35 Seasonal Thanksgiving Cocktails That Taste Like Fall
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, sharing, and savoring the flavors of the season—and the drinks deserve just as much attention as the food. A simple, delicious cocktail can set the mood before dinner, add a festive touch while the turkey roasts, or bring a cozy finish to dessert.
These recipes are easy to make and filled with autumn’s best flavors like apple, cranberry, pumpkin, and warming spices. From refreshing spritzers to mulled cider, sangria, and classic cocktails with a seasonal twist, there’s something here for everyone at the table.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping things intimate, these Thanksgiving cocktails offer just the right mix of flavor and celebration to make the day even more memorable.
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Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Cocktails
Your Friendsgiving gathering or Thanksgiving feast feels even more special with a festive cocktail in hand. From cozy apple cider cocktails and spiced pumpkin drinks to refreshing cranberry spritzers and autumn-inspired sangrias, these recipes bring warmth, flavor, and cheer to every part of the holiday.
Espresso martinis are already a fantastic after-dinner drink, with their clean, sharp flavor profile. Adding in pumpkin spice means it’s the perfect drink for after Thanksgiving dinner, hands down.
This Thanksgiving cocktail comes from a surprising base, since it’s made with black tea. The resulting beverage is spiced, refreshing, and fits right in on the Thanksgiving table.
Blend the cozy flavors of apple cider and warm spices with the refreshing twist of a frozen margarita. Top with a sugared rim, hints of cinnamon, and crisp apple garnish, for a Thanksgiving treat that looks just as good as it tastes.
This warm fall cocktail is rich and inviting, featuring a smooth bourbon base layered with comforting seasonal flavors. Topped with whipped cream and a sweet caramel drizzle, it’s a festive choice for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any crisp autumn evening.
Of course, it wouldn’t be right not giving the Moscow Mule a Thanksgiving spin. Using flavors of caramel, apple, and ginger make this drink a taste sensation.
With homemade pumpkin butter, this pumpkin Kentucky Mule is the real deal. It uses lots of pumpkin flavor which goes perfectly with the bourbon for a real Thanksgiving treat.
Sangrias offer so much variety, it’s easy to customize them for fall. Using seasonal apples and pears mean this drink is full of fall flavors, and perfect for Thanksgiving day.
A classic Old Fashioned is already a sweet drink, so adding in maple syrup and bourbon adds warmth and fall vibes to the mix. This drink is quick and easy to set up, so it’s ideal for after the big meal on Thanksgiving.
Apple and cranberry are both necessary flavors at the Thanksgiving table, and this drink offers both. It’s a light, bubbly, refreshing drink that can be served in alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions for all sorts of guests.
Smoking isn’t just a way to add extra flavor to meats, it works for plenty of other things. Such as this smoked old fashioned, with complex and layered flavors.
Moscow Mules are one of the latest drinks to take the nightlife by storm, and for good reason; they’re delicious. This twist on the formula adds in lots of fall accents, making it a great way to help that Thanksgiving dinner settle while you sip.
Capture those fantastic fall flavors in this special margarita. Apple cider is lightly spiced and mixed up for a perfect Thanksgiving drink.
This Apple Rosemary Gin Fizz is a crisp, refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of autumn with bright apple flavor. The addition of fresh rosemary lends a fragrant, herbal note that balances the sweetness and makes each sip feel elegant and seasonal.
Blend caramel and apple vodkas together in this decadent cocktail that tastes like a classic Thanksgiving dessert. It’s the perfect way to have a little apple pie before dinner even starts.
Whiskey sours are another classic drink that really benefits from a Thanksgiving upgrade. Adding in apple cider and lemon juice expands the flavor profile in a big way.
Another fantastic pie in a martini option is this pecan pie martini. Bourbon blends perfectly with the creamy, nutty flavors of the Thanksgiving classic it’s named after.
White Russians are a classic cocktail that is great for any time of year. But doctoring it up with pumpkin spice means it’s a fantastic selection for Thanksgiving Day.
Here’s a tasty martini that blends perfectly with the flavors of Thanksgiving. Vanilla and coffee liquors are the ideal vehicle for a little pumpkin spice seasoning, complete with a candy corn garnish.
The Classic Negroni is a sophisticated cocktail made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth for a bold, bittersweet flavor. Stirred over ice and finished with a fragrant orange twist, it’s a timeless drink designed for slow, thoughtful sipping.
Since an old fashioned already features warm, smoky bourbon notes and a dose of sweetness, it’s fall-adjacent to begin with. Adding in apple and cinnamon flavors just makes such a great Thanksgiving drink.
Pomegranates are another fruit that is in season for Thanksgiving, and it makes a great addition to the table. These pomegranate palomas are cool and refreshing, and go perfect with a rosemary sprig at the garnish.
Prosecco is the perfect complement to cranberries in this amazing fall-focused beverage. It has all the tasty cranberry notes that people associate with Thanksgiving, but in a not-so-sweet drink.
Cranberry lemon lime sodas and ginger ales start showing up around Thanksgiving, and go perfectly with the meal. This twist on that formula offers an adults-only beverage that tastes just as good.
Pears are in season in the late fall, so they are an often overlooked Thanksgiving flavor alongside their more flavorful cousin, apples. But this pear cocktail will go a long way towards securing the pear’s rightful place at the thanksgiving table.
Need a more fall-centric approach to a standard margarita? This one substitutes some of the citrus flavors for apple, making it perfect for after Thanksgiving dinner drinks.
The Arnold Palmer is a refreshing drink any time of year, but this cranberry version is perfect for Thanksgiving. And bourbon is the perfect complement to the flavors in the beverage, really making it stand out.
Champagne punch is a fantastic way to please a crowd on Thanksgiving. With lots of fruity influences, it’s the perfect blend of fresh fruits and affordable champagne.
This pumpkin Thanksgiving punch has all the wonderful fall vibes going on, but there’s a twist. This one is designed to be served from an actual pumpkin.
A pumpkin spice margarita is such a fantastic way to celebrate Thanksgiving, or fall in general. It has all the fall flavor and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Blood oranges definitely add a splash of drama to any situation, Thanksgiving dinner included. This blood orange martini looks amazing and tastes even better.
Here’s a fun holiday favorite that calls on a less traditional, but still fully Thanksgiving approved, flavor palette. Pear, ginger, and rosemary combine in an unexpectedly tasty combination.
Mimosas have been a brunch staple for ages, but this recipe adds a twist. A little cranberry juice gives it the perfect flavor profile for Thanksgiving dinner.
The Thanksgiving Champagne cocktail has been tailor-made to give it a fall twist. The Barenjager honey liqueur is the secret, and a star anise garnish is just the thing for Thanksgiving.
A Tom Collins is usually considered a light, refreshing, summery drink. But a couple simple tweaks like adding in pear flavors and honey make it a tasty fall favorite.
Elegant Ways to Serve Your Thanksgiving Cocktails
Elevate your cocktail table with pieces designed to impress and delight your guests. These serving ideas balance beauty and practicality, helping you host with ease while adding festive flair to your holiday drinks.
Thanksgiving cocktails are perfect for toasting with family, sharing with friends, or simply sipping while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. With flavors ranging from crisp and fruity to warm and spiced, these drinks pair beautifully with the season’s best dishes.
They’re easy, festive, and guaranteed to keep spirits high throughout the day. Be sure to explore more of my party food recipes and roundups for inspiration to serve alongside these cocktails.
If you loved these Thanksgiving cocktails, be sure to check these Hot Cocktails and Champagne Cocktails perfect for the coming holidays.
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