35 Thanksgiving Drinks to Make Your Holiday Toast Extra Special

The feast may get top billing, yet the glass in your hand sets the tone for the whole gathering. Whether you lean toward cozy mugs, fizzy flutes, or something spirit-forward, there is a pour here for every palate at the table. The list mixes classics with fresh ideas, offers alcohol-free options, and keeps prep work manageable for hosts juggling a busy kitchen.

1. Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Bourbon’s vanilla notes pair naturally with tart cranberries and an herbaceous hint of rosemary. Muddle fresh berries with a dash of simple syrup, add bourbon and lemon juice, then shake hard with ice. Top with a quick splash of club soda for lift and garnish with rosemary. The drink looks festive and comes together in minutes.

2. Apple Cider Mimosa

Swap orange juice for chilled apple cider to give the brunch staple an autumn twist. Pour cider halfway up the flute and gently top with dry sparkling wine so the bubbles do the mixing. A cinnamon-sugar rim lends aroma every time the glass is lifted. It’s light enough to sip while you finish meal prep.

3. Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This riff on the classic uses pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice blended into the cream layer. Combine vodka and coffee liqueur over ice, then float the spiced cream on top for a layered effect. A quick stir at the table melds the flavors into a dessert-like sipper. It doubles as a sweet end to the meal for guests who skip pie.

4. Mulled Red Wine

A pot of mulled wine fills the house with inviting spice while keeping guests’ hands warm. Combine an affordable fruity red with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and a touch of honey. Keep the mixture below a simmer so the alcohol doesn’t cook off. Serve in heat-proof mugs and watch cheeks glow.

5. Spiced Cranberry Spritzer (Zero-Proof)

Simmer cranberry juice with cinnamon, allspice, and a bit of brown sugar, then chill. Pour over ice and finish with sparkling water for fizz. A squeeze of lime keeps the sweetness in check. The color alone screams holiday cheer.

6. Salted Caramel Irish Coffee

Brew strong coffee and stir in a spoonful of salted caramel sauce until dissolved. Add a measure of Irish whiskey, then top with lightly whipped cream. A final ribbon of caramel adds a sweet-salty finish. Perfect for those lingering around the dessert table.

7. Pomegranate Gin Fizz

Shake gin, pomegranate juice, lemon, and egg white (or aquafaba) to build a velvety head. Add ice, shake again, then strain into the glass and top with a flutter of club soda. The jewel-tone seeds sink like edible confetti. Light, aromatic, and color-coordinated for the holiday table.

8. Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate (Zero-Proof)

Steep chai tea bags in milk, remove, then whisk in cocoa powder and a dash of vanilla until smooth. Sweeten to taste and keep hot on the stovetop. The layered spices echo flavors found in pumpkin pie. Kids will happily sip while adults reach for their nightcaps.

9. Sage & Grapefruit Paloma

Shake reposado tequila with fresh grapefruit juice, lime, and a touch of agave syrup. Strain over ice and top with a splash of club soda. Slap a sage leaf between your palms to release oils before garnishing. The herb adds an earthy note that feels right at home next to roasted turkey.

10. Ginger-Rosemary Sparkling Cider (Zero-Proof)

Muddle fresh ginger lightly in the bottom of the glass, add chilled apple cider, then top with sparkling water. The rosemary sprig adds aroma every time you lift the drink. No added sugar is needed thanks to cider’s natural sweetness. An easy batch option for big groups.

11. Smoked Cinnamon Mezcal Sour

Mezcal’s gentle smoke harmonizes with cinnamon syrup and fresh lemon in this tangy shake-up. Egg white provides a silky cap that traps the spice aroma. A quick cinnamon stick garnish hints at the flavors within. It’s adventurous without straying too far from familiar sour territory.

12. Sparkling Cran-Rosé Spritz

Pour chilled sparkling rosé over ice, add a splash of cranberry juice, and finish with a delicate mist of orange zest. The mix lands somewhere between a spritz and a sangria. It’s light on alcohol yet big on refreshment. Serve while guests mingle before the main course.

13. Hot Buttered Rum

Create a batter using softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Keep it in the fridge, then simply spoon some into a mug, add dark rum, and pour hot water over. Stir until silky and serve immediately. It’s winter comfort in liquid form.

14. Cranberry-Thyme Shrub (Zero-Proof)

Equal parts cranberries, apple cider vinegar, and sugar steep together for a few days to create a tangy concentrate. Strain and store chilled. Mix one ounce with seltzer over ice for a refreshing aperitif. The thyme adds an herbal accent that feels decidedly autumnal.

15. Espresso Martini with Hazelnut

Shake vodka, freshly pulled espresso, coffee liqueur, and a hint of hazelnut syrup until ice-cold. Double-strain into the glass for a smooth surface. The nutty note bridges coffee and chocolate flavors from other desserts on the table. Ideal for the night-owl crowd.

16. Cardamom-Vanilla Almond Milk (Zero-Proof)

Gently heat unsweetened almond milk with crushed cardamom pods and a touch of vanilla extract. Sweeten lightly with maple syrup and strain before serving. The drink is dairy-free yet luxuriously creamy. Offer it alongside pie for guests who pass on caffeine.

17. Fig & Bourbon Sour

Muddle a spoonful of fig jam with bourbon and fresh lemon juice, then shake with ice. Strain over a single cube to slow dilution. The jam adds sweetness and subtle texture, eliminating the need for simple syrup. Garnish with a dry fig half for an elegant nod to the ingredients.

18. Rosemary-Infused Vodka Tonic

Steep rosemary in vodka for 24 hours to lend a gentle pine aroma. Build the drink over ice with tonic water and a quick squeeze of lime. It’s refreshing yet seasonally appropriate. The herb infusion also upgrades simple martinis if you have leftovers.

19. Brown Sugar Hot Toddy

Dissolve a spoonful of dark brown sugar in hot water, add bourbon, lemon juice, and two whole cloves. The caramel depth of the sugar brings cozy flavor without overpowering the spirit. Sip slowly to soothe any chill from outdoor festivities. It doubles as a gentle digestif.

20. Applejack Sour

Applejack, America’s original apple brandy, stars in this approachable sour. Shake with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white for texture. A little grated cinnamon over the foam echoes the orchard aroma. It feels both familiar and novel.

21. Pear & Prosecco Float

Scoop a tablespoon of pear sorbet into a chilled flute, then slowly pour Prosecco over it. The sorbet tinges the wine with subtle sweetness as it melts. Serve immediately with a tiny spoon. Dessert and drink in one elegant package.

22. Blackberry Sage Lemonade (Zero-Proof)

Blend fresh blackberries with lemon juice and strain for a smooth base. Stir in simple syrup and water, then infuse briefly with torn sage leaves. The result is tart yet herbaceous, perfect for guests avoiding alcohol. A spritz of sparkling water can lighten it further.

23. Spiced Rum & Cola with Orange

A simple highball becomes holiday-ready when you switch to spiced rum and add an expressed strip of orange peel. The cola’s caramel notes meld with baking spices already in the rum. No shaker required, making it an easy refill option. Keep extra citrus peels on hand for garnishes.

24. Vanilla Bean Eggnog

Whisk egg yolks with sugar, temper with hot milk, and cook gently until thick. Stir in cream, freshly scraped vanilla bean, and a blend of bourbon and dark rum. Chill completely before serving. Homemade beats store-bought by a mile and can be prepared two days ahead.

25. Cinnamon-Cider Shandy (Low-ABV)

Combine equal parts unfiltered apple cider and crisp wheat beer. A shake of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick stirrer ties the flavors together. The lower alcohol content keeps things sessionable for all-day celebrations. Serve well chilled for best balance.

26. Plum & Thyme Sparkling Water (Zero-Proof)

Roast sliced plums with a drizzle of honey, then muddle and strain to create a syrup. Mix one part syrup to four parts chilled sparkling water over ice. Fresh thyme frames the fruit with subtle earthiness. The drink looks sophisticated without any alcohol at all.

27. Orange-Clove Sparkling Tea (Zero-Proof)

Brew strong black tea and chill. When ready to serve, mix equal parts tea and orange juice in the glass, then top with unflavored seltzer. A clove-studded wheel perfumes each sip. Keep a pitcher base in the fridge for quick refills.

28. White Cranberry Sangria

Combine white cranberry juice, unoaked Chardonnay, and elderflower liqueur in a pitcher. Add diced apples and whole cranberries, then let it chill for at least an hour so flavors meld. A cinnamon stick or two infuses gentle spice. Serve over ice for a crowd-pleasing option.

29. Rose-Hips & Honey Fizz (Zero-Proof)

Steep dried rose-hips in hot water for a vivid herbal tea, then chill. Shake two ounces with a teaspoon of honey until dissolved and pour over ice, finishing with sparkling water. The tangy floral notes feel refined yet comforting. Guests who love herbal teas will appreciate the nuance.

30. Charred Citrus Margarita

Char halves of oranges and limes in a hot skillet to caramelize sugars. Juice them, then shake with blanco tequila, Cointreau, and agave syrup. The slight bitterness from the char balances the drink’s sweetness. It’s a fun table-side story to share with friends.

31. Sparkling Ginger Beer & Cran Bitters (Zero-Proof)

Fill a tall glass with ice, add dry ginger beer, and finish with a few drops of cranberry bitters. The bitters contribute color and a whisper of complexity without adding alcohol in meaningful volume. A squeeze of lime ties it together. Simple, spicy, and refreshing.

32. Pumpkin Ale with Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Wet the glass rim with orange slice, then dip in cinnamon sugar for a quick upgrade. Pour a well-balanced pumpkin ale slowly to protect the rim. The first sip delivers subtle sweetness followed by malty spice. An effortless nod to the season for beer lovers.

33. Lavender Honey French 75

Create lavender honey syrup by simmering dried buds in a honey-water mix, then strain. Shake one ounce of gin with half an ounce of the syrup and fresh lemon juice, strain into a flute, and top with brut Champagne. Delicate floral notes sparkle alongside citrus. It’s light enough to start the afternoon.

34. Sherry Cobbler with Persimmon

Muddle ripe persimmon slices with a touch of sugar, add dry oloroso sherry, and shake with ice. Strain over crushed ice for a frosty texture. The lower-proof sherry keeps things gentle while delivering nutty depth. Historically a summer drink, the persimmon twist moves it firmly into fall.

35. Classic Champagne Toast

Sometimes nothing beats tradition. Chill a good brut or extra-dry Champagne to between 45–48°F and pour into narrow flutes just before guests raise their glasses. The crisp acidity cleanses the palate after rich holiday fare. End the meal with sparkle and shared gratitude.

Choose a handful of these drinks or tackle the whole lineup across the long weekend. Either way, the right glass will keep conversation flowing and highlight the tastes of the season. Cheers to good food, good company, and just the right pour.