30 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Toast the Holiday Season

Autumn’s crisp air and cozy gatherings call for drinks that showcase the season’s best flavors. From maple-kissed bourbon to apple-cider riffs on warm-weather classics, these cocktails keep spirits bright before, during, and after the turkey. Mix up one or two—or work your way through the whole lineup—for a menu that pairs perfectly with stuffing, pie, and lively conversation.

1. Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Muddled cranberries lend a tart punch that balances the caramel notes of bourbon. A squeeze of orange and a dash of simple syrup round out the flavor, while the rosemary garnish delivers an aromatic nod to holiday roasts. Serve it over plenty of ice for a vivid, jewel-toned welcome drink.

2. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

Swap standard cream for pumpkin spice creamer and suddenly the classic White Russian feels like a slice of pie in a glass. Vodka and coffee liqueur stay true to the original, but nutmeg and cinnamon push it firmly into November territory. It’s dessert and nightcap all at once.

3. Apple Cider Margarita

Silver tequila, fresh lime juice, and apple cider join forces for a sweet-tart take on Mexico’s favorite cocktail. A cinnamon-sugar rim replaces traditional salt, adding warmth with every sip. It pairs especially well with spicy roasted sweet potatoes or chipotle-rubbed turkey.

4. Maple Old Fashioned

Maple syrup swaps in for simple syrup, lending earthiness that harmonizes with bourbon’s vanilla notes. Two dashes of Angostura bitters keep the drink grounded, while an orange twist brightens the finish. It’s straightforward, sophisticated, and tailor-made for fireside lounging.

5. Pecan Pie Martini

Vanilla vodka, pecan liqueur, and a splash of cream mimic the sweet nuttiness of the holiday staple. A brown-sugar rim adds a subtle crunch that echoes pie crust. Serve it after dinner instead of—or alongside—the real thing.

6. Rosemary Gin Fizz

Infuse gin with fresh rosemary for 30 minutes, then shake with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. The result is herbaceous yet light, with a creamy head that feels festive. Top with club soda for an effervescent lift that refreshes the palate between rich courses.

7. Spiced Pear Spritz

Pear nectar, Aperol, and dry sparkling wine form a fall twist on the classic spritz template. A hint of allspice dram lends warmth without overwhelming the fruit. It’s low-ABV and effortlessly sippable, perfect for early arrivals who want to pace themselves.

8. Brown Butter Rum Toddy

Browned butter gives dark rum a nutty richness that feels luxurious on chilly nights. Add boiling water, lemon, and a touch of honey to build layers of flavor. The drink soothes throats and doubles as an aromatic room-perfumer thanks to its buttery-caramel scent.

9. Chai Whiskey Sour

Brewed chai replaces plain water in the simple syrup, loading the classic sour with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. Bourbon complements those baking-spice notes, while fresh lemon keeps the cocktail lively. Egg white provides a smooth, latte-like texture.

10. Sage-Infused Vodka Collins

Sage leaves steeped in vodka add an earthy backbone to this otherwise light drink. Shake with lemon juice and a splash of demerara syrup, then finish with soda water. The herbal profile pairs nicely with savory stuffing and roasted vegetables.

11. Caramel Apple Moscow Mule

Combine vodka, apple cider, and ginger beer, then drizzle in a spoonful of caramel sauce for dessert-ready depth. The ginger cuts through the sweetness, keeping the drink balanced. Serve in copper mugs for maximum chill and holiday charm.

12. Cinnamon Rum Punch

Dark rum, cinnamon syrup, and pineapple juice join forces for a crowd-pleasing punch with gentle spice. A splash of dry red wine adds color and complexity without turning it into sangria. Keep it refrigerated, then ladle over ice as guests arrive.

13. Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini

Vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur form the base, while toasted marshmallow syrup supplies campfire nostalgia. The combination delivers a caffeine kick that revives post-dinner conversation. Garnish with a torched marshmallow for irresistible aroma.

14. Mulled Wine Sangria

Sangria meets mulled wine by gently heating red wine with brandy, orange slices, and mulling spices, then chilling before service. The spices infuse without losing the refreshing sangria feel. Serve over ice so guests can sip it easily throughout the meal.

