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40 Best Thanksgiving Cocktails to Celebrate Getting Dinner on the Table

After a day of cooking, you deserve a drink.

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thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

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With all the Thanksgiving side dishes and holiday pies that need to get checked off your to-do list, it can be easy to forget about something as simple as Thanksgiving drinks. But a fun Thanksgiving cocktail is one of the best ways to set your festive celebration apart from the rest. Just think how impressed your guests will be when you whip up seasonal fall cocktails or big batch drinks that will please a crowd.

Sure, you'll want to have bottles of water, soda pop, and Thanksgiving wine on your holiday shopping list, but there's something so special about serving up one of these Thanksgiving drinks for your guests to enjoy, too. Whether it's a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink for the kids table or a cocktail featuring your favorite spirit, there's something for everyone to say "Cheers!"

Looking for a cocktail filled with holiday flavor? Every drink on this list is guaranteed to give you festive Thanksgiving vibes. Think: pumpkin drinks, apple cider cocktails, and cranberry recipes. Even the classic cocktails have a Thanksgiving twist, like the cranberry thyme gin and tonic and the apple cider sangria. If sweet drinks are more your speed, try the pumpkin pie martini that doubles as a Thanksgiving dessert. It's a perfect after-dinner drink, too. Heck, serving up a Thanksgiving cocktail might just become your new favorite tradition.

1

Apple Cider Margarita

apple cider margarita thanksgiving cocktails
C.W. Newell

Shake up a margarita with a seasonal spin like this one made with fresh apple cider. Even the sugary rim is upgraded with a hint of apple pie spice and maple syrup.

Get the Apple Cider Margarita recipe.

SHOP COCKTAIL SHAKERS

2

Spicy Cowgirl Martini

spicy cowgirl martini thanksgiving cocktails
Ryan Liebe

This is Ree's twist on an espresso martini made with chile syrup and a dusting of cayenne pepper. It's a spicy way to get your boost of caffeine.

Get Ree's Spicy Cowgirl Martini recipe.

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3

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

pumpkin pie milkshake thanksgiving cocktails
Will Dickey

Take a leftover slice of pumpkin pie from your holiday feast and turn it into a boozy cocktail! All you need to do is add some ice cream, milk, and bourbon or aged rum. Whipped cream is also highly recommended!

Get the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe.

4

Cranberry Margarita

cranberry margarita thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

Here's another way to enjoy margaritas in the fall! The sweet-tart cranberry juice pairs perfectly with the tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.

Get the Cranberry Margarita recipe.

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5

Champagne Punch

champagne punch thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

This sparkling cocktail will have everyone saying "Cheers!" It's bubbly and fruity with plenty of cranberries for garnish.

Get the Champagne Punch recipe.

SHOP PUNCH BOWLS

6

Pomegranate Martini

pomegranate martini thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

It's sweet, tangy pomegranate season—so it's the perfect excuse to make this festive cocktail. The jewel-like arils will add a pop of color to any holiday celebration.

Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.

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7

Wassail

wassail thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

The traditional spiced cider drink is just begging to be sipped on a chilly fall day—before or after Turkey! Plus, simmering oranges and cinnamon will make your whole house smell divine.

Get the Wassail recipe.

8

Milk Punch

milk punch thanksgiving cocktails
Will Dickey

Though often served for Christmas, it's really never too early to start shaking up this creamy vanilla and bourbon drink. Make your celebration simple by preparing a big batch in advance.

Get the Milk Punch recipe.

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9

Spicy Jalapeño Margarita

spicy jalapeno margarita thanksgiving cocktails
Will Dickey

Margaritas make every occasion better! If your family isn't afraid of a little spice, then you might want to give this jalapeño version a try. It has a little kick to pair with the tartness from the lime.

Get the Spicy Jalapeño Margarita recipe.

10

Sugar Cookie Martini

sugar cookie martini thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

This might just be the perfect post-dinner drink to make throughout the holiday season. Try it on Thanksgiving first, then make it again and again for all your upcoming festive occasions.

Get the Sugar Cookie Martini recipe.

SHOP COCKTAIL SHAKERS

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11

Gingerbread Martini

gingerbread martini thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

Now here's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! A round of these gingerbread martinis is perfect for watching Christmas movies after Thanksgiving dinner. They double as dessert, too!

Get the Gingerbread Martini recipe.

12

Spiked Arnold Palmer

spiked arnold palmer thanksgiving cocktails
Hector Manuel Sanchez

A classic Arnold Palmer drink is basically a combination of lemonade and iced tea, but this version takes things up a notch by spiking it with your favorite bourbon. Take it from us, it will pair perfectly with all your fixins!

Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.

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13

Caramel Apple Martini

caramel apple martini thanksgiving cocktails
Danielle Daly

Apple cider, vodka, and butterscotch schnapps come together for this delightfully autumnal drink. But it's the drizzle of caramel sauce and an apple slice that really makes us smile.

Get the Caramel Apple Martini recipe.

14

Mulled Pomegranate Cherry Juice

mulled pomegranate cherry juice thanksgiving cocktails
Ralph Smith

This drink is actually a mocktail, but don't let that fool you—it's still loaded with seasonal flavor from fresh fruits. Best of all, the whole family can enjoy it!

Get Ree's Mulled Pomegranate Cherry Juice recipe.

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15

Cranberry Martini

cranberry martini thanksgiving cocktails
Will Dickey

Don't just serve cranberry sauce, serve cranberry martinis, too! The bright color and sweet-tart flavor is perfect for the holiday season.

Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.

SHOP COASTERS

16

Bees Knees

bees knees thanksgiving cocktails
Caitlin Bensel

If you want to keep things light to balance out a heavy dinner, this classic lemon cocktail will do the trick. It's sweetened with honey and spiked with gin, but vodka or bourbon work well, too.

Get the Bees Knees recipe.

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17

Espresso Martini

espresso martini thanksgiving cocktails
Will Dickey

Turkey got you feeling sleepy? This espresso martini will help! It's a classic coffee-based drink that anyone can make at home.

Get the Espresso Martini recipe.

18

White Sangria

white sangria thanksgiving cocktails
Caitlin Bensel

It might not be the first thing you think of for Thanksgiving, but white sangria is really perfect for any occasion. Just swap the strawberries for cranberries and be sure to include plenty of seasonal apples!

Get the White Sangria recipe.

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19

Cherry Punch

cherry punch thanksgiving cocktails
David Malosh

This recipe falls into the mocktail category, but that just means it can go beyond the adults table! Serve it up for everyone in the family.

Get Ree's Cherry Punch recipe.

20

Ranch Water

ranch water thanksgiving cocktails
Hector Manuel Sanchez

You'll have plenty of heavy, comfort foods on the table so why not keep the beverages light! This cocktail is bubbly, refreshing, and easy to drink.

Get the Ranch Water recipe.

SHOP GLASSES

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