Thanksgiving Cocktails: 21 Easy Drinks and Batch Recipes for a Crowd

Everyone has their own Thanksgiving traditions that evoke special memories. More often than not, they involve lingering get-togethers with family and friends, always centered around a feast of tasty food. And what better way to raise a glass and give thanks than with some fabulous Thanksgiving cocktails? From easy serves to shake up by the glass to big-batch crowd-pleasers, we’ve got plenty of Thanksgiving drink ideas for you. And who knows? Some of these cocktail recipes might just kick off a new Thanksgiving tradition!

Why batch cocktails make Thanksgiving hosting easier

Thanksgiving batch cocktails mean less time mixing and more time catching up with your guests. You can scale the quantities to suit your gathering, whether you’re hosting eight people or twenty, and mixing ahead gives the flavors time to come together in the fridge overnight. Just leave out the ice and bubbles until serving time. Looking for easy Thanksgiving cocktails to pour for a crowd? You’ll find our batch-friendly recipes right after the classics.

Kir Royale

This French cocktail (aka Kir Royale) is a New York City favorite and an incredibly simple Champagne cocktail to master for Thanksgiving. You’ll wonder why you’ve waited all this time to try one! To make, pour a dash of crème de cassis into a flute glass and top up with Champagne Lallier (opens in new window) to deliver a crisp bubbly sip that’s laced with jammy blackcurrant. We give thanks to Canon Félix Kir, the priest who mastered this marvel in the mid-20th century in Dijon, France. Salut!

Apple Cider Margarita

Love tequila? Check out these holiday tequila cocktails or simply put a Thanksgiving spin on your Margarita to give it all the fall feels. Here’s how to make an Apple Cider Margarita, single or for a crowd.

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco (opens in new window)
• 1 oz Grand Marnier (opens in new window)
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• 3 oz Apple cider
• Apple slices and a cinnamon stick, for garnish

Method

1. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and apple cider to a shaker with ice
2. Shake until chilled
3. Strain into a glass over fresh ice
4. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick

Pitcher for 8

Ingredients

• 12 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco
• 8 oz Grand Marnier
• 8 oz Fresh lime juice
• 24 oz Apple cider
• Apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Method

1. Combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and apple cider in a large pitcher
2. Stir well, then refrigerate until chilled
3. Stir again before pouring into individual glasses filled with ice
4. Garnish each glass with apple slices and a cinnamon stick

Get seasonal: Our 20 Best Fall Cocktails and 13 Warm Winter Cocktails to Enjoy by the Fireside

Hot Buttered Rum

Looking for a perfect fireside sip to enjoy with family before the Thanksgiving feast? The irresistibly warm and sweet Hot Buttered Rum cocktail has been one of the favorite traditional Thanksgiving drinks for decades. To make one, mix a simple batter of butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg and top it up with Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window) and hot water for the ultimate comfort sip. It’s the perfect reward after a chilly hike.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

This dessert sip based on a Pumpkin Spice twist on the classic White Russian is bound to become one of your best Thanksgiving-themed cocktails to serve throughout the entire festive season.

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)
• 1.5 oz Coffee liqueur
• 1.5 oz Pumpkin spice creamer or milk alternative
• Optional: Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Method

1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice creamer or milk alternative
3. Stir gently to combine
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired

Pitcher for 8

Ingredients

• 12 oz SKYY Vodka
• 12 oz Coffee liqueur
• 12 oz Pumpkin spice creamer or milk alternative
• Optional: Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Method

1. In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, coffee liqueur, and pumpkin spice creamer or milk alternative
2. Stir well, then refrigerate until chilled
3. Stir again before pouring over ice into individual glasses
4. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick if desired

DIY pumpkin spice creamer: Heat heavy cream (or half-and-half) with real pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and pumpkin-pie spice in a saucepan for about a minute, then cool and pour into a jar. Shake well and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before using.

Mulled Wine

We all need simple Thanksgiving cocktails that are easy to ladle into mugs when guests arrive. If you are looking for something that’ll warm you from the inside out, Mulled Wine is the answer! This spiced cocktail is easy to serve a crowd and is a super popular sip across Europe in the winter. Heat up red wine, spices, brandy, fresh oranges, and a little sugar in a pot, and then serve in mugs. And for the brandy, a good cognac like Courvoisier (opens in new window) will give your serve extra depth.

Hot Toddy

Looking for warming Thanksgiving drinks that are easy to make? A Hot Toddy is an ideal drink as you can let the crockpot do all the work. To make a batch, simmer a good bourbon with festive spices, along with a squeeze of lemon juice, and keep it warm in a crockpot until your guests arrive. Another thing you can tick off the to-do list.

Stay cozy! 11 Best Winter Cocktail Recipes for Chilly Evenings

Maple Old Fashioned

Our favorite Old Fashioned gets a fall twist of sweet maple syrup, just the thing for a round of Thanksgiving bourbon cocktails. Wild Turkey Bourbon (opens in new window) brings vanilla, pear, and spice notes that blend beautifully with the rich maple sweetness. For extra apple pie vibes, add a cinnamon sugar rim.

