Thanksgiving is the one meal where every dish has an opinion. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry, sweet potatoes, gravy. Whatever is in your glass needs to hold its own without starting a fight.
The good news is that fall flavors do this beautifully. Apple, plum, cinnamon, ginger, honey and a good bourbon all sit comfortably next to a holiday plate. These are the ten I would put on the table this year, from a bubbly welcome drink to something with coffee for after the pie.
A little planning goes a long way. Pick one drink for the arrival, one or two for the main event, and one for the end of the night. Several of these can be prepped ahead, so you are not stuck behind the bar while everyone else is eating.
1. Apple Cider Spritz
Start with bubbles. Aperol, fresh apple cider and prosecco make a golden, easy spritz that feels like the season. It is also a great one for a crowd. Mix the cider and Aperol in a pitcher ahead of time, then add the prosecco and a splash of soda as you pour. Skip the booze and use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and nobody at the table feels left out.
2. Smoked Apple Bourbon Smash
Bourbon, apple cider, lemon and maple, shaken over muddled apple. The smoke is optional, but a little applewood gives it real swagger. It is the kind of drink that works for the person who wants something fruity and the person who wants a proper whiskey drink.
3. Plum Sour
A classic Whiskey Sour with a homemade plum syrup that takes about ten minutes. Bourbon brings the vanilla and spice, lemon keeps it bright, and the optional egg white (or aquafaba) gives you that silky foam. Use the ripest plums you can find, and spoon the cooked fruit over ice cream while you are at it.
4. Monk’s Sour
Bénédictine, fresh lemon, honey syrup and a dash of orange bitters, finished with grated nutmeg. It is herbal, warming and a little unexpected, and the nutmeg on top says holiday without trying too hard. This one comes from Marc Jean at Bénédictine in Normandy.
5. Maker’s 46 Manhattan
Every Thanksgiving needs a classic for the guest who just wants something stirred and strong. Maker’s 46 gives this Manhattan extra caramel and baking spice, which suits a cool November evening. Bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, a cherry. Done.
6. Brown Butter Old Fashioned
My pick for the host who likes to be ready early. You make the brown butter bourbon once, a day ahead if you like, and it gives you several drinks. Nutty, rich and a little luxurious, it tastes like a treat rather than a ritual.
7. Ginger Molasses Old Fashioned
Dark, spiced and slow. Ginger syrup and molasses give this Old Fashioned real weight, with a sharp, warming edge. It is heavier in the best way, and it is made for holiday gatherings.
8. Cinnamon Toast Old Fashioned
Cinnamon syrup, bourbon and bitters, with an orange peel twisted over the top. It tastes like something you know instantly, just a bit more grown up. People smile when they take the first sip.
9. Salted Honey Old Fashioned
A pinch of sea salt and a little honey syrup change this drink more than you would expect. The salt sharpens everything and the honey rounds the edges with a floral sweetness. It is a good choice for anyone who finds a standard Old Fashioned too plain.
10. Cardamom Espresso Martini
Save this one for after dinner. Vodka, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso get a lift from crushed cardamom pods, which add warmth and an aromatic edge. Serve it alongside the pie, or instead of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cocktail to serve at Thanksgiving?
It depends on the moment. A spritz like the Apple Cider Spritz is perfect for guests arriving, a bourbon drink like the Smoked Apple Bourbon Smash works with the meal, and an Espresso Martini suits the end of the night.
Can I make Thanksgiving cocktails ahead of time?
Yes, to a point. The brown butter bourbon and the syrups can be made in advance, and the Apple Cider Spritz can be batched, as long as you add the prosecco and soda when you pour.
What can I serve guests who are not drinking?
The Apple Cider Spritz converts easily. Build it with apple cider, a splash of orange juice and plenty of soda water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
If you are looking for more bourbon ideas after this, try my 10 Easy Bourbon Cocktails to Make at Home.