15 Best Thanksgiving Cocktail for a Party

Thanksgiving’s all about getting together with friends and family. There’s always good food, laughter, and honestly, plenty of reasons to celebrate.

I know that finding the perfect cocktails can make any Thanksgiving party even more special. With so many choices, it’s easy to mix up fun drinks that guests will remember.

1) Cranberry Moscow Mule

I always reach for a Cranberry Moscow Mule during the holidays. It’s got this crisp, tart flavor that just fits with Thanksgiving food.

The vibrant red color looks great at any party. To make my favorite version, I use just a few simple ingredients.

I need vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and fresh lime. If I want a little extra sweetness, sometimes I’ll add a bit of simple syrup.

Here’s my easy recipe:

• 2 oz vodka
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

First, I fill a copper mug with ice. Then I pour in the vodka and cranberry juice.

I squeeze in the fresh lime juice and give it a good stir. Next, I top it off with ginger beer and gently stir again to blend the flavors.

For a festive touch, I add a few fresh cranberries and a slice of lime on top. This drink is both refreshing and simple to make.

It pairs well with turkey, stuffing, and all my favorite sides. Plus, it’s easy to make a big batch if I’m serving a group.

Guests always seem to enjoy holding the cold copper mugs. The drink stays chilled for a long time, making it great for parties.

For a lighter version, I sometimes swap some of the cranberry juice with sparkling water. That way, I can sip more than one without feeling too full.

2) Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

I love adding a fall twist to classic cocktails, and the Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned is one of my favorites. This drink brings warm, cozy flavors to any Thanksgiving party.

To make it, I start with 2 ounces of bourbon. Then, I add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.

I also use a dash of Angostura bitters and 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Next, I put everything in a mixing glass with ice.

I stir until it’s well mixed and chilled. Then, I strain the drink into a glass with a large ice cube.

For a festive touch, I garnish my cocktail with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick. The orange peel gives it a fresh smell, while the cinnamon stick adds even more fall flavor.

This drink is smooth and smells just like pumpkin pie. If you want something different than wine or beer at your party, this is a solid pick.

I love serving this because it feels special but is easy to make. If you want to batch it, just multiply the ingredients and stir them all together in a pitcher—everyone can pour their own.

3) Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

I love making an Apple Cider Bourbon Smash when friends come over for Thanksgiving. The sweet apple cider mixes so well with the smoky taste of bourbon.

This drink feels just right for the fall season. To start, I gather these ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 2 ounces fresh apple cider
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

I fill a shaker with ice and pour in the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Next, I shake it well to mix everything together and chill the drink.

Then, I strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. I usually top it off with thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a little extra aroma and festive look.

This cocktail isn’t too strong or too sweet. The maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that goes well with the tang of lemon juice.

Sometimes, I use sparkling apple cider for a bubbly twist. It’s also easy to make a large batch if I’m serving many guests.

I just mix the ingredients in a pitcher and pour over ice as needed. People always say the drink tastes fresh and seasonal.

I like that it only takes a few minutes to make but looks impressive on any holiday table.

4) Maple Walnut Manhattan

I love making my own twist on the classic Manhattan for Thanksgiving. The Maple Walnut Manhattan brings warm, nutty flavors that remind me of fall.

To make this drink, I use 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 0.75 ounces of sweet vermouth, and 0.5 ounces of pure maple syrup. I also add 2 dashes of walnut bitters.

First, I fill a mixing glass with ice. Then, I pour in the rye, vermouth, maple syrup, and bitters.

I stir everything until well chilled. Next, I strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.

If I want, I garnish it with a cherry or a toasted walnut on top. The maple syrup gives a gentle sweetness, while the walnut bitters add a nutty depth.

It’s a drink I enjoy sipping slowly during a Thanksgiving party. This Maple Walnut Manhattan stands out because of its cozy flavor.

It’s simple to make but feels special. My friends often ask for the recipe after their first sip.

If someone wants a lighter version, I sometimes use bourbon instead of rye. It makes the drink a bit sweeter and smoother.

