cream, and a touch of vodka for adults. Simple to make. Jell-O is always easy. The bright orange, yellow, and white layers mimic candy corn, making them a perfect treat for grown-up Halloween parties.
Get the recipe: Candy Corn Jello Shots
Three Wise Men Shots
For those who like their drinks strong and straight to the point, like a true gentleman, this one mixes Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Jack Daniel’s – just these 3 ingredients. It’s intense, bold, and doesn’t mess around.
Get the recipe: Three Wise Men Shots
Thanksgiving Punch
A holiday blend of apple cider, cranberry juice, and prosecco with a splash of maple syrup for a fizzy punch. I love to decorate it with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Light, delicious, and fall-themed cocktail for a Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the recipe: Thanksgiving Punch
Espresso Martini
An elegant classic straight from a bar to your Thanksgiving party. It mixes together espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka – a bold after-dinner pick-me-up that is not for the fainthearted.
Get the recipe: Espresso Martini
Apple Cranberry Spritzer
Apple cranberry spritzer is a beautiful Thanksgiving drink idea you can make with or without alcohol! Sweet crisp apple cider and tart cranberry juice make a perfect fall flavor combination. Garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and apple slices for a festive Thanksgiving sip.
Get the recipe: Apple Cranberry Spritzer
Bourbon Apple Cider
Made right in the crockpot, Bourbon Apple cider has the perfect blend of spiced apple cider, smooth bourbon, and aromatic fall spices. I can see it perfectly fitting a late-night gathering with friends around Thanksgiving.
Get the recipe: Bourbon Apple Cider
Spiced Old Fashioned
A glass of spiced fall bourbon cocktail is a must for a grown-up Thanksgiving party. Delicious mix of cinnamon, bourbon, thyme syrup, and orange peels.
Get the recipe: Spiced Old Fashioned
Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Combine cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and champagne for a vibrant Thanksgiving brunch or girls’ party cocktail. A holiday-ready twist on a classic mimosa recipe that also works amazingly for a Christmas party.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Mimosa
Cinnamon Spiced Moscow Mule
Swap classic lime for St. Germain Elderflower liquor, and add cinnamon syrup to this ginger beer-based mule. An all-time classic vodka cocktail with a little holiday touch. Would work for both Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.
Get the recipe: Cinnamon Spiced Moscow Mule
Crock Pot Cranberry Cider
Simmer apple cider, cranberry juice, and warm spices to transform into delicious cranberry hard cider in your slow cooker – a completely hands-off holiday cocktail. I love it for family nights when it is chilly outside.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Cranberry Cider
Salty Devil
If you love whiskey cocktails, Salty Devil will be a great option for your Thanksgiving night. It is delicious, has a subtle caramel flavor, and certainly lands a punch!
Get the recipe: Salty Devil
Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail
3-ingredient Thanksgiving whiskey cocktail idea that comes together in 2 minutes. It is a tart-sweet sipper that is both elegant and delicious and works great for fall holidays and Christmas dinner.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Whiskey Cocktail
Mulled Wine Spice Mix
Mulled wine is just a synonym for chilly fall nights, a definite must. To make it easily at home, make the spice mix ahead of time.
It is loaded with warm cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and zesty orange peel to create a delicious mulling spice sachet. Steep in red wine, and you get an aromatic Thanksgiving cocktail
Get the recipe: Mulled Wine Spice Mix
Gingered Cider Hot Toddie
One of my favorite old-school drinks for the fall season and Thanksgiving. I love the combination of warm apple cider and bourbon, with a bit of honey for sweetness. It actually works great if you are feeling a bit sick, too (and skip the alcohol then)!
Get the recipe: Gingered Cider Hot Toddie
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