We’re thankful for good food, and even better thanksgiving cocktails that make us forget about burning the sweet potato casserole (again). Most people will reach for a bottle of wine to pair with the feast. But, at Drinkable Gifts, we believe adding a festive cocktail to your spread can truly elevate the holiday spirit (literally). Because, let’s be honest – Thanksgiving is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes the secret ingredient isn’t butter… it’s vodka.
And on that note, we’ve rounded up some irresistible Thanksgiving drinks to make your holiday unforgettable!
What Are the Most Popular Thanksgiving Drinks?
One of the most beloved drinks for Thanksgiving is a good glass of wine. Especially a light white wine like Chardonnay or a fruity red wine like Pinot Noir. They pair beautifully with the flavors of turkey and the sides that come with it. But for those looking to spice things up a bit, a Thanksgiving cocktail can be the perfect addition to the table. They can be simple, elegant, and, most importantly, delicious.
The Perfect Pairing for Turkey
Turkey is a rich and savory dish, so finding the right drink to complement it is essential. Cranberry cocktails, buttery Chardonnay, or spiced cider are great options! Basically, anything that complements gravy and family drama.
For something more refreshing, a crisp cocktail made with cider could be a perfect match for your turkey. Whether you want to keep things simple with a classic whiskey cocktail or take it up a notch with a festive mixed drink, there’s a Thanksgiving cocktail for everyone.
Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes to Try
A feast is never complete without a few cocktails to serve alongside your meal. And these thanksgiving cocktails are easy enough to make after two glasses of wine… ask me how I know.
Whiskey & Apple Cider Syrup
Apple cider is one of the quintessential flavors of fall. And, when paired with whiskey, it creates a warm, autumnal cocktail that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. To make this cocktail, boil down a gallon of apple cider into a thickened syrup. Then mix it with rye whiskey over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick to add an extra touch of warmth and spice. It’s the perfect drink to sip on as you gather around the table with loved ones.
Mulled Wine Sparkler
For a truly festive cocktail, consider serving a sparkling version of mulled wine. Traditional mulled wine is made with red wine, spices, and citrus. But when you add a splash of prosecco, you create a bubbly and celebratory drink that’s perfect for the occasion. The combination of red wine and sparkling prosecco adds depth and excitement to the flavors, making it a great choice for toasting to gratitude.
Red Wine Sangria
Sangria is a versatile and easy-to-make cocktail that can be customized to suit your taste. Start with a bottle of your favorite red wine—nothing too robust like a Bordeaux, but something fruity and light—and add a variety of autumn fruits like apples, oranges, and cherries. For a bit of fizz, top it off with sparkling water or prosecco. The result is a refreshing and fruity drink that pairs beautifully with turkey and all the Thanksgiving fixings.
Whiskey Sour
A classic whiskey sour is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to make in advance. This four-ingredient drink features whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice, and can be batch-made ahead of time. For an extra touch of fun, leave a shaker out for guests to add a frothy finish, or simply skip the egg white and serve it without the final shake for a more straightforward version. It’s a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Horseradish Vodka Bloody Mary
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a bang by serving a Bloody Mary with a twist. Adding horseradish vodka to the traditional recipe gives it an extra kick and is sure to wake up your taste buds. The bold flavors of tomato juice, horseradish, and spices make this a great option for a Thanksgiving brunch or as a pre-feast appetizer. It’s a savory drink that pairs well with all the deliciousness of Thanksgiving and will set the tone for a day full of good food and good company.
Old Fashioned
Sometimes, the simplest drinks are the best. The Old Fashioned is a timeless whiskey cocktail made with just four ingredients: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel. It’s an easy-to-make drink that’s perfect for batch preparation and can be served to guests with minimal fuss. An Old Fashioned is one of the most quintessential fall cocktails, making it a great option for Thanksgiving. Serve it alongside a spread of appetizers or as an after-dinner drink to wind down the evening.
Thanksgiving Drinks Through History and Culture
The Pilgrims who celebrated the first Thanksgiving drank beer and hard cider because the water was unsafe to drink. This history of alcohol as a safer option is still reflected in today’s Thanksgiving traditions, with many people reaching for a glass of wine, cider, or whiskey to mark the occasion.
Today, Thanksgiving cocktails are celebrated in many countries around the world, including Canada, where Thanksgiving is observed in October. People abroad also take part in the holiday by sending Thanksgiving gifts, such as curated drink sets, to friends and family. The drinks you serve can be an expression of gratitude and a way to stay connected with loved ones, even from a distance.
Gifting Gratitude: Curated Alcohol Gifts for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, and what better way to express gratitude than with a carefully selected gift of alcohol? Giving alcohol for Thanksgiving is like saying, ‘I see you, I appreciate you, and I know this dinner requires reinforcements.
Curated alcohol gifts, such as wine collections, whiskey samplers, and champagne baskets, make meaningful Thanksgiving presents. These gifts show appreciation to clients, employees, partners, and loved ones, making them ideal for both personal and professional gifting.
And with the convenience of international alcohol delivery, you can easily share the joy of Thanksgiving with friends and family, no matter where they are.
Raise a Glass to Gratitude
This year, make Thanksgiving even more memorable by serving a signature cocktail or sending a thoughtful alcohol gift to show your appreciation. Raise a glass to gratitude, and let your celebration be filled with thanksgiving cocktails, and cherished memories. In the end, it’s all about gratitude, and having enough ice for round two!
Now You Know The Best Thanksgiving Cocktails, what’s next?
- Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and discounts
- Learn more about the Best Alcohol Delivery Services on our blog
- Check our international alcohol gift delivery options!
Born and raised in her beloved mother city Cape Town, Amy-Paige Cox is a writer, poet and plant mom. A hopeless romantic at heart, she loves exploring different parts of the world, all the while documenting her ever-changing perspectives with pen and paper. Although tempted by numerous interests, her life-long goal is to be a globe-trotting children’s book author.