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19 Signature Thanksgiving Cocktails for 2023

Make it an extra fun holiday with these 19 signature Thanksgiving cocktails for 2023! Every cocktail on this list features cozy fall flavors for a drink that's sure to put everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit. With this handy guide, you will find all the festive drink inspiration you need to put on a memorable holiday gathering for your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

A collage of four signature Thanksgiving cocktails with text overlay.
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Why You'll Love These Recipes

Is it even the holiday season without a signature cocktail on the menu? Nothing sets the mood like a fun and festive Thanksgiving cocktail, and these drinks are the perfect way to welcome guests.

Here, you'll find a variety in terms of liquor -- bourbon, rum, tequila, gin and even sparkling wine are all featured in this guide. And, of course, you're more than welcome to swap a liquor for your favorite type.

Not a big bourbon fan? Try a dark rum. Gin isn't your thing? Use vodka instead. Never be afraid to make a drink recipe your own! The recipes here at Burrata and Bubbles are always available for you to customize to match your own taste.

You'll also find a variety in the number of steps, depending on how involved you like to get in your mixology. Some Thanksgiving cocktail recipes call for mixing just a few accessible ingredients while some use a homemade specialty simple syrup.

But don't worry. Making your own simple syrup truly couldn't be easier, and it's a great way to add a unique flavor to any drink.

All right, who's ready to start mixing some cocktails? I know I sure am. Please enjoy these recipes -- cheers!

Recipes

1. Thanksgiving Mimosa

Two Thanksgiving mimosas with fall flowers behind them.
Thanksgiving Mimosa
Add a festive touch to your holiday celebration with a Thanksgiving mimosa! Orange juice is infused with classic Thanksgiving flavors and spices for a mimosa unlike any other. After one sip, you’ll want to make this fall brunch cocktail a holiday tradition.
Check out this recipe
Two Thanksgiving mimosas with fall flowers and lights behind it with cinnamon sticks and cloves to the side.

2. Pumpkin Spice Margarita

Looking down on a brown wooden tray with two pumpkin spice margaritas and white and yellow flowers around them.
Pumpkin Spice Margarita
Put a fun, seasonal spin on tonight's happy hour with this festive pumpkin spice margarita recipe! Flavored with a homemade pumpkin simple syrup, this fall margarita features warming spices that pair beautifully with an aged tequila, and then the citrusy lime juice adds the perfect pop of brightness to make one well-balanced cocktail. You'll want to sip on this pumpkin margarita at every fall gathering and holiday this season.
Check out this recipe
A pumpkin spice margarita with a cinnamon stick garnish on a wooden tray with miniature pumpkins in the background.

3. Apple Bellini

Two apple bellini Thanksgiving cocktails with fall decor to the side.
Apple Bellini
Put a festive spin on your fall brunch with this apple Bellini! Made with creamy apple butter and a touch of cinnamon, this sparkling apple Bellini is full of fall flavors, quick to prepare and easy to make. You won't find a more perfect fall brunch cocktail.
Check out this recipe
Two apple Bellini cocktails with autumn flowers, a box of apples and small pinecones on the side.

4. Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita

Two cranberry margaritas with sugared cranberries next to it.
Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Margarita
Elevate your cocktail game with a sparkling cranberry-ginger margarita this holiday season! Made with a fresh ginger simple syrup, tart cranberry juice and bubbly ginger ale, this holiday margarita is one jolly cocktail that’s sure to put everyone in a festive mood. You won't find a more perfect cranberry cocktail for your next holiday gathering.
Check out this recipe
A sparkling cranberry-ginger margarita with sugared cranberries to the side and holiday lights behind it.

5. Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita

A sparkling apple cider margarita with cinnamon sticks and an apple to the side.
Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita
Put a festive fall touch to everyone’s favorite classic cocktail with this sparkling apple cider margarita! You'll love the way the warm apple cider spice pairs with the citrusy notes and rich, complex tequila to make one delicious fall cocktail. This margarita uses only fresh ingredients, comes together in just minutes and can be prepared as a single drink or in a pitcher to serve a crowd.
Check out this recipe
A sparkling apple cider margarita with cinnamon sticks and an apple to the side.

6. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

A close-up view of the pumpkin spice espresso martini on a wooden coaster with orange cloth underneath and colorful flowers around it.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini
Skip the latte and enjoy your favorite fall flavor with this pumpkin spice espresso martini! Espresso, vodka, Kahlua and a homemade pumpkin spice syrup come together to make a caffeinated cocktail that’s perfect for sipping after Thanksgiving dinner with your favorite slice of pie. This is the perfect signature fall cocktail for pumpkin and coffee lovers alike.
Check out this recipe
A pumpkin spice espresso martini on a wooden coaster with miniature pumpkins in the background and fall flowers around it.