Apple Martini

As fall is the season for all things apple, you need to try an Appletini! Shake up equal measures of SKYY vodka and cloudy apple juice with a dash of lemon juice for a sweet and sour cocktail. It’s a delightful antidote to any overindulgence Thanksgiving may bring.

Spice it up: 23 Apple Cider Cocktail Recipes to Spice Up Your Fall

Aviation

Serving up all the glamor of a bygone era, an Aviation cocktail is perfect for those discerning gin lovers who are always on the hunt for something different. This turn-of-the-century cocktail delivers unusual floral notes with a crème de violette liqueur. A unique and tasty blend of Bulldog gin (opens in new window), violets, cherry, and lemon, this lavender-colored cocktail is sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests.

Boulevardier

Another cocktail of the roaring twenties, the Boulevardier is a whiskey warmer that makes a perfect serve for Thanksgiving get-togethers. Just saying Boulevardier (in your best French accent) gives you all the Gatsby feels. It’s an unusual but fabulous combination of whiskey and Campari (opens in new window) that’s sweetened with a dash of red vermouth. This sophisticated sip is a must-try!

Make it with: Russell’s Reserve 10 Years (opens in new window)

Irish Coffee

Calling caffeine lovers! Irish Coffee is an easy holiday favorite loved by all! Who doesn’t love whiskey and coffee? Irish whiskey is obviously the traditional base, but we’re partial to Wild Turkey. And it’s especially good when sweetened with brown sugar and topped with cream. This is a perfect nightcap to enjoy on a chilly fall night after all the spoils of Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Caipirinha

To make a Cranberry Caipirinha, you will need a quarter cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, half a lime, cut into quarters, a tablespoon of sugar, crushed ice, 5 oz cachaça, and chilled club soda. Muddle the cranberries, lime, and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Fill the glass with crushed ice, and pour over the cachaça, stirring to combine. If you prefer a lighter drink, you can then top it off with some club soda as well.

Apple Cider Bourbon Punch

A cozy pick for fall batch cocktails, this Apple Cider Bourbon Punch brings cider and bourbon together in one easy crowd-pleaser.

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

• 32 oz Apple cider
• 8 oz Wild Turkey 101 bourbon (opens in new window)
• 16 oz Ginger beer
• 4 oz Grand Marnier
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, sliced

Method

1. Combine the apple cider, bourbon, Grand Marnier, and ginger beer in a large pitcher or punch bowl
2. Add the apple slices and orange slices, then stir gently
3. Serve over ice.
4. Add extra apple slices as garnish if you like

Also see: Pitcher-Perfect Cocktails for Your Next Big Gathering

Cranberry Vodka Spritz Pitcher

Perfect for Thanksgiving, this Cranberry Vodka Spritz Pitcher brings tart cranberry and sparkly energy to the table.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 24 oz Cranberry juice
• 12 oz SKYY Vodka
• 4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 16 oz Sparkling water or club soda, chilled
• Lime wedges and fresh cranberries, for garnish

Method

1. In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, vodka and lemon juice
2. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir gently
3. Serve over ice
4. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cranberries

Maple Whiskey Sour Punch

This bold fall Maple Whiskey Sour Punch mixes its delicious ingredients into an easygoing crowd sipper.

Serves 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups Wild Turkey 101 bourbon
• 1 cup Fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup Pure maple syrup
• 0.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Method

1. In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon
2. Cover and chill until ready to serve
3. Serve over ice
4. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick

Pear and Ginger Prosecco Punch

This Pear and Ginger Prosecco Punch is a festive Thanksgiving cocktail that combines ginger warmth with pear and Prosecco bubbles.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Dry Prosecco
• 1 cup Pear nectar
• ½ cup Ginger brandy
• 2 bottles (2 × 6.7 oz) Ginger beer
• 1 Pear, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• Crystallized ginger pieces, for garnish

Method

1. In a large pitcher, add the pear slices, pear nectar, ginger brandy, and ginger beer
2. Stir to combine
3. Pour in the Prosecco and stir again, gently
4. Serve immediately over ice
5. Garnish with extra pear slices and crystallized ginger pieces

Thanksgiving Sangria

Thanksgiving Sangria is built for big groups, and this recipe is packed with fruit, cider, and spiced depth.

