Thanksgiving
Cocktails

WRITTEN BY: SCOT VAN DORT

As fall settles in with its crisp air and colorful leaves, it’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving. And what would a Thanksgiving feast be without drinks to match?  Think flavors of crisp Apple, fragrant Vanilla, warm Pumpkin Spice, tart Cranberry, zesty Ginger, aromatic Cinnamon, and rich Maple Syrup.  

 So, whether you’re looking to impress your guests with a cocktail or mocktail, or planning a cozy Friendsgiving gathering, we’ve got you covered with 15 easy holiday Thanksgiving cocktail recipes everyone will thank you for.  

Apple-Inspired Thanksgiving Cocktails

Apples are perfect in Fall, making those warming, apple-flavored drinks one of the best types of Thanksgiving cocktail. Get ready for the sweet, warming taste of these apple-tizing Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving cocktails. 

Apple Pie Shot

The Apple Pit Shot may be small in size, but it’s got all the warmth and comfort of a big hug. Smooth Vanilla-flavored Vodka courtesy of Absolut Vanilia, tangy Apple Juice, and a hint of zesty Lemon, topped with a sprinkle of Cinnamon and a slice of Fresh Apple. It’s the perfect cocktail shot for toasting to the joy of a hearty Thanksgiving feast. 

Here’s how to make an Apple Pie Shot.

Apple Blossom

The Apple Blossom mixes Apple Jack, Apple Juice, Fresh Pressed Lemon Juice and Maple Syrup to create a Thanksgiving cocktail that’s apple-licious. Apple Jack is an American Brandy made from Apple Cider. It’s then aged in wooden barrels for a minimum of two years, before being bottled. 

How to make an Apple Blossom cocktail. 

Appletini

Thanks in no small part to the humble Apple Pie, there’s something undeniable about the combination of Thanksgiving and Apples that makes the Appletini a perfect choice for the occasion. Light, breezy and sophisticated, the Appletini is a little sweet, a little tart and has a lot of Apple flavor…as you might expect!  

Try our classic Appletini recipe. 

Virgin Appletini

With a mix of Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup, garnished with a crisp Green Apple slice, this alcohol-free Appletini (aka Virgin Appletini) provides a refreshing taste and is a delicate addition to your holiday Thanksgiving cocktail list.  

Discover how to make a Virgin Appletini. 

Cranberry Thanksgiving Cocktails

Cranberries aren’t just for sauce! These Cranberry cocktails are real crowd pleasers, with their bitter-but-sweet taste and vibrant red color. Serve up these Thanksgiving cocktails to bring that festive feeling to the table. Discover why Cranberry cocktails are made for Thanksgiving. 

The Thanksgiving Punch

If not just for the name itself, this festive punch is perfect to serve when you have a large number of guests coming for Thanksgiving. Combining sweetened Cranberry Juice, zesty Lemonade, bubbly Ginger Ale, and garnished with a Lemon Wedge, it’s one of those Thanksgiving holiday drinks that perfectly complements the rich, savory flavors of the holiday feast. 

See our recipe for The Thanksgiving Punch. 

Vodka Cranberry

The Vodka Cranberry cocktail is made for Thanksgiving. After all, if there’s just one ingredient synonymous with the holiday season, it’s got to be Cranberry. With this in mind, no holiday Thanksgiving cocktail list would be complete without the classic Vodka Cranberry. It’s the quintessential Thanksgiving cocktail. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and balanced, making it a great Thanksgiving cocktail choice for a group. 

Discover our Vodka Cranberry recipe. 

Virgin Cosmopolitan

The perfect Thanksgiving mocktail? You could say that. A tantalizing mix of Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, and Orange Juice, which is then perfectly balanced with a touch of Simple Syrup and a hint of Orange Bitters. 

Here’s how to make a Virgin Cosmopolitan. 

Gentle Sea Breeze 

When it comes to Thanksgiving mocktails, the Gentle Sea Breeze is a perfect addition. An alcohol-free version of the classic Sea Breeze cocktail, this mocktail contains Cranberry Juice and Grapefruit Juice, garnished with a Lime Wedge. Fresh, tart and fruity, it’s a go-to Thanksgiving holiday drink for those that need to drive that day. 

Learn how to mix the Gentle Sea Breeze. 

Thanksgiving Cocktails with Spice and Warmth

When the weather outside is frightful, a warm, spiced Thanksgiving cocktail is so delightful. These Thanksgiving cocktails bring all those festive aromas to life for a recipe you don’t just taste but can smell too.  

Absolut Ginger Martini

Featuring just two ingredients – Absolut Citron and a dash of Ginger Syrup – this zesty cocktail will bring a touch of warmth to any Thanksgiving gathering. So simple, so good, ideal for Thanksgiving season.  

See how to make an Absolut Ginger Martini. 

Pumpkin Pie Martini

Imagine what would happen if you mixed the smooth sweetness of Absolut Vanilia, creamy Milk, a dash of Cinnamon Syrup and a generous dollop of Pumpkin Puree. You’d end up with a drink that tastes like a Pumpkin Pie in a glass. Welcome to the Pumpkin Pie Martini – an essential new addition to your Thanksgiving cocktail repertoire. 

Look no further than this Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe. 

Falling Leaves

There’s perhaps no other drink that represents a Thanksgiving cocktail better than the aptly named Falling Leaves. A bold blend of Absolut Mandrin, Cider, Cranberry Juice, and Lemon Juice, all tied together with a touch of Simple Syrup and garnished with a Cinnamon Cane and a Grapefruit Wedge. Trust us, your guests will be giving thanks for serving this cocktail on Thanksgiving.  

Try our recipe for a Falling Leaves cocktail. 

Unique Thanksgiving Cocktail Ideas

If you’re looking for unique Thanksgiving cocktail ideas that stay festive, but are a little different, then we’ve got some quirky Thanksgiving cocktail suggestions for you. 

Maple Leaf

An essential cocktail at every Thanksgiving gathering in Canada but just as at home anywhere else in the world, the Maple Leaf cocktail blends Canadian Whisky, Lemon Juice and, drumroll please, Maple Syrup. A little sweet, a little bitter – a lot Thanksgiving.  

Check out the Maple Leaf cocktail recipe. 

Connecticut Bullfrog

Although this cocktail originates from – you guessed it – Connecticut, it’s a much-welcome addition to any Thanksgiving cocktail selection. It’s a harmonious well-balanced blend of Gin, Light Rum, tart Lemon Juice, and a touch of sweet Maple Syrup. 

Learn all about the Connecticut Bullfrog cocktail. 

The Gold Rush

A delightful twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, this Thanksgiving cocktail features Bourbon, fresh Lemon Juice, and runny Honey, replacing Simple Syrup for a richer flavor. It’s a smooth, honeyed drink that fans of Whiskey Sours will adore – no Egg Whites needed!  

Here’s how to make The Gold Rush. 

Ginger Cosmo

A zesty twist on a classic Cosmopolitan. Shake up Absolut Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, and a kick of Fresh Ginger for a tasty Thanksgiving treat.  

Discover our Ginger Cosmo cocktail recipe. 

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