7. Pear-Sage Gimlet

Two pear gimlets on a cream-colored napkin with fruit behind them.
Pear-Sage Gimlet
Let's give this classic gimlet cocktail a fall twist! This pear-sage gimlet balances a trio of sweet, tart and savory notes to make one complex, flavorful cocktail. You'll want to sip on this gin gimlet all throughout the fall.
Check out this recipe
Two pear-sage gimlet cocktails on a marble board with fresh sage around it and pears in the background.

8. Chai Old Fashioned

Chai Old Fashioned
When you need a cozy cocktail, look no further than this chai old fashioned! Made with a brown sugar-chai simple syrup and citrusy bitters, this bourbon cocktail is the perfect sipper for those chilly nights by the fire.
Check out this recipe
Two chai old fashioned cocktails on a wooden platter with spices on the side and lights in the background.

9. Gingered Bourbon-Apple Cider Cocktail

Two apple cider bourbon cocktails on a wooden tray with red flowers.
Gingered Bourbon-Apple Cider Cocktail
Let’s enjoy a cozy drink during these chilly fall and winter months with this gingered bourbon-apple cider cocktail! With those warming spices and fizzy ginger ale topping, this apple cider cocktail is one you’ll want to sip by the fire all season long, and it always puts everyone in good spirits. Plus, you won’t find an easier or quicker cocktail to mix.
Check out this recipe
A bourbon-apple cider cocktail on a wooden tray with red flowers scattered around it with a bouquet in the background.

10. Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned

Looking straight on to a pumpkin spiced old fashioned on a white plate with spices scattered around it and a flower vase to the side.
Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned
For a cozy taste of fall with every sip, you’ll love this spiced pumpkin old fashioned! With that warming bourbon, citrusy orange bitters and a homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup, this is the perfect fall cocktail for enjoying by a roaring fire or after a satisfying Thanksgiving dinner. This pumpkin spice old fashioned comes together in just minutes, and you don’t have to be an expert bartender to craft this favorite fall bourbon cocktail.
Check out this recipe
A spiced pumpkin old fashioned on a cream-colored cloth with spices around it and a vase of fall decor in the background.

11. Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash

Two chai-cranberry bourbon smashes surrounded by holiday decor.
Chai-Cranberry Bourbon Smash
Liven up your holiday party with this chai-cranberry bourbon smash. Full of warm spice, this cocktail will have you feeling the holiday spirit in no time.
Check out this recipe
A cranberry bourbon smash with Christmas decor and a bottle of bourbon in the background.

12. Apple Cider Old Fashioned

An apple cider old fashioned on burlap with spices to the side.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned
Let’s snuggle up with this warming apple cider old fashioned to get through these chilly months. Full of apple spice, rich dark brown sugar and touch of orange, this seasonal old fashioned brings all your favorite fall flavors together and takes only minutes to whip up. Grab a spot by the fire with this apple cider bourbon cocktail in hand and you’re in for one cozy evening.
Check out this recipe
An apple cider old fashioned on a red napkin with burlap underneath.

13. Sage-Fig Cocktail

A sage-fig cocktail on a fall-colored clothe with burlap.
Sage-Fig Cocktail
Let's make the most of fig season with this sweet and savory sage-fig cocktail! Featuring a homemade sage simple syrup, fresh figs, orange liqueur, lemon juice and rum, this tasty and oh-so pretty cocktail is the perfect welcome to the fall months. With those rich, warm flavors, you'll want to sip on this autumn cocktail by the fire all season long.
Check out this recipe
Two sage-fig cocktails on burlap and fabric with white flowers behind them.

14. Apple Cider Martini

Two apple cider martinis with fall leaves and flowers to the side with mulling spices scattered on a wooden surface.
Spiced Apple Cider Martini
Make the most of the fall and enjoy the season’s best flavors with this spiced apple cider martini in hand! Prepared with vodka, ginger liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice and real maple syrup, this apple cider cocktail is sure to put you and your guests in a fun and festive mood. You can shake up this fall martini in just a few minutes, and this recipe includes a make-ahead batching option for easy entertaining.
Check out this recipe
An apple cider martini on a wooden serving tray with fall flower and whole apples in the background.

15. Cranberry French 75

A cranberry French 75 cocktail on a silver tray with fresh rosemary sprigs around it.
Cranberry French 75
Let’s toast to the holiday season with this cheery cranberry French 75! Prepared with a spiced cranberry simple syrup and squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this recipe adds a festive twist on a classic Champagne cocktail that's perfect for any special occasion. The holiday season is about to get extra fun with this oh-so-smooth, elegant cranberry Champagne cocktail.
Check out this recipe
A cranberry French 75 on a silver platter with rosemary and cranberries around it with a bottle of Champagne in the background.

16. Peanut Butter Old Fashioned

A peanut butter old fashioned on burlap with nuts scattered around it.
Peanut Butter Old Fashioned
Let's give a nostalgic twist to a classic cocktail with this peanut butter old fashioned! Sweet Skrewball peanut butter whiskey takes the place of your traditional bourbon or rye to make a decadent old fashioned that goes down oh-so smoothly. Get excited, my fellow peanut butter lovers -- this Skrewball old fashioned is your dream cocktail you'll want to sip on every chance you get.
Check out this recipe
Two peanut butter old fashioned cocktails on a wooden coaster with a bottle of whiskey in the background.

17. Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Sour

A cranberry bourbon smash on a wooden board with whole spices and cranberries around it.
Spiced Cranberry Bourbon Sour
This is for you, whiskey lovers — meet the spiced cranberry bourbon sour that will be your new favorite holiday cocktail! Made with a fresh cranberry simple syrup infused with orange zest, this frothy cranberry whiskey cocktail perfectly balances tart notes with caramel-like bourbon for one complex drink. You’ll want to make this your signature cocktail all throughout the holiday season.
Check out this recipe
A spiced cranberry bourbon sour on a wooden board with candles and sugared cranberries around it.

18. Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned

Two cranberry old fashioned cocktails on burlap with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs on a wooden board.
Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned
Put an extra festive touch to your holiday cocktail menu with this spiced cranberry old fashioned! Prepared with a fresh cranberry-spice simple syrup and citrusy orange bitters, this holiday old fashioned is filled with the season’s best flavors, and it couldn’t be easier to make. This is one cocktail you’ll want to make all holiday season long.
Check out this recipe
Two spiced cranberry old fashioned cocktails with lights and sugared cranberries to the side.

19. Maple Whiskey Sour

A maple whiskey sour on a wooden coaster with fall flowers around it and a colorful napkin in the background.
Maple Whiskey Sour
Give a classic cocktail a seasonal twist with this delightful maple whiskey sour! Featuring a creamy, frothy topping and made with real maple syrup for a rich, decadent touch, this fall whiskey sour is perfect for sipping next to a roaring fire during those chilly months. Don't let autumn pass you by without making a batch of this maple cocktail — you'll love every delicious sip.
Check out this recipe
A maple whiskey sour on a wooden coaster on top of a fall napkin with seasonal flowers around it.

Expert Tips

Give it a festive presentation: Adding a beautiful garnish is a simple way to add a lovely touch for a special occasion. Some of my favorites for Thanksgiving are cinnamon sticks, orange twists, rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries and apple slices. Feel free to get creative here.

Make any simple syrups ahead of time: Some of these cocktails call for a specialty simple syrup. As long as the syrup is stored in a sterile, airtight container in the refrigerator, it should keep for a few weeks. My spiced cranberry simple syrup, ginger simple syrup and brown-sugar chai simple syrup are favorites for the holiday.

Keep it to one or two featured drinks: While I highly recommend you make your way through this delicious list during the fall, your hosting duties will be much simpler if you focus on offering one or two signature Thanksgiving cocktails.

Bonus: Make sure you also check out my Christmas cocktail guide when you're ready to start planning the next holiday!

Food Pairings

Looking for Thanksgiving recipes beyond festive sippers? You can plan your Thanksgiving menu here too. Whether you need the perfect appetizer, main course, side dish or dessert, it's all here.

Appetizers

Main Dishes

Side Dishes

Desserts

And, of course, don't forget to put those leftovers to use. My Thanksgiving enchiladas are perfect for that.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration full of good drinks, eats and company. Enjoy every recipe here.

Cheers!

Please let me know how you enjoyed these recipes in the comment section and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

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  1. Tina says

    Wow, what a great collection of Thanksgiving cocktails! I'll have to start before the big day since these all look so good.

    Reply

  2. Gwynn says

    So hard to pick just one or two of these delicious drinks to serve. I want them all!

    Reply

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