Thanksgiving. A time to gather with loved ones, stuff your face with turkey and mashed potatoes, and indulge in delicious drinks that warm the heart and soul. While pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce are staples on the holiday table, a special drink can elevate the experience from pleasant to memorable. This year, why not try something new and exciting? We’ve gathered 20 of the most festive Thanksgiving drinks recipes that will make your gathering even more unforgettable. From spicy apple cider with bourbon to pumpkin spice lattes and cranberry sangrias, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a fan of sweet and tangy or bold and boozy, there’s something for everyone on this list. So go ahead, get creative, and give your guests something to toast to (pun intended). In the following pages, we’ll take you on a journey through the most mouthwatering and Instagram-worthy drinks that will make your Thanksgiving party the talk of the town.
Spiced Apple Cider with Bourbon
Warm up on a chilly fall evening with this rich and aromatic Spiced Apple Cider infused with the smoothness of bourbon. This recipe is perfect for a cozy gathering or as a comforting treat for one.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider and water.
- Add cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and fragrant (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in bourbon whiskey. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Pour into mugs and sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Elevate your cocktail game with this seasonal take on the classic White Russian, infusing the creamy drink with warm pumpkin spice flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin puree
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, Kahlúa, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the shaker.
3. Add pumpkin puree and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Cranberry Orange Sangria
Perfect for the holiday season, this Cranberry Orange Sangria is a refreshing twist on traditional sangria. With the sweetness of orange and cranberries balanced by the tanginess of red wine, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup of orange juice
– 1/4 cup of Grand Marnier liqueur
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1 orange, sliced
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, cranberries, and orange juice.
2. Add the Grand Marnier liqueur and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the sliced orange to the pitcher.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Maple Bourbon Hot Toddy
This rich and comforting drink combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of maple syrup, making it the perfect remedy for a chilly winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 cup hot water
– 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon slice.
2. Add hot water to the mug, stirring until the syrup is fully dissolved.
3. If desired, add a spoonful of honey to balance out the flavors.
4. Stir well and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Simply combine ingredients in a mug and serve.
Caramel Apple Martini
A twist on the classic martini, this Caramel Apple Martini combines the sweetness of caramel with the crispness of apple for a refreshing and indulgent cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz apple cider-infused liqueur
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– Apple slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider-infused liqueur, caramel syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with an apple slice.
Cooking Time: None required
Pecan Pie Milkshake
Get ready to blend up a creamy and indulgent treat that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the smoothness of ice cream. This Pecan Pie Milkshake is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup crushed pecans
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add crushed pecans and salt. Blend until well combined.
4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! Just blend and enjoy!
Gingerbread Hot Chocolate
This rich and spicy hot chocolate recipe combines the flavors of gingerbread and dark chocolate, perfect for a cozy winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, low-fat or nonfat)
– 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming hot.
2. Add the brewed coffee, cocoa powder, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until desired temperature is reached.
4. If using heavy cream, stir it in during the last minute of cooking.
5. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Elevate your Moscow Mule game with this festive twist, combining the tangy flavor of cranberries with the spicy kick of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz cranberry juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tsp)
– Ice
– Lime wheel and sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready when you are!)
Pumpkin Beer Float
A refreshing twist on the classic ice cream float, this Pumpkin Beer Float combines the warmth of pumpkin beer with the creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a unique treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin beer (such as Southern Tier Pumking or Dogfish Head Punkin)
– 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
– Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the pumpkin beer, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream into the glass.
4. Top the ice cream with the remaining pumpkin beer.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 to create another layer of ice cream and beer.
6. If desired, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Cooking Time: None (just chill and enjoy!)
Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch
Elevate your gatherings with this refreshing and aromatic punch, perfect for holiday parties or special occasions. This Spiced Pear Prosecco Punch combines the sweetness of pears with the warmth of spices, all while keeping the bubbles flowing.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle Prosecco
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and diced
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 6-8 whole cloves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– Sliced fresh pear, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher or jug, combine diced pears, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
2. Add brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in Prosecco and sparkling water.
5. Garnish with sliced fresh pear and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep) + chilling time
Hot Buttered Rum
Cozy up with a warm and creamy Hot Buttered Rum perfect for chilly nights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Dark Rum (such as Myers’s)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Pour in the rum and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Apple Cider Mimosa
Elevate your brunch game with this Apple Cider Mimosa recipe, perfect for fall gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup champagne or sparkling wine
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Slices of apple, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a champagne flute or wine glass with ice.
2. Pour in the apple cider, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Add the honey syrup and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: None!
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cocktail
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cocktail Recipe
Elevate your fall festivities with this PSL-inspired cocktail that combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the richness of espresso and creamy milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce pumpkin puree
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 ounce espresso or strong brewed coffee
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, pumpkin puree, simple syrup, and espresso.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with heavy cream and stir gently to create a layered effect.
5. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger on top.
Cooking Time: None!
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Cranberry Gin Fizz Recipe
Refresh your spirits with this festive cocktail featuring cranberries, gin, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 oz club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the cranberries with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their juices and flavor.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Maple Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with a hint of maple syrup, adding a rich and velvety texture to this classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Maple syrup
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Sweet Potato Pie Martini
This sweet and creamy martini combines the flavors of sweet potato pie with the smoothness of vodka, perfect for a unique dessert cocktail or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz sweet potato-infused vodka
– 1/2 oz heavy cream
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved)
– 1/4 oz pumpkin puree
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of nutmeg
– Whipped cream and pie crust crumbles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the sweet potato-infused vodka, heavy cream, simple syrup, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with pie crust crumbles.
Cooking Time: None required!
Spiced Vanilla Chai Eggnog
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this unique and delicious Spiced Vanilla Chai Eggnog recipe, combining the warmth of chai spices with the creamy richness of eggnog.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brewed chai tea (cooled)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 170°F.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.
4. Stir in brewed chai tea, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Caramel Pecan Old Fashioned
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this unique twist on a classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1/2 oz caramel syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 oz pecan liqueur (such as Frangelico)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, caramel syrup, pecan liqueur, and simple syrup.
3. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None – this is a cocktail recipe!
Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee
As the seasons change, warm up with a twist on the classic Irish Coffee. This Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with the rich richness of coffee.
Ingredients:
– 1 shot of strong brewed coffee
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
1. Brew a shot of strong coffee and pour into a warmed glass.
2. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the coffee, stirring until dissolved.
3. In a separate container, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
5. Pour whipped cream mixture over the coffee, holding back any excess with a spoon.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Apple Pie Moonshine Punch
A twist on the classic apple pie, this moonshine punch combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of spice. Perfect for warm gatherings and holiday celebrations!
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle moonshine (apple-flavored or regular)
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Slices of apple and orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine moonshine, apple cider, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda.
2. Stir in the simple syrup until dissolved.
3. Add ground cinnamon and stir to combine.
4. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice in glasses and garnish with apple and orange slices.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix, chill, and serve!
Summary
Get ready to shake (or stir) things up this Thanksgiving with these delicious and festive drink recipes! From Spiced Apple Cider with Bourbon to Pumpkin Spice Irish Coffee, there’s something for everyone. Try making a Pumpkin Spice White Russian or a Cranberry Moscow Mule for a twist on classic cocktails. Or go sweet with Pecan Pie Milkshake or Maple Whiskey Sour. These 20 recipes are sure to make your Thanksgiving gathering merry and bright. Cheers!