12 Top Thanksgiving Cocktails To Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving is when your turkey is stuffed, and your uncle inevitably becomes a little too jolly from the family punch. But why should Uncle Bob have all the fun? This year, let’s shake things up (literally) with Tripleseat’s top 12 Thanksgiving cocktails that’ll have your taste buds giving thanks and your family forgetting about that one time you accidentally turned the mashed potatoes into glue.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Martini: The quintessential flavors of Thanksgiving in a glass. Combine vanilla vodka, pumpkin puree, and a splash of cream. Shake well with ice, strain into a martini glass, and sprinkle with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. This creamy concoction is the perfect opener to your Thanksgiving feast.
2. Cranberry Moscow Mule: Give a seasonal twist to the classic Moscow Mule by adding cranberry juice. Mix vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug, then pour in a dash of cranberry juice for a tart finish. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to capture the essence of Thanksgiving.
3. Apple Cider Mimosa: A festive start to any Thanksgiving day. Fill half your flute with chilled apple cider, then top off with your favorite bubbly. The fizz of the champagne blends delightfully with the sweetness of the cider, making a light and refreshing beverage ideal for sipping throughout the day.
4. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned: For a warming sipper, mix bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick. This cocktail’s rich flavors are the perfect complement to savory dishes like roasted turkey and stuffing.
5. Fig Honey Thyme Prosecco Smash: Muddle fresh figs with honey and a few thyme sprigs, add Prosecco, and serve in a wine glass for an elegant and bubbly treat. The fig’s natural sweetness and the herbal notes of thyme create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
6. Sage and Pear Sparkler: Shake pear nectar, lemon juice, and a little sage simple syrup with ice—strain into a champagne flute and top with Prosecco. The subtle, herbaceous flavor of sage brings out the best in the pear, providing a refined cocktail experience.
7. Autumn Sangria: Mix a robust red wine with brandy, a splash of orange juice, and seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and oranges. Let it sit to allow the flavors to meld together, and serve in a large pitcher or punch bowl. This communal cocktail is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
8. Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer: Combine pomegranate juice with sparkling water and a hint of lemon for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option. Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch. This spritzer is delicious and a beautiful addition to the Thanksgiving table.
9. Hot Buttered Rum: A warm, comforting drink like a hug in a mug. Blend dark rum with a homemade buttered spice mix and hot water. Top with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of nutmeg. It’s a cozy choice for chilly November evenings.
10. Harvest Margarita: Give the traditional margarita an autumnal makeover by blending tequila with apple cider and a squeeze of lime juice. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar and garnish with an apple slice. This cocktail provides a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty Thanksgiving fare.
11. Amaretto Coffee: This coffee beverage is created by adding a shot of amaretto liqueur to hot coffee, then garnishing it with freshly whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
12. Thanksgiving Punch: This punch option is great for batching for a larger crowd. Start with a large amount of Apple cider and add pumpkin pie spice to taste. Top with your choice of champagne (or ginger ale if you desire a non-alcoholic option). Garnish with sliced oranges, cranberries, and sliced red and green apples.

Open with a Spiced Pumpkin Martini, the drink that says, “I’m sophisticated but also ready to eat pie straight out of the tin.” This little number will have your guests questioning whether they’re there for the cocktails or the company. And as the evening winds down and the last crumbs of pie have been fought over, it’s time to reflect on the day with a Hot Buttered Rum in hand, whispering sweet nothings about the virtues of elastic waistbands.

So, as you gather around the table, clinking glasses filled with Thanksgiving’s finest libations, remember to sip responsibly, laugh abundantly, and hide the good liquor from Uncle Bob. It’s a time to be merry, a little silly, and most importantly, to be grateful that there’s a cocktail out there potent enough to make Aunt Linda’s third retelling of her trip to Vegas sound almost bearable. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your spirits be as high as your calorie count!