The holiday season is nearly here! And the time for indulging in delicious food and cocktails awaits. The first big occasion on the horizon is none other than Thanksgiving.
Friendsgiving is, of course, around the corner, too. Originally started for those who couldn’t make it home to their family for the holidays, Friendsgiving is now celebrated by those who want to update tradition and share a special moment with their friends.
If you’re the hostess in your family or friend group, you know hosting a Thanksgiving dinner party can take quite a bit of planning. One of the most important aspects of this holiday celebration is the drink menu.
When your guests gather to enjoy traditional Thanksgiving drinks, they’ll each have their own tastes and requests. To help you impress both friends and family, we’ve curated a selection of Thanksgiving cocktail ideas that will highlight the best flavors of the fall season and dazzle your guests.
So relax and read on — we’ve got your dinner party drinks covered. Here’s our list of the best dinner party drinks for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
1. Cranberry Moscow Mule
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is one of many popular cranberry cocktails for Thanksgiving. The cranberry flavor pairs well with the fresh lime and tart ginger flavors you know and love from the traditional Moscow Mule. Serve it alongside a few holiday appetizers like rosemary turkey meatballs or cranberry brie bites.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- 4 oz. cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 oz. dark rum or vodka
- 1 lime, cut in half
- Crushed ice cubes
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
2. Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz
The Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz is a signature Thanksgiving cocktail. It’s bubbly and refreshing, with a touch of cinnamon spice, while balancing slight sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 oz. apple cider
- 1 oz. Aperol
- 2 to 3 oz. prosecco
- Splash of soda water
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Apple wedges for garnish
3. Apple Cider Old-Fashioned
A new spin on an old fave that is sure to please whiskey lovers, this is one of our favorite Thanksgiving cocktail recipes,
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 oz. good quality bourbon or whiskey
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 3 drops of bitters
- 1 apple slice for garnish
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
If you’d like to keep things classic, try our premade Old Fashioned. It’s quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to savor a rich taste in seconds.
4. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
Perfect for chasing away the winter chill, a Hot Toddy is a drink made with liquor, such as whiskey or bourbon, hot water and honey (or, in some recipes, sugar). A Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a sweeter and spicier version of the original Hot Toddy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 1/2 small orange, pierced several times through the rind
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp. black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/4-1/2 cup honey
- 3-4 oz bourbon
5. Apple Cider Bellini
This Thanksgiving cider cocktail is easy to make — it stars only three ingredients — and it can save you precious time on what’s sure to be a busy day. Depending on your group’s tastes, create each cocktail individually or adapt the recipe to make a whole pitcher.
Ingredients:
For one cocktail:
- 1 oz. apple cider
- 1 oz. apple vodka
- Champagne or prosecco
- Apple slices for garnish
For a pitcher:
- 1 cup or 8 oz. apple cider
- 1 cup or 8 oz. apple vodka
- 750 ml. bottle of champagne or prosecco
- Apple slices for garnish
6. Irish Cream Affogato
The Irish Cream Affogato is a standout among Thanksgiving coffee drinks; it’s the perfect after-dinner dessert and beverage for adults who want to get a little kick after they eat! (P.S. Your guests will need a spoon for this one.)
Ingredients:
- Two scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 oz. Irish Cream Liqueur
- 2 oz. of very strong hot coffee or espresso
7. Cranberry Cobbler Smash
What if you could enjoy the multitude of flavors found in a tasty cobbler in one bold cocktail? If you’re interested in sweet Thanksgiving-inspired cocktails, look no further than the Cranberry Cobbler Smash.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 oz. bourbon
- 3 to 4 oz. cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Sugared cranberries for garnish or in your glass
- Crushed ice
8. Cranberry Margarita
Keep the cranberry vibes going and infuse the renowned Margarita with this festive fruit. Packed with sweet, tart flavor, this cocktail is crisp, refreshing and ready to be your signature Thanksgiving cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. honey
- Finely grated zest and 1 juiced orange
- 1 tbsp. coarse sea salt
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1.5 oz. tequila
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4.5 oz. cranberry juice
- 1 oz. triple sec
- Ice
Give your guests the option of swapping a sweet taste for something tangy with our premade Margarita.
9. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Introduce attendees who love the richness of an Old Fashioned or Manhattan to this comforting holiday variation.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz. Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Maple Syrup
- 5 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
Serve your guests in seconds with our premade Whiskey Sour.
10. Fall Flavors Punch
A fall punch can be a great non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink for guests who are driving. You may also find this punch useful if you want to play Friendsgiving drinking games without getting too much of a headache!
Ingredients:
- 32 oz. cranberry juice
- 32 oz. orange juice
- 2 liters lemon-lime soda
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Ice
Those are some of our recommendations for the best Thanksgiving cocktails. Keep your guests spoiled for choice and build your own cocktail box. Need food recommendations? Check out our suggestions for a dinner party menu or our guide to dinner party hosting for general hosting dos and don’ts.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this season with your loved ones — eat, drink and be merry!