Thanksgiving Drinks: Festive Beverages for Every Guest
Thanksgiving drinks are one of the simplest ways to make the holiday feel extra festive. A good rule of thumb is to plan for each guest to enjoy two or three beverages throughout the day, or more if your gathering lasts from afternoon into evening.
The mainstays are always a hit: sparkling water, soft drinks, and coffee or tea for serving with dessert. These are easy, familiar choices that make everyone feel comfortable and cared for. It’s also thoughtful to have a mix of chilled and warm options available so guests can choose what suits them.
If you’re serving alcohol, you’ll still want to have plenty of other choices on hand. And if you’re hosting children at your Thanksgiving, make sure to include options for them such as apple juice or milk.
💡 Hosting Tips:
- If fridge space is tight, plan to have a cooler ready for drinks. It makes serving easier and keeps guests from opening the refrigerator every few minutes.
- Beverages are one of the easiest items to delegate, since guests can bring soda, sparkling water, or ice to help keep everything stocked and simple.
And if you’d like to offer something a little more special, try one of the festive drinks below. We like to prepare a colorful punch or sparkling mocktail for a fun twist, while keeping plenty of the basics on hand.
Recipe Index
Apple Ginger Spritz
A light, golden drink made with crisp apple and ginger flavors. This refreshing and lightly fizzy drink is a favorite of guests of all ages.
Cranberry Citrus Fizz
Bright and festive, this cranberry-orange drink has a touch of sparkle and a hint of rosemary for holiday flair.
Sparkling Holiday Fruit Punch
A kids’-favorite fruity option filled with strawberries, pineapple, and a splash of sparkling water.
Warm Spiced Apple Cider
Warm and comforting, this classic cider is simmered with cinnamon, cloves, and orange for a drink that smells just like Thanksgiving.
Apple Ginger Spritz
Start your celebration with something light and refreshing. A sparkling apple ginger spritz is crisp, bubbly, and a beautiful way to welcome guests.
Apple Ginger Spritz
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider (chilled)
- 2 cups ginger ale or seltzer water (chilled)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- ice
- apple slices (optional, for garnish)
- cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a pitcher halfway with ice.
- Pour in apple cider, ginger ale, and lemon juice if using. Stir gently.
- Pour into glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
- Serve immediately, chilled and bubbly.
Notes
Cranberry Citrus Fizz
We love this cranberry orange fizz because it brings a burst of color and brightness to the table. It’s tangy, lightly sweet, and so easy to make ahead for a crowd. The rosemary is a hit with my family and makes this drink extra special.
Cranberry Citrus Fizz
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice (chilled)
- 1 cup orange juice (chilled)
- 2 cups seltzer or sparkling water (chilled)
- ice cubes
- orange slices (optional, for garnish)
- cranberries (optional, for garnish)
- fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice and orange juice.
- Add ice and top with sparkling water. Stir gently to mix.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and a rosemary sprig.
Notes
- Chilling the juices in advance allows you to use less ice, and your drink is less diluted.
- The rosemary adds an aroma that some people find really appealing. If your guests (especially kids) don’t like herbal notes, feel just skip it!
Sparkling Holiday Fruit Punch
For a fun, family-friendly favorite, try this sparkling fruit punch. Kids love the fizz and fruit pieces, and adults do too.
Sparkling Holiday Fruit Punch
Ingredients
- 2 cups fruit punch or white grape juice (chilled)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (chilled)
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda or sparkling water (chilled)
- fresh fruit, like strawberries, pineapple, and oranges, cut into small pieces
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine fruit punch and pineapple juice in a large pitcher.
- Add ice and fresh fruit pieces.
- Just before serving, pour in soda and stir gently.
- Serve in tall glasses with straws and fruit on the rim for garnish.
Notes
- Best served immediately so it stays fizzy.
- Kids often love adding their own fruit pieces — set up a small “drink bar” for them to mix their own.
- For a grown-up twist, use prosecco or champagne instead of soda.
Warm Spiced Apple Cider
A warm mug of spiced cider is the perfect way to wrap up Thanksgiving day. The cinnamon and orange make your whole house smell like the holidays. Especially if the weather is gray and rainy where you are, this can be a wonderful, warming choice.
Warm Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider (NOT apple juice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (more or less, to taste)
- 1 orange (cut into rounds)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup and vanilla extract, if using. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Strain to remove spices and orange slices.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired.
Notes
- Keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving throughout the day.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Final Thoughts
Whether you serve a sparkling punch before dinner or a warm cider afterward, a few thoughtful beverage choices make Thanksgiving feel welcoming and complete. Keep it simple, prepare ahead where you can, and remember that drinks are as much about comfort and connection as they are about flavor.
For more help planning your full meal, visit the Thanksgiving Planning Hub for turkey tips, side dishes, desserts, and make-ahead tips that tie everything together beautifully.
