![Harvest Punch](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/EfQiRRwbMcCIrzh289vVrZ9B7n8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Harvest_Punch_129-2000-f4d6172b894c417284a83df339779678.jpg)
Thanksgiving is all about being grateful. Of course, we're especially thankful for the food on the table. After piling roasted turkey, countless Thanksgiving side dishes, and plentiful pies on our plates, we never leave a holiday gathering any less than uncomfortably full. But there's one thing you should never forget to serve on Thanksgiving and that's an amazing cocktail. With these delicious and festive recipes, your drink menu won't be an afterthought. Don't settle for a cooler of beer this year.
Instead, step up your drink game with these incredible concoctions. From bourbon to rum and sparkling to spiced, these cocktails will get the party started. Serve up some fall flavor with our favorite spiked cider recipes, and ensure everyone gets a glass with big-batch recipes. Whether your family likes to celebrate Thanksgiving with brunch, football watching, or a formal dinner, there's a recipe here that will fit the bill. These are the best cocktails for celebrating with family and friends.
Thanksgiving Punch With Rum
![Thanksgiving Rum Punch](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/x38qMs0Hw8UMJj3W9cl6U8SPoIw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Thanksgiving-rum-punch-02-2000-7f38445f0081485181b1d8b8175bab78.jpg)
This spiced holiday punch will ensure every guest has a good time.
Cranberry Sangría Punch
![Cranberry Sangría Punch](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/lp1Ruf8A060SreSnzdvrqfv9dp4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2546201_Cockt_4957_0_0-2000-cc601f66102548ed8e8757e09ddaad95.jpg)
Fresh cranberries and Granny Smith apples take this cocktail into holiday mode.
Aperol Bourbon Fizz
![Aperol Bourbon Fizz](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/zAu3Tm9FtRtCfK1DTvoqVKZwHe8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bourbon_drinks_2513001_webou_bourbondrinks361_0_0-2000-b255f14f9ea7470097c82b0692835625.jpg)
If your family loves bourbon cocktails, warm up to this sipper this Thanksgiving.
Hot Toddy
![Hot Toddy](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/v0cQEyenYnooz-OWOQt4Frk3zAo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Hot20Toddy_0-2000-93dceb83a3624763a4d6959cb0b4f67b.jpg)
If Thanksgiving is going to be a cold one, warm your guests up with the comfort of an old-school Hot Toddy.
Aperol and Blood Orange-Mint Spritz
![Aperol and Blood Orange-Mint Spritz](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/FciAmyUkq7Cl0Yp25Ls_8LSQF8I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shaya-2487801_alons_3566_0-2000-beb915e3fcb741c5a3a40a33ec58f667.jpg)
This sparkling cocktail will be the star at your gathering.
Big-Batch Cajun Lemonade
![Big-Batch Cajun Lemonade](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/CiHhMPEs_Ds8UTZYC1LkNigbrzE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/501634_Cajun_Lemonade_213-2000-cccdb4396a90447bb4939c3ae2756230.jpg)
Citron, or lemon-flavored vodka, adds extra lemon tang to this cocktail that's sure to transport you to Cajun country in just one sip.
French 75
![French 75](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4-TcppfpB3a8NExc9R3uOsJSvdU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/French75_0_0-a1557823fa1448b0932db39932dac1d3.png)
This classic cocktail will be gorgeous alongside a dressy Thanksgiving dinner.
Rum Swizzles
![Rum Swizzles](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/E9sSGXnITxOQxyxGXUdsl6CkWdc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/501634_RumSwizzleRumEaster_199-2000-71a39cd712174539b79aee89aa666b2e.jpg)
Whether you make Rum Swizzles for two or a big batch cocktail for a crowd, this drink is sure to shake up happy hour.
Cranberry Mojito
![Cranberry Mojito](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/w_dwOYiel5nq7t0uLZje2SnsDqc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2135101_givet_006_1-2000-81e48056933c4bfdb48d373f5ba6080c.jpg)
This refreshing cocktail recipe proves mojitos aren't reserved for the summer.
Mississippi Bourbon Punch
![Mississippi Bourbon Punch](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NucyGdXBkB3pW9YdP_pPwXkrbyM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2024801_the12007_sdw-2000-a44743d91241425684f121e26f7f25fb.jpg)
Muscadine wine stars in this big-batch punch recipe.
Retro Rum Punch
![Retro Rum Punch](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/3_56Tfa80oqrANlfwUcSwKqQXLQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/retro-rum-punch-sl-41f6f67dfdd74cc59f7fb218e564f161.jpg)
This retro punch has a short ingredient list and high yield—perfect for parties.