I think the combination of whiskey, maple, and walnut bitter tastes just right for fall. The cocktail is perfect for relaxing after a big Thanksgiving meal.

When I serve this at parties, it always gets compliments. People like how the maple and walnut flavors match the holiday mood.

I always remind guests to enjoy this one slowly. The strong and nutty taste is meant to be savored.

5) Spiced Pear Sangria

When I want to serve a cozy drink that still feels fresh, I always pick Spiced Pear Sangria. This drink mixes sweet pears with warm spices, making it perfect for Thanksgiving.

It looks pretty in a glass and tastes even better. To make Spiced Pear Sangria, I start with these ingredients:

• 1 bottle of crisp white wine
• 1 cup pear juice
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1-2 ripe pears, sliced thin
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2–3 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole star anise
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Club soda or ginger ale for topping

First, I pour the white wine, pear juice, and brandy into a big pitcher. I give it a quick stir.

I add the pear slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise right into the pitcher. If I want it a little sweeter, I stir in some honey too.

Next, I cover the pitcher and let everything chill in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours. This step lets the flavors soak together and get even better.

Right before I serve, I fill my glasses with ice and pour in the sangria. I sometimes add a little club soda or ginger ale to each glass for some fizz.

This drink is fruity, a little spicy, and not too strong. The pears and spices make it feel special but still easy to make.

Whenever I bring this sangria to a party, guests always ask for the recipe. The mix of fresh fruit and warm spices fits Thanksgiving perfectly.

If I don’t have star anise, I skip it or use cloves instead. I like to garnish with a pear or orange slice on the glass.

It makes the drink look extra nice.

6) Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot

I love serving the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot at Thanksgiving parties. It tastes just like the classic cereal in a glass!

The cozy cinnamon flavor is perfect for fall, and the sweet finish makes it a real treat.

To make this shot, I use equal parts RumChata and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. I usually start with 1 ounce of each.

Pour both into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for around 15 seconds—just enough to mix and chill everything.

Strain the mix into a shot glass for serving. That’s it, super simple.

For a fun touch, I sometimes rim the shot glass with cinnamon sugar. Just wet the edge with a little water, then dip it in a plate of cinnamon sugar before pouring in the shot.

This shot is sweet, creamy, and a little spicy. It’s easy to make, and I can put together a bunch in just a few minutes.

They look cute and the smell of cinnamon always makes my guests smile. People often ask for the recipe, so I keep extra Fireball and RumChata on hand.

If you want to make it non-alcoholic, try using cinnamon coffee creamer and a splash of milk. It’s not quite the same, but still fun for kids or people who don’t drink.

7) Salted Caramel White Russian

I love a good White Russian, especially when it gets a sweet and salty twist. The Salted Caramel White Russian is creamy, rich, and perfect for fall gatherings.

It’s a crowd-pleaser for anyone with a sweet tooth. To make one, I start by filling a lowball glass with ice.

I pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur. Next, I add 1 ounce of salted caramel sauce and stir it well until the caramel blends with the alcohol.

I slowly pour 2 ounces of heavy cream over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. This gives the drink a cool layered look.

Sometimes I rim the glass with a little extra caramel and a pinch of sea salt for an extra treat. The first sip is always the best.

I taste the coffee, caramel, and cream all at once. It’s sweet, smooth, and just a bit salty.

I like to garnish mine with a pinch of salt or a caramel drizzle on top. It makes the drink look fancy but is still super easy to make.

For larger parties, I mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and caramel in a pitcher ahead of time. When guests arrive, I just add ice and pour in the cream.

This drink pairs well with pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or a tray of cookies. If you want a non-dairy option, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.

It still tastes rich and creamy. The Salted Caramel White Russian is a simple twist on a classic drink, and I think it’s worth a spot at any Thanksgiving party.

8) Pecan Pie Martini

When I want a dessert-inspired cocktail for Thanksgiving, I always reach for a Pecan Pie Martini. It tastes like a sweet, nutty treat in a glass.

To make it, I use 1 ounce vanilla vodka, 1 ounce creme de cacao, and 1 ounce pecan liqueur. Sometimes, I add a splash of half-and-half to make it creamy.