Serves 10

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Dry red wine or dry white wine (your choice)
• 2 cups Apple cider
• ½ cup Grand Marnier
• ¼ cup Fresh lemon juice
• 2 Apples, sliced
• 2 Blood oranges, sliced
• 1 cup Pomegranate arils
• 3 Cinnamon sticks

Method

1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, apple cider, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sliced apples, blood oranges, and pomegranate arils
2. Add the cinnamon sticks
3. Chill for at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle
4. Stir gently before pouring
5. Serve over ice

Apple and Cinnamon Mule Pitcher

A standout among fall punch recipes, this Apple and Cinnamon Mule Pitcher makes a lively group serve.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 24 oz Apple cider
• 12 oz SKYY Vodka
• 12 oz Ginger beer
• 4 oz Fresh lime juice
• 2 Apples, thinly sliced (keep a few for garnish)
• 2 Cinnamon sticks

Method

1. Add the apple slices and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher
2. Pour in the apple cider, vodka and lime juice, then stir
3. Add the ginger beer just before serving and gently mix
4. Serve over ice
5. Use extra apple slices as garnish

Cheers, dears! Apple Cider Cocktails: Delicious Fall Favorites

Cranberry-Apple Whisky Smash

This delicious Cranberry-Apple Whisky Smash blends Scotch whisky and fruit in an easy crowd-pleaser.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz The Glen Grant Whisky (opens in new window)
• 16 oz Apple cider
• 8 oz Cranberry juice
• 4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 8 Fresh mint sprigs
• Apple slices and cranberries, for garnish

Method

1. In a large pitcher, muddle the mint gently to release aroma
2. Add the whisky, apple cider, cranberry juice and lemon juice, then stir
3. Chill until serving time
4. Serve over ice
5. Garnish with apple slices and cranberries

Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

The ruby-toned Sparkling Pomegranate Punch is a favorite for your Thanksgiving pitcher drinks, topped with bubbles for instant party energy.

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups Pomegranate juice
• 1½ cups Orange juice
• 24 oz Apple cider (2 × 12 oz bottles)
• Juice of 1 Lemon
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Lallier Champagne
• Pomegranate arils, for garnish

Method

1. In a large punch bowl, combine the pomegranate juice, orange juice, apple cider, and lemon juice
2. Stir and chill until ready to serve
3. Just before guests arrive, pour in the sparkling wine and stir gently
4. Add pomegranate arils as garnish
5. Serve in glasses with ice

Fall Gin and Citrus Punch

Looking for easy Thanksgiving cocktails that look great on the table? You can’t go wrong with the Fall Gin and Citrus Punch recipe, loaded with citrus and a botanical lift.

Serves 10

Ingredients

• 16 oz Bulldog Gin
• 16 oz Fresh orange juice
• 8 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 8 oz Simple syrup
• 4 cups Sparkling water
• Orange slices and lemon wheels, for garnish

Method

1. Add the gin, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a large pitcher
2. Stir well and chill until guests arrive
3. Add the sparkling water just before serving and stir again gently
4. Garnish with orange slices and lemon wheels

A non-alcoholic option for every guest

Getting into the Thanksgiving spirit doesn’t have to involve spirits. Keep at least one alcohol-free drink on the menu, whether someone’s driving home or simply skipping the booze. Give it a lovely glass and a fun garnish, because those little hosting touches go a long way. Our Thanksgiving mocktails collection has plenty of ideas to get you started. And make a little extra: you might find a few cocktail drinkers eyeing up the alcohol-free pitcher, too.

How to batch cocktails without watering them down

Nobody’s giving thanks for a watery cocktail. Keep your batch cocktails for Thanksgiving tasting their best with these tips:

• Scale evenly. Multiply every ingredient by the same number of servings, using the serving calculator on our recipe pages to handle the math
• Mix and chill. Use a pitcher or punch bowl with enough room to stir, then refrigerate until cold
• Save ice for individual glasses. This keeps the batch from getting weaker while everyone debates their favorite pie
• Account for dilution. For drinks you’d normally shake, add water equal to 20–25% of the undiluted batch’s volume to replace the dilution from shaking
• Add bubbles last. Pour in sparkling ingredients just before serving to keep their fizz, then taste and make any final adjustments a little at a time

Serving tips and make-ahead guide for Thanksgiving

Even the best cocktails for Thanksgiving can’t pour themselves, but your guests certainly can.

• Set up a self-serve station. Choose a spot away from kitchen traffic and clearly label each batch so everyone knows which options contain alcohol
• Match the glassware to the drinks. Put out highballs, wine glasses, or heatproof mugs, depending on what you’re serving
• Get a head start the night before. Mix and refrigerate any Thanksgiving Day cocktails suitable for making ahead, leaving out ice and sparkling ingredients
• Give garnishes their own spot. Wash cranberries, prepare citrus wheels, and refrigerate in sealed containers overnight. Slice apples closer to serving time to keep browning at bay, then arrange everything in small bowls
• Put your ice trays to work. Freeze cranberries into ice cubes for individual glasses for a little extra flair
• Plan your quantities. As a starting point, allow around two cocktail servings per adult who’s drinking for a gathering lasting a few hours, adjusting for your guests and any wine or beer you’re serving. Keep water and an alcohol-free option within easy reach, too

More inspiration: 16 Creative Cocktail Garnish Ideas for Your Next Cocktail Night

Good company deserves good cocktails, whatever’s on the menu. Keep exploring The Mixer for more drinks to make part of your next tradition.