Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or you’re in charge of the drinks (lucky me is in charge of both this year), this list was made for you! I’ve been getting a bunch of messages from y’all asking which cocktails would be delicious yet easy enough to make for a crowd, so I decided to whip up a list of cocktails to serve this Thanksgiving with those two things in mind.

So let’s get to it!

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A List of Cocktails To Serve This Thanksgiving

Harvest Mimosas

These Harvest Mimosas come together in minutes and I love that dinner guests can help themselves, freeing you for your other hosting duties.

What You’ll Need to Make Harvest Mimosas

makes about 12 servings

• 1/2 gallon apple cider
• 3/4 cup Cointreau
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• Bottles of chilled champagne or prosecco to top
• Dried orange wheels & sprigs of thyme (for garnish)

How To Make It

1. In a beverage dispenser, combine apple cider, Cointreau, and honey/maple syrup. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
2. Drop in some dried orange wheels for a purely decorative touch that enhances the visual appeal of your mimosa mix.
3. When it’s time to serve, provide chilled champagne or prosecco alongside the mimosa mix.

One of the key features of this Harvest Mimosa recipe is its compatibility with a self-serve beverage station. By setting up a designated area where guests can help themselves, you’ll not only create a festive atmosphere, but also free up valuable time for yourself as the host.

Sparkling Spiced Pear Pitcher

Another batch cocktail recipe that’s literally pour and serve! The autumn spiced simple syrup is the star of the show and can be made ahead of time, making Thanksgiving Day as easy as possible for you.

What You’ll Need To Make the Sparkling Spiced Pear Cocktail

for the simple syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup honey or sugar
• 5-7 sprigs of fresh thyme 
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp cloves 
• 2 inches of ginger, sliced 

How To Make It

Add everything to a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for about ten minutes (don’t let it boil) before taking the pan off the heat to steep. Once completely cooled, strain and pour into a syrup bottle (these ones are my favorite). They can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.

pitcher of cocktails (about 6 servings):

• 3 cups of pear juice
• 1.5 cups of vodka or gin
• 1/2 cup spiced autumn simple syrup
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 bottle of Prosecco, chilled

Add all ingredients to a pitcher or beverage dispenser and stir to combine. Guests can easily help themselves and I made these adorable thyme ice cubes to chill the cocktails that also serves as a gorgeous garnish. I just make a bunch a few days before and store them in the freezer until ready. They hold up great in an ice bucket to wow your guests.

Pomegranate Thyme Spritz

Probably one of the most gorgeous batch cocktails I’ve made to date, these Pomegranate Thyme Spritz are perfect for anytime this holiday season!

How To Make a Pomegranate Thyme Spritz

for six servings

• 2 cups of pomegranate juice
• 4 oz of elderflower liqueur 
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 cup of vodka or gin
• 1/4 cup honey thyme simple syrup
• bottle of chilled Prosecco 
• thyme sprigs and pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Pour the first five ingredients and the pomegranate seeds into a beverage dispenser. Give a good stir and place an ice bucket (or two) beside it. Have chilled Prosecco at the ready for guests to help themselves. If serving in a large pitcher or bowl, go ahead and add in the Prosecco as well. Have fresh sprigs of thyme and extra pomegranate seeds close by for guests to garnish their cocktails! 

Old Fashioned Palomas

I couldn’t make a list of cocktails without giving my bourbon lovers a little love! Bourbon meets citrus on this fun holiday take on the classic Paloma.

What You’ll Need to Make Old Fashioned Palomas

about six to eight servings

• 4 cups fresh Florida Grapefruit Juice
• 2 cups fresh Florida Orange Juice
• 2 cups bourbon
• 6 to 8 drops of bitters
• 4 cups of sparkling water

How to Make Old Fashioned Palomas for a Crowd

1. In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, combine fresh grapefruit juice, orange juice, bourbon, bitters, and sparkling water.
2. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
3. Fill your old fashioned glasses (rim with salt is optional) with crushed ice.
4. Pour up the Old Fashioned Palomas and garnish each glass with a fresh orange or grapefruit slice and a sprig of rosemary.

I hope this list of cocktails to serve on Thanksgiving gave y’all plenty of inspiration and take some weight off your hosting duties this holiday season. I know your guests are just going to love them!

Cheers Y’all,