15. Fig Manhattan

Swap sweet vermouth for fig-infused vermouth or add a spoon of fig jam to classic rye whiskey and bitters. The fruitiness softens rye’s peppery edges while keeping the drink spirit-forward. Stirred and strained, it’s an elegant option for bourbon lovers eager to branch out.

16. Gingerbread Bourbon Flip

Whole egg, gingerbread syrup, and bourbon create a silky, rich texture reminiscent of holiday custard. A dry shake gives it meringue-like foam without dilution, followed by a brief shake with ice. Dust with nutmeg and cookie crumbs for bakery aromatics.

17. Cran-Apple Mimosa

18. Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Cocktail

Rich cocoa meets hazelnut liqueur and a nip of dark rum for a fireside treat. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for café-style presentation. It doubles as dessert for anyone who isn’t into pie.

19. Sparkling Rosemary Pomegranate

Combine chilled pomegranate juice with brut sparkling wine for a tart, effervescent base. A quick rosemary simple syrup ties the flavors to Thanksgiving’s savory herbs. The jewel-toned color looks stunning against a white tablecloth.

20. Maple Buttered Cider

Whisk softened butter with maple syrup and warming spices, then drop a spoonful into hot, unfiltered apple cider. The butter melts to form a silky layer that coats the palate. No spirits needed, making it a comforting zero-proof option everyone can enjoy.

21. Blackberry Thyme Sparkler

Thyme-infused simple syrup partners with muddled blackberries and gin. Strain into a flute and top with dry prosecco for bubbles and lift. It’s floral, fruity, and a nice foil to salty starters like cheese boards.

22. Pumpkin Shandy

Mix equal parts pumpkin beer and spiced apple cider for a low-ABV beverage that marries two fall favorites. A squeeze of lemon keeps it from tasting too sweet. Serve ice-cold to contrast all those hot casseroles.

23. Smoked Honey Paloma

Mezcal’s gentle smoke replaces tequila, while honey syrup stands in for simple syrup. Fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water give it refreshing acidity. Rim the glass with smoked sea salt for an extra layer of flavor.

24. Vanilla Chai Brandy Alexander

Classic Brandy Alexander ingredients—brandy, crème de cacao, and cream—get a seasonal lift from vanilla-chai syrup. Shake until frosty and strain into a chilled glass for a silky, spiced nightcap. It bridges the gap between after-dinner drink and sweet treat.

25. Cranberry Rosemary Aperol Spritz

Cranberry juice deepens Aperol’s orange-red hue and adds tartness. Prosecco and a splash of soda keep the profile light and effervescent. A quick rosemary garnish echoes the herbs roasting in the turkey.

26. Spiced Persimmon Negroni

Pureed ripe persimmon softens the bitterness of Campari and adds velvety texture. Equal parts gin and sweet vermouth round out the familiar Negroni structure. Stir over ice with a pinch of allspice to highlight the fruit’s subtle cinnamon notes.

27. Applejack Sidecar

Applejack stands in for Cognac, bringing orchard character to this Prohibition-era classic. Triple sec and lemon juice provide the usual citrus pop, while a sugared rim introduces gentle sweetness. It feels both retro and perfectly seasonal.

28. Molasses Dark ’n Stormy

A spoonful of blackstrap molasses deepens the drink’s color and adds bittersweet complexity. Dark rum floats over spicy ginger beer, creating that signature stormy look. Finish with a squeeze of lime to brighten the bold flavors.

29. Cardamom Pear Martini

Pear vodka and dry vermouth mingle with a whisper of cardamom bitters for an elegant, lightly spiced sip. Stir until icy cold, then strain to keep the drink crystal clear. The subtle perfume works wonders with salty cured meats and cheeses.

30. Bourbon Pumpkin Eggnog

Homemade eggnog flavored with pumpkin purée, brown sugar, and warm spices feels indulgent yet familiar. A generous pour of bourbon cuts through the richness and provides gentle heat. Chill overnight so the flavors meld, then grate fresh nutmeg on top before serving.