Maybe an apple martini or cranberry margarita would be nice, or some warm cup of something spiced. I should’ve known better! The kings and queens of online food blogs have plenty of sweet, warm, spiced, and festive cocktails to get us through the long holiday weekend. This list is full of 30 fun cocktail recipes, and I just know you’ll want to try them all.
1. Pecan Pie Martini
I’m a sucker for a good cocktail, but I tend to opt for those with fruity flavors and colorful umbrellas. Though I’m not always a fan of creamy alcohol, this pecan pie martini won me over at the first sip. Before this, I didn’t even know you could get pecan-flavored vodka! Mix it gently with