The holiday season is nearly here! And the time for indulging in delicious food and cocktails awaits. One of the biggest occasions, particularly for our friends in the US, is Thanksgiving. Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner party is no easy feat, and as family members gather to enjoy traditional Thanksgiving drinks, they’ll each have different tastes.
A newer trend that has emerged over the past decade is Friendsgiving. Originally started for those who couldn’t make it home to their family for the holidays, Friendsgiving is now celebrated by those who want to update tradition and share a special moment with their friends. So, whether it’s friends or family you need to impress, we’ve curated a selection of Thanksgiving cocktail ideas that will celebrate the flavours of the fall season as well as dazzle your guests.
So relax and read on - we’ve got your dinner party drinks covered. Here’s our list of the best dinner party drinks for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
1. Cranberry Moscow Mule
One of many popular cranberry cocktails for Thanksgiving, the cranberry flavour pairs well with the fresh lime and tart ginger flavours of the Moscow Mule. Serve alongside a few holiday appetisers like rosemary turkey meatballs or cranberry brie bites.
Ingredients:
- 120ml ginger beer
- 120ml cranberry juice cocktail
- 60ml dark rum or vodka
- 1 lime, cut in half
- Crushed ice cubes
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
2. Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz
The Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz is a signature Thanksgiving cocktail. Bubbly and refreshing with a touch of cinnamon spice, it’s slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness.
Ingredients:
- 60ml to 90ml apple cider
- 30ml Aperol
- 60ml to 90ml prosecco
- Splash of soda water
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Apple wedges for garnish
3. Apple Cider Old-Fashioned
A new spin on an old fave that is sure to please whiskey lovers, this is one of our favourite Thanksgiving cocktail recipes,
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 60ml good quality bourbon or whiskey
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 3 drops of bitters
- 1 apple slice for garnish
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
If you’d like to keep things classic, try our premade Old Fashioned. Quick and easy to prepare, you can savour a rich taste in seconds.
4. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
Perfect for chasing away the winter chill, a Hot Toddy is a drink made with liquor, such as whiskey or bourbon, hot water, and honey (or, in some recipes, sugar). A Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy is a sweeter and spicier version of the original Hot Toddy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 1/2 small orange, pierced several times through the rind
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/4-1/2 cup honey
- 90ml-120ml bourbon
5. Apple Cider Bellini
This Thanksgiving cider cocktail is easy to make with only three ingredients and can also save you precious time on what’s sure to be a busy day. Depending on your group’s tastes, create individually or adapt into a pitcherful.
Ingredients:
For one cocktail:
- 30ml apple cider
- 30ml apple vodka
- Champagne or prosecco
- Apple slices for garnish
For a pitcher:
- 1 cup or 240ml apple cider
- 1 cup or 240ml apple vodka
- 1 750ml bottle champagne or prosecco
- Apple slices for garnish
6. Irish Cream Affogato
A standout among Thanksgiving coffee drinks, Irish Cream Affogato is the perfect after-dinner dessert and beverage for adults who want to get a little kick after dinner! (P.S. Your guests will need a spoon for this one.)
Ingredients:
- Two scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 30ml Irish Cream Liqueur
- 60ml of very strong hot coffee or espresso
7. Cranberry Cobbler Smash
What if you could enjoy the multitude of flavours found in a tasty dessert in one bold cocktail? When looking for sweet Thanksgiving-inspired cocktails, look no further than the Cranberry Cobbler Smash.
Ingredients:
- 30ml to 60ml bourbon
- 90ml to 120ml cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 30ml to 60ml cinnamon simple syrup
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Sugared cranberries for garnish or in your glass
- Crushed ice
8. Cranberry Margarita
Keep the cranberry vibes going and infuse the renowned Margarita with this festive fruit. Packed with sweet, tart flavour, this cocktail is crisp, refreshing and ready to be your signature Thanksgiving cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp clear honey
- Finely grated zest and 1 juiced orange
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 45ml tequila
- 1 lime, juiced
- 135ml cranberry juice
- 30ml triple sec
- Ice
Give your guests the option of swapping a sweet taste for something tangy with our premade Margarita.
9. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
For guests who love the richness of an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, introduce them to this comforting holiday variation.
Ingredients:
- 120ml Bourbon Whiskey
- 30ml Lemon Juice
- 30ml Maple Syrup
- 150ml Simple Syrup
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Serve your guests in seconds with our premade Whiskey Sour.
10. Fall Flavours Punch
A non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink that works well for guests who are driving. You may also find this punch useful if you want to play Friendsgiving drinking games without getting too much of a headache!
Ingredients:
- 950ml cranberry juice
- 950ml orange juice
- 2 litres lemon-lime soda
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Ice
Those are some of our recommendations for the best Thanksgiving cocktails. Keep your guests spoilt for choice and build your own cocktail box. Need food recommendations? Check out our suggestions for a dinner party menu or our guide to dinner party hosting for general hosting dos and don’ts.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this season with your loved ones - eat, drink and be merry!