Thanksgiving is all about being grateful. Of course, we’re especially thankful for the food on the table. After piling roasted turkey, countless Thanksgiving side dishes, and plentiful pies on our plates, we never leave a holiday gathering any less than uncomfortably full. But there’s one thing you should never forget to serve on Thanksgiving and that’s an amazing cocktail. With these delicious and festive recipes, your drink menu won’t be an afterthought. Don’t settle for a cooler of beer this year.
Instead, step up your drink game with these incredible concoctions. From bourbon to rum and sparkling to spiced, these cocktails will get the party started. Serve up some fall flavor with our favorite spiked cider recipes, and ensure everyone gets a glass with big-batch recipes. Whether your family likes to celebrate Thanksgiving with brunch, football watching, or a formal dinner, there’s a recipe here that will fit the bill. These are the best cocktails for celebrating with family and friends.
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This big-batch rum punch will get any holiday party off to a good start.
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Fresh cranberries and Granny Smith apples take this cocktail into holiday mode.
Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This Southern twist on a French 75 is the dreamiest pre-Thanksgiving cocktail we’ve ever tasted.
Becky Luigart Stayner
If your family loves bourbon cocktails, warm up to this sipper this Thanksgiving.
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
This spiced holiday punch will ensure every guest has a good time.
Hannah Zimmerman/Southern Living
If Thanksgiving is going to be a cold one, warm your guests up with the comfort of an old-school Hot Toddy.
Peter Frank Edwards
This sparkling cocktail will be the star at your gathering.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Citron, or lemon-flavored vodka, adds extra lemon tang to this cocktail that’s sure to transport you to Cajun country in just one sip.
Stacy K. Allen; Props: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This classic cocktail will be gorgeous alongside a dressy Thanksgiving dinner.
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Whether you make Rum Swizzles for two or a big batch cocktail for a crowd, this drink is sure to shake up happy hour.
Photo: Iain Bagwell
This refreshing cocktail recipe proves mojitos aren’t reserved for the summer.
Southern Living
Muscadine wine stars in this big-batch punch recipe.
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
This retro punch has a short ingredient list and high yield—perfect for parties.
Photo: Hector Sanchez
Many Southerners serve traditional ambrosia at holiday gatherings, and this fruity cocktail is our new favorite way to do so.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Turn to this refreshing sipper that only takes three ingredients—vodka, lemon, and soda water—when you want something light after the feast.
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
Use a splash of bourbon to give this classic brunch drink a Southern twist.
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Toast the season with a brightly colored marg that has just the right blend of tart and sweet.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Skip the bottled mix and whip up this classic to start the celebrations.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Give a bourbon cocktail a mint julep twist with a basil simple syrup and lemon juice.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Made with bourbon instead of the traditional vodka, this mule has layers of flavor from ginger beer, lime juice, and fresh mint.
Frederick Hardy II; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Mat Gibilisco
Serve this seasonal cocktail just before dinner. The fizzy drink is made with sparkling apple cider, spiced syrup, and spiced Jamaican rum.
Becky Luigart Stayner
Serve this spiked tea as an adult beverage option to go with the Thanksgiving meal.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Start with tea and frozen lemonade and orange juice concentrate to make this refreshing adult slush.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Kick off the season with this festive and fruity cocktail.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cranberries give the classic old-fashioned an unexpected and delightful turn.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This cheery cranberry cocktail is a sweet way to start the season.
Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey
This autumn punch is made for a large gathering, from game time to the Thanksgiving feast.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christina Daley
Cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. This easy sipping drink is filled with notes of citrus and cinnamon making it a unique take on bourbon.