Thanksgiving is the one day a year when the host is also the cook, the dishwasher and, too often, the bartender. After years behind the bar where I work, here's my best advice: make one big-batch cocktail ahead of time, set out a couple of easy favorites, and let your guests help themselves.
Below you'll find my go-to Thanksgiving punch, plus 10 easy Thanksgiving cocktails for a crowd, from pre-dinner sippers to cozy warm drinks to dessert cocktails that taste like pumpkin pie. Every recipe is simple, make-ahead friendly and built for feeding a full table.
The Signature Drink: Big-Batch Bourbon Apple Cider Punch
If you only make one Thanksgiving cocktail, make this one. It's bourbon, fresh apple cider, lemon and real maple syrup, topped with ginger beer for a little sparkle. Mix it the night before, and all you'll have to do when guests arrive is add ice and pour.
Bourbon Apple Cider Punch Ingredients
1 bottle (750 ml) bourbon
6 cups apple cider
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
8 dashes Angostura bitters
3 cups chilled ginger beer
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish
How to Make It
Stir the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, maple syrup and bitters together in a large punch bowl or two pitchers.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When it's time to serve, add a big block of ice (it melts slower than cubes) and top with the ginger beer.
Garnish with thin apple slices and cinnamon sticks, and set out a ladle and glasses.
Serves 16 to 20. For a Thanksgiving mocktail, skip the bourbon and add 3 more cups of ginger beer. Kids and non-drinkers get the same cozy punch.
10 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails for a Crowd
Before Dinner
1. Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Drinks. A Lowcountry favorite and the easiest crowd-pleaser on the table. Mix sweet tea vodka with lemonade or iced tea in a pitcher and everyone's happy.
2. Pomegranate & Grapefruit Bourbon Cocktail. Bright, a little tart and jewel-toned, with ginger-infused bourbon and pomegranate liqueur. Gorgeous on a holiday table.
3. Spicy Margaritas. For the friends who like a little heat with their turkey. Make a batch of my ginger jalapeño simple syrup ahead of time, or try my jalapeño margarita.
Warm & Cozy
4. Slow Cooker Mulled Wine. Five minutes of prep, then the slow cooker does the work and your whole house smells like the holidays. Set it on warm and let guests ladle their own.
5. Spiked Hot Cider with Pomegranate and Rosé. A cozy, fruity break from the usual hot toddy, with a big-batch version for parties.
With Dessert
6. Pumpkin Pie Martini. Creamy, cozy and tastes like dessert in a glass. Three ingredients and five minutes.
7. Bourbon Pumpkin Espresso Martini. The after-dinner pick-me-up everyone needs after the second plate of pie.
8. Boozy Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate. Rich chocolate, pumpkin spice syrup and a splash of vodka or bourbon.
9. Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate. The creamy white chocolate version. Skip the spirit for a kid-friendly mug.
10. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup. Not a cocktail, but the secret behind several of them. Make a bottle on Wednesday and use it in martinis, hot chocolate and Friday morning lattes.
Thanksgiving Bar Tips from a Bartender
Batch the night before. Punches, sangrias and pitcher drinks taste better after the flavors have time to blend. Add anything bubbly right before serving so it stays fizzy.
How much to buy. Plan on about two drinks per guest in the first hour and one per hour after that. A 750 ml bottle of spirits makes about 16 cocktails.
Don't forget the ice. Figure about a pound of ice per guest, plus one big block for the punch bowl.
Set up a self-serve station. Punch bowl, glasses, garnishes and a pitcher of something non-alcoholic, away from the kitchen so guests aren't underfoot while you cook.
Thanksgiving Cocktail FAQ
What is a good big-batch cocktail for Thanksgiving?
A bourbon apple cider punch like the one above is hard to beat. It's seasonal, can be made a day ahead, and serves a crowd from one bowl. Slow cooker mulled wine is another easy, hands-off favorite.
Can I make Thanksgiving cocktails ahead of time?
Yes. Mix everything except the bubbly ingredients up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Add ice and ginger beer, sparkling wine or soda just before serving.
What's a good Thanksgiving mocktail?
Make the punch without the bourbon and add extra ginger beer, or serve warm spiced apple cider. Both feel just as festive.
Hosting this year, or headed to someone else's table? A handmade cocktail shaker makes a host gift people actually use. Take a look at our Beach Cocktail Shakers and Espresso Martini Lovers gift sets.
Happy Thanksgiving and cheers! — Rochelle
Say hi on Instagram: @drinkwithrochelle and @theboozymermaid