Thanksgiving is more than just a day of indulging in turkey and sides; it’s also an occasion for festive cocktails. If you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner, here are some delightful cocktail recipes designed for both sipping prior to and during your meal.

1. Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without spiked cider. This recipe enhances the classic drink by infusing it with bourbon that’s been mixed with caramel popcorn. The final touch includes a pat of butter for a rich, buttery finish.Get Recipe

2. Into the Woods

For those preferring a chilled drink, this holiday cocktail combines bourbon, ginger beer, and hard cider, served over ice with a splash of lemon.Get Recipe

3. Everything Nice (Spiced-Rum Coffee With Butterscotch Whipped Cream)

Revive your spirits post-feast with this spiked coffee featuring rum and a smooth homemade butterscotch whipped cream, providing a comforting boost.Get Recipe

4. Old Fashioned Cocktails

Prepare this classic cocktail in batches to save time on Thanksgiving. Just combine whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, and a touch of water to compensate for the ice dilution.Get Recipe

5. Brown-Butter Old Fashioned

Upgrade your Old Fashioned by fat-washing the bourbon with browned butter to add a toasty richness.Get Recipe

6. Old Timber (Rye Cocktail With Fernet)

This robust cocktail blends rye with fernet and triple sec, providing a warm, aromatic experience perfect for fall gatherings.Get Recipe

7. Drunk Uncle (Scotch and Cynar Cocktail)

This savory twist on the Boulevardier uses peaty Islay Scotch and Cynar, a bitter liqueur, creating a unique flavor profile perfect for the holiday.Get Recipe

8. Tangy Cranberry–Black Pepper Shrub Cocktail

A lighter option, this cocktail is made with sparkling wine, flavored with a homemade cranberry-black pepper shrub for a refreshing taste.Get Recipe

9. A Minnesota Good-Bye (Cranberry French 75)

This twist features a cranberry cordial, gin, and pink grapefruit juice topped with sparkling wine, creating a festive and fruity drink.Get Recipe

10. Sweater Weather Punch (Scotch and Cranberry Cocktail)

This big-batch cocktail combines cranberry juice with Scotch and marmalade syrup to produce a tart yet smooth drink, perfect for large gatherings.Get Recipe

11. Cranberry in a Can (Batched Rye-Cranberry Shrub Cocktail)

Prepare this simple cocktail ahead of time with a cinnamon-spiced cranberry mixer that can be quickly converted into a delicious drink.Get Recipe

12. Make-Ahead Fig and Cinnamon Punch

This rum punch recipe features dried figs and Madeira, allowing for an easy, make-ahead drink that will impress your guests.Get Recipe

These cocktails are sure to bring festive cheer to your Thanksgiving table, making your holiday gathering one to remember.