22 Thanksgiving Drinks Alcohol Ideas That’ll Make Your Feast Unforgettable
Thanksgiving dinner gets all the hype, but let’s be real—the drinks can make or break the vibe.
Sure, the turkey is important, but nothing says “holiday gathering” like a perfectly mixed cocktail in hand while dodging awkward questions from relatives.
If you’re hunting for the best Thanksgiving alcohol ideas, you’re in the right place.
I’ve rounded up 22 killer drink ideas that will not only pair beautifully with your feast but also earn you bragging rights as the host who knows what’s up.
So grab your shaker, open the wine, and let’s talk drinks.
1. Classic Mulled Wine
Nothing screams cozy fall like warm, spiced mulled wine. It’s rich, festive, and basically a hug in a mug. Heat up red wine with cinnamon, cloves, orange slices, and maybe a splash of brandy if you’re feeling bold.
Pro tip: Make a big pot—it tastes even better when shared.
2. Apple Cider Bourbon Punch
Want something crowd-friendly? Mix apple cider, bourbon, ginger beer, and lemon juice. The cider gives that Thanksgiving flavor while bourbon keeps it strong.
Ever notice how bourbon instantly makes you feel like a grown-up? This punch will do that.
3. Cranberry Moscow Mule
Give your standard mule a holiday twist by adding cranberry juice. Same vodka, lime, and ginger beer base, but the cranberry makes it festive and gorgeous in a copper mug.
Plus, it looks like Christmas arrived early—bonus points for Instagram vibes.
4. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
White Russians are already dessert in a glass. Add pumpkin spice creamer or pumpkin puree, and boom—instant fall cocktail.
Honestly, if pumpkin spice lattes had an adult cousin, this would be it.
5. Spiked Eggnog (Yes, for Thanksgiving Too)
Eggnog isn’t just for Christmas. Mix dark rum, bourbon, or brandy into creamy eggnog, and you’ve got yourself an indulgent drink that pairs surprisingly well with pie.
Trust me, one sip and you’ll stop saving it just for December.
6. Maple Old Fashioned
A classic Old Fashioned gets a seasonal glow-up with maple syrup instead of sugar. Add bourbon, bitters, and a twist of orange.
IMO, this is the drink that makes you feel like Don Draper but in a plaid flannel.
7. Spiced Pear Martini
This one’s chic. Shake pear vodka, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup with a pinch of cinnamon.
Perfect for impressing guests who “don’t really drink cocktails” but suddenly finish the glass.
8. Red Sangria with Fall Fruits
Sangria isn’t just for summer. Use red wine, brandy, and fall fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates. Add cinnamon sticks for extra flavor.
It’s fruity, bold, and goes down way too easily. Consider this your fair warning.
9. Hot Buttered Rum
Yes, it sounds odd—butter in a cocktail? Trust me, it works. Mix rum with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and hot water. It’s sweet, creamy, and addictive.
Think of it as liquid dessert you don’t have to chew.
10. Thanksgiving Sangria Blanca
Prefer white wine? Try a white sangria with sauvignon blanc, apple cider, brandy, and diced apples. Refreshing yet seasonal.
It’s basically the crisp cousin of red sangria.
11. Apple Pie Martini
Shake vanilla vodka, apple schnapps, and cinnamon schnapps for a drink that tastes like apple pie in a glass. Add a graham cracker rim for extra flair.
Yes, it’s a little over the top. But hey, so is Thanksgiving.
12. Irish Coffee
Cold evening? Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar, and whipped cream. Simple, strong, and guaranteed to keep you awake through that third round of pumpkin pie.
Also perfect for pretending you’re in a cozy Irish pub instead of your cousin’s kitchen.
13. Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Mix gin, pomegranate juice, and club soda with a little lime. It’s tart, refreshing, and the bright red color looks stunning on the table.
This one’s for the cocktail snobs (you know who you are).
14. Caramel Apple Martini
Sweet tooth alert. Combine vodka, apple schnapps, and butterscotch schnapps. Rim the glass with caramel sauce for maximum drama.
Sure, it’s sugary, but so is every Thanksgiving dessert—lean in.
15. Spiked Hot Chocolate
Kids get cocoa. Adults get boozy hot chocolate spiked with Baileys, Kahlúa, or peppermint schnapps.
Pro move: Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. You’ll thank me later.
16. Pumpkin Beer Shandy
Grab pumpkin beer and mix it with ginger ale or hard cider. It’s fizzy, light, and a good option for beer lovers who want something seasonal.
It’s basically beer’s attempt at dressing up for Thanksgiving.
17. Bourbon Cranberry Spritz
This one’s fresh and light: bourbon, cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a squeeze of orange.
Not too heavy, so it won’t knock you out before dessert.
18. Apple Cider Margarita
Yep, margaritas can be fall-friendly. Swap lime juice with apple cider, keep the tequila, add triple sec, and rim with cinnamon sugar.
You’ll never look at margaritas the same way again.
19. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
A fall upgrade to the whiskey sour. Mix whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Sweet, tangy, and strong—it checks every box.
20. Sparkling Cranberry Prosecco
Super easy but elegant. Add cranberry juice to Prosecco, toss in a few frozen cranberries, and call it a day.
It looks way fancier than the effort required. That’s my kind of drink.
21. Hot Toddy
The ultimate cold-weather classic: whiskey, honey, lemon, and hot water. Add cinnamon if you’re feeling extra festive.
This drink does double duty—it’s cozy and also helps if you catch a holiday cold. Win-win.
22. Amaretto Apple Cider
Mix amaretto with hot or cold apple cider. The nutty flavor of amaretto makes this simple combo taste like something way more complicated.
Honestly, this might be my personal favorite. It’s comforting but not too heavy.
Hosting Tips for Serving Thanksgiving Drinks
Now that you’ve got your menu, let’s talk logistics. Because nothing kills the vibe faster than running out of ice or spending the whole night behind the bar.
Keep it easy with big-batch cocktails. Punches, sangria, and mulled wine are lifesavers when you’ve got a full house.
Stock up on basics. Always have extra wine, beer, and mixers like ginger beer and soda water. Someone will ask.
Make it look good. A cinnamon stick garnish or a sugared rim goes a long way. Presentation matters, even if Uncle Joe’s already on his third glass.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Drinks
Q: Can I make these cocktails ahead of time?
Yes—punches, sangria, and mulled wine can be made hours before. Just add fizzy stuff (like soda or prosecco) last minute so it doesn’t go flat.
Q: What’s the best drink for a crowd?
Mulled wine, sangria, or a big apple cider bourbon punch. They’re easy, scalable, and crowd-pleasers.
Q: Do I need fancy alcohol for these?
Nope. Mid-range bottles work perfectly. Save the pricey stuff for sipping neat.
Q: What’s a lighter drink option?
Try sparkling cranberry prosecco or the bourbon cranberry spritz. They’re festive without being heavy.
Q: Which one’s best with dessert?
Spiked hot chocolate, pumpkin spice White Russian, or caramel apple martini. Basically, anything that tastes like dessert in a glass.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is about good food, family, and yes—great drinks. Whether you love strong cocktails, cozy warm sippers, or fruity punches, this list of 22 Thanksgiving drinks with alcohol has something for everyone at your table.
Pick a few, prep ahead, and enjoy the compliments when your guests realize you didn’t just nail the turkey—you nailed the bar too. And isn’t that the real holiday victory?