Ambrosia Cocktail
![Ambrosia Cocktail](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/7P4iix3K1L8rVxW2YkNVo0XUsCY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2247401_commu3594_0-2000-0dfe8176bae94fd79b53015372f49220.jpg)
Many Southerners serve traditional ambrosia at holiday gatherings, and this fruity cocktail is our new favorite way to do so.
The Chilton Cocktail
![Southern Living The Chilton Cocktail in glasses ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/6RyWtgfEZedPPerJrh2gWiLWrh8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The_Chilton_Cocktail_006-06b3f0d8d0cf476e858f4fbe66215e56.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Turn to this refreshing sipper that only takes three ingredients—vodka, lemon, and soda water—when you want something light after the feast.
Bourbon Bloody Marys
![Bourbon Bloody Mary](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hEOtt2tdZDVe5LRmtbC5gC2hif8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2651701_OESwe_18-fa08203f8918420c99f0b8e5d965c9ff.jpg)
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke
Use a splash of bourbon to give this classic brunch drink a Southern twist.
Pomegranate Margarita
![Pomegranate Margaritas in clear margarita glasses](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8aOCdpM1WVjGUMotGKSRXc0ziHw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-26965_Pomegranate_Holiday_Margarita_070_preview-a7aeeae976cb4061b485a95f6f7251e8.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Toast the season with a brightly colored marg that has just the right blend of tart and sweet.
Classic Bloody Mary
![Bloody Mary](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gUw2x30iXoLqBnTFGWcV5WdtZ6k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-Bloody_Mary_006-3a4af7721dce43c69be8ca4cd282a096.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Skip the bottled mix and whip up this classic to start the celebrations.
Bourbon Basil Smash
![Southern Living Bourbon Basil Smash](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tRS2nW2jmQ1UdDrjDFIUAIWmlJg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27735_IK_Bourbon_108-15be37ecfd1548d2a1cd77417100e212.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
Give a bourbon cocktail a mint julep twist with a basil simple syrup and lemon juice.
Bourbon Mule
![Southern Living Bourbon Mule in copper mugs to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Gfz_ggGqcC3Tm73tdgJF9NkWdH4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bourbon_Mule_007-aad211f758724600828474902e1fce1e.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Made with bourbon instead of the traditional vodka, this mule has layers of flavor from ginger beer, lime juice, and fresh mint.
Spiced Apple Spritz
![Spiced apple spritz in three glasses on tray](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/WcjwPHnr98p54hytzq9ni4acLeE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/southern-living-27313_MM_MiguelB_2948-1_preview-e2a6fdc920c348619bbeedf9bba8c2f1.jpg)
Frederick Hardy II; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Mat Gibilisco
Serve this seasonal cocktail just before dinner. The fizzy drink is made with sparkling apple cider, spiced syrup, and spiced Jamaican rum.
Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
![Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/vpIWjPheZX2dYvjwfTw0rjvy0mw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bourbon-drinks-2513001_webou_bourbondrinks596_0-2000-027d4b26e2304b9bbbec919532ebcce4.jpg)
Serve this spiked tea as an adult beverage option to go with the Thanksgiving meal.
Bourbon Slush
![bourbon slush - southern living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/8lf5sLSy0EBfQKjj0GApcXgXVWw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bourbon_Slush_009-01b00f7f9af64cc9a0e249c13ca54764.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Start with tea and frozen lemonade and orange juice concentrate to make this refreshing adult slush.
Vodka Cranberry
![Southern Living Vodka Cranberry drinks ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/utGJ4Cg43oFQp2v_iuvFmBcaABI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Vodka_Cranberries_008-f57e105ee00a4df9a42b09a777f5ca53.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Kick off the season with this festive and fruity cocktail.
Cranberry Old-Fashioneds
![Southern Living Cranberry Old Fashioneds](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/RiiXcTpLhOVXpeJQinxm3vPBXP0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27427_Cranberry_Cocktails_176Ac-b899de680ed44ab99098c33da3a685dd.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Cranberries give the classic old-fashioned an unexpected and delightful turn.
Cranberry Margaritas
![Southern Living Cranberry Margarita in glasses to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ALKZUew0uoery8KSIiOsMHSo_1o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27427_Cranberry_Cocktails_176Ab-20500d5c98394c8daaa2cdcad48329c2.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This cheery cranberry cocktail is a sweet way to start the season.
Harvest Punch
![Harvest Punch](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/EfQiRRwbMcCIrzh289vVrZ9B7n8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Harvest_Punch_129-2000-f4d6172b894c417284a83df339779678.jpg)
This autumn punch is made for a large gathering, from game time to the Thanksgiving feast.