First, I fill a shaker with ice. I pour in all the ingredients and shake well for about 20 seconds.

Next, I strain the drink into a martini glass. For a festive touch, I like to rim the glass with crushed graham crackers.

It reminds me of pie crust. If I want extra flavor, I top my drink with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

A few chopped pecans on top make it look even nicer. This martini is sweet and smooth.

It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie without baking. I think it’s a fun surprise for any Thanksgiving party.

9) Ginger Snap Mule

I love bringing something fun and a little spicy to my Thanksgiving party, and this Ginger Snap Mule always gets people excited. It’s a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, but with cozy fall flavors.

Here’s what I use for one drink:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz ginger liqueur
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz apple cider
• Ginger beer (enough to top off)
• Crushed ice
• Thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish

I start by filling a copper mug with crushed ice. Then, I pour in the vodka, ginger liqueur, lime juice, and apple cider.

I give it a quick stir to mix everything together. After stirring, I top it off with ginger beer.

It fizzes up and smells amazing. To finish, I add a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick on top.

The drink looks great and smells like fall. The spicy ginger and sweet apple cider make this mule really unique.

I like how the cinnamon gives it a warm, holiday feel. Friends always ask me for the recipe, so now I keep it ready.

It’s easy to mix up a few at a time for a crowd. I think anyone wanting a quick and festive cocktail will love this one at their Thanksgiving party.

10) Thanksgiving Punch

When I throw a party, I love having a big bowl of Thanksgiving Punch at the center of the table. It’s a simple drink that everybody can enjoy and it adds color to my holiday spread.

This punch is fruity, refreshing, and a little bit sweet. I always make enough for seconds, because it goes fast.

To make the punch, I start with these ingredients:

• 3 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 cups ginger ale
• 1 cup vodka (optional, or skip for a non-alcoholic version)
• Sliced oranges, lemons, and apples
• Fresh cranberries
• Ice cubes

First, I pour the cranberry juice, apple cider, and orange juice into a large punch bowl. I stir them together until they look smooth.

Next, I add the vodka if I’m making an adult version. If kids are at my party, I leave out the alcohol.

I toss in lots of ice cubes to keep the punch cold. Then I add sliced fruit and a handful of cranberries.

The fruit floats on top and makes the punch look pretty. Finally, I pour in the ginger ale right before serving.

The bubbles make everything feel festive. Sometimes I use sparkling water instead of ginger ale if I want it less sweet.

If I want the punch a little stronger, I add extra vodka, but not too much. I like that everyone can pour their own glass.

This makes it easy and fun for my guests. If I have leftovers, I keep them in the fridge.

The punch keeps its flavor, and the fruit tastes even better the next day. Thanksgiving Punch adds a special touch to my table and brings everyone together.

11) Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum is one of my favorite cozy drinks for Thanksgiving. It’s warm, rich, and has a smooth flavor that feels perfect for chilly nights.

This classic cocktail always brings comfort to any gathering. To make Hot Buttered Rum, I start by making a spiced butter mixture.

I mix 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. I blend everything until smooth.

I scoop about 2 tablespoons of this butter mixture into a mug. Next, I pour in 2 ounces of dark rum.

Then, I top it with hot water (about 6 ounces) and stir until the butter melts. The aroma is amazing.

I sometimes add a cinnamon stick for an extra touch. Whipped cream on top can make it even better, if you like.

Hot Buttered Rum is easy to adjust. If you want it sweeter, add more brown sugar.

If you like more spice, add a bit of ground clove or allspice. I like to make a batch of the butter mix ahead of time.

Then, when guests arrive, it’s quick to pull together a warm drink for everyone. I always serve Hot Buttered Rum in a heat-proof mug.

The flavors are simple but bold. This cocktail helps everyone relax and warm up after a big Thanksgiving meal.

With only a few ingredients and steps, it’s an easy way to impress friends and family. The creamy and spiced combination is hard to beat during the holiday season.

12) Cran-Apple Margarita

I love mixing up something fresh for Thanksgiving, and my Cran-Apple Margarita is always a hit. The tartness of cranberries meets the crisp sweetness of apples, and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with that combo.

To make it, I grab 2 ounces of silver tequila and 1 ounce of triple sec. Then comes 1 ounce of cranberry juice and 1 ounce of apple juice.

I squeeze in the juice of half a lime for a little zing. Everything goes into a shaker packed with ice.

After a good shake—about ten seconds—I strain it into a glass with fresh ice. If I’m in the mood, I’ll run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in cinnamon sugar. It’s a tiny extra step, but wow, does it make a difference.

I toss in a few cranberries and a thin apple slice for garnish. It just looks so festive.

The cranberry juice brings a tangy kick, and the apple juice smooths things out. Tequila ties it together, no surprise there.

This drink looks gorgeous in a clear glass. If I have a crowd, I just scale up the amounts and mix everything in a big pitcher. Easy.

Friends keep asking for this recipe. It’s a fun twist on classic margaritas and just feels right for fall.

13) Pumpkin Pie Martini

I love bringing out a Pumpkin Pie Martini at Thanksgiving. It’s pumpkin pie in a glass, basically. What could be more perfect for the holiday drinks table?

The color’s a creamy orange, and it smells like cinnamon and nutmeg. People notice right away how festive it is.

Here’s how I make it:

• 2 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur
• 1 ounce pumpkin puree
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Ice
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)
• Cinnamon or crushed graham cracker (for rimming the glass)

I start by rimming a martini glass with maple syrup and dipping it in crushed graham cracker. It adds crunch and just looks special.

Then I throw the vodka, Irish cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and spice into a shaker. Ice goes in, then I shake it like I mean it—about 30 seconds.

I strain it into the glass. Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon finish it off if I’m feeling fancy.

This one’s sweet, creamy, and tastes like pumpkin pie with a little kick. My family and friends always want the recipe.

It’s easy, but looks and tastes like way more effort. I usually make a few at once since they disappear fast. You can double or triple the recipe if you’ve got a crowd.

14) Apple Cider Mule

I love making an Apple Cider Mule for Thanksgiving. It’s a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, and the apple cider adds a fall flavor that just fits the season.

For one drink, I grab a copper mug and fill it halfway with ice. Then I pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 2 ounces of apple cider.

I squeeze in half a lime for a little citrus. After that, I top it off with 3 ounces of ginger beer.

A quick stir with a spoon or straw brings it all together. The ginger and cider hit that sweet-spicy balance that’s just right.

For garnish, I’ll add a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of ground cinnamon on top, too.

This drink is cool and refreshing, but still seasonal. The ginger beer gives it a nice kick.

When I serve this at Thanksgiving, people are always curious. The flavors are simple but work well with most holiday food.

If I need a big batch, I just multiply everything and mix it in a pitcher. I set it out with a bucket of ice so folks can serve themselves.

This cocktail takes just a few minutes to make, but it always impresses. I never skip it on my Thanksgiving menu.

15) Maple Bourbon Sour

I love making a Maple Bourbon Sour for Thanksgiving. It’s got that cozy feel, a little sweet, a little tangy, and honestly, it just screams fall party to me.

To throw this together, I grab 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of pure maple syrup. I keep bitters nearby, plus ice and a lemon wheel for garnish.

First up, I fill a cocktail shaker with ice. In goes the bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup.

I toss in a couple dashes of bitters, just for that extra layer of flavor. Then I shake it up—like, really shake it—so it gets nice and cold.

Once it’s all mixed, I strain it into a glass with fresh ice. I usually top it with a lemon wheel or maybe a twist if I’m feeling a little fancy.

Sometimes I’ll drop in a cherry just because, well, why not? The flavor’s this great balance: sweet maple, tart lemon, and that cozy warmth from the bourbon.

This drink isn’t too strong or sugary. Friends usually ask for the recipe, which always makes me smile.

It only takes about five minutes to make, so I can whip up a few without missing the party. Plus, it just looks good in a short glass, you know?

Sometimes I rim the glass with sugar and a hint of cinnamon, and it gives every sip a little extra holiday vibe.