The turkey’s in the oven. The cranberry sauce is simmering. The table is set. As guests start to arrive, how about handing them a Thanksgiving-themed cocktail to get everyone in a festive mood?
For what’s sure to be a long, joyous celebration, we like to have a few different drinks on hand to make it through the night. Wines, of course, are a classic pairing with meals (and these bottles go great for Thanksgiving menus of all stripes) but there’s nothing quite like a cocktail to boost spirits.
When thinking about cocktails to serve, we suggest variations on the ingredients that represent the bounty of autumn—the ones that are front and center in the holiday’s famous side dishes. Think apples, cranberries, pumpkins, baking spices, citrus and more edible delights that peak in fall. The flavors that you’ll find on the dinner table are also remarkably delicious in your glass. Meanwhile, leaning into punches and easy-to-batch drinks like sangria, mulled wine and spiked ciders offer satisfying ways to make drinks without getting stuck behind the bar. Then, serve it in stunning glassware.
Mix up one of these cocktails and say cheers to all of the things to be thankful for this year.
Sparkling Cranberry Sangria
While we love cranberries as a side dish, these tart fruits are also perfect for a Thanksgiving-themed cocktail. This sparkling sangria, made with Lambrusco and rosemary, has sweet and savory notes. Plus, it’s great to batch for a crowd.
