Food

12 Cocktail Ideas for the Perfect Thanksgiving Drink

12 Cocktail Ideas for the Perfect Thanksgiving Drink

When it comes to Thanksgiving, everybody talks about the turkey, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and the gifts, but rarely does someone mention Thanksgiving drinks. Drinks are an important element of any party, and hosts often forget this and miss a chance to make unique cocktails the highlight of their evening. A fun and easy way to impress your guests, there are endless ways to prepare a refreshing cocktail.

One can customize their drinks and experiment with different ingredients or stick with the classics. Thanksgiving calls for pumpkin, cranberry-flavored, or apple-cider-based cocktails, giving the traditions a fun twist. In this article, we have put together a list of 12 drink ideas that are unique to one another. Find that inspiration for the ultimate Thanksgiving drink at your dinner party this year.

1. Apple Martinis

Apple Martinis

Apple martinis are a dessert and a cocktail combination for those who love sweet drinks. They are vodka-based drinks prepared using Butterscotch schnapps, caramel sauce, and apple cider. A small list of ingredients makes this drink easy to prepare. One can add equal amounts of bourbon to vodka and get a warm flavor for the chilly fall weather.

2. Cranberry Martinis

Cranberry Martinis

Are you looking to incorporate fresh Thanksgiving cranberries beyond the traditional sauce? Cranberry-flavored martinis are your answer. The sweet-tart flavor with vodka and lime juice creates a perfect balance that is similar to the classic cosmopolitan cocktail. Add some ginger syrup to give the cocktail a spicy hit. Garnish with mint and fresh cranberries before serving.

3. Apple-cider Sangria

Apple-cider Sangria

Do you want to prepare your drinks well in advance to avoid the hassles of a last-minute drink on Thanksgiving day? Sangrias are a perfect option. All you need is apple cider, some brandy, and white wine to top it all off. The rich apple and brandy flavor is soothing and warm. Serve the drink with ginger ale, ice, and lemon garnishing. The sangria will taste better if prepared beforehand and given time to settle.

4. White Russian

White Russian

A classic 3-ingredient cocktail, White Russian is made using vodka, coffee liquor, and cream. Substitute the drink as an adult sweet indulgence by adding some chocolate syrup on top. Top the glass of your favorite vodka and coffee liquor with heavy cream, and do not experiment with the recipe to get that authentic feel.

5. Pumpkin Pie Martini

Pumpkin Pie Martini

How can we miss the Pumpkin Pie flavored Martini when it’s Thanksgiving? Prepared using Pumpkin-spice or vanilla-flavored vodka, this drink goes well with your other Thanksgiving staples. Add rum, whipped cream, and pumpkin puree in a cocktail shaker for a rich and creamy texture for your cocktail. It is a perfect comfort cocktail to end your tiring day with some refreshments.

6. Classic Negroni

Classic Negroni

An ode to classic Italian drinks, a glass of Negroni is a perfect accompaniment to any dish or a late-night celebration. A perfect balance of ingredients is very important while preparing Negroni. Gin, vermouth, and Campari in equal proportions over ice and some orange slices for garnish are all you need for this recipe. Your guests will surely appreciate a glass of Negroni if they enjoy classic cocktails.

7. Gin & Tonic

Gin & Tonic

Gin and tonic is a simple two-ingredient cocktail perfect for last-minute plans. However, to stay within the theme, add cranberry juice and some syrup to turn it into a Thanksgiving drink. The cranberries blend well with the natural flavors of gin and tonic and leave you with a perfect, handcrafted cocktail.

8. Pumpkin Spiced Margaritas

Pumpkin Spiced Margaritas

One might get skeptical, but tequila, orange liquor, and pumpkin spice syrup taste delicious together. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in pumpkin puree to prepare a perfectly-spiced base for your margaritas. Add tequila, orange liquor, and some orange garnishing, and serve your fancy Thanksgiving cocktail in margarita glasses.

9. Pomegranate Mule

Pomegranate Mule

A spin on the age-old classic, this drink incorporates the sweet and tangy flavor of Pomegranates in the traditional Moscow Mule. Combine your favorite vodka with ginger beer and pomegranate juice, and top it off with fresh pomegranates. The drink packs a fruity punch, which complements the heavy vodka and makes it a perfect after-dinner drink.

10. Ginger-French 75 Cocktail

Ginger-French 75 Cocktail

An adult version of Lemonade, this cocktail uses simple ingredients such as gin, champagne, and ginger syrup to create a strong drink that will get you going for the evening. Use a simple ginger honey syrup to add some sweetness to the drink. This cocktail is a perfect accompaniment to your heavy and savory Thanksgiving dishes.

11. Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Red Wine Hot Chocolate

Red wine and chocolate go so well together that it surprises everyone every time. Add your favorite chocolate in simmering milk and whisk until it is creamy. Pour in some fruity red wine, and you’re good to go. Top it off with grated chocolate and whipped cream, and you have your ultimate holiday comfort drink.

12. Peartini

Peartini

Pear is a delicious alternative to apples and pumpkins if you want to overlook the classics this Thanksgiving. Add sugar syrup, pear, fresh lime juice, and vodka in a cocktail blender and shake for a couple of minutes. Pour the frosty cocktail into a chill martini glass. You can garnish with a lime wedge or pear slices to let your guests know what the drink is all about. A perfect cocktail recipe, add ice cubes and serve cold.


Selecting the perfect drink to complement a well-planned dinner can indeed be a challenging task. However, it's important to remember that drinks have the power to bring out the best stories and memories when shared with loved ones. A well-crafted cocktail can add a touch of fun and offer a refreshing respite, especially after a long and tiring day. It's a surefire way to ensure guests have a delightful and hearty feast.

So plan your drinks accordingly and well in advance. With an endless variety of cocktail options on the internet, make sure that the crowd's favorite is the star of your menu. While sticking to the classics can be a safe choice when feeling overwhelmed, the extra effort you invest is certain to yield satisfying results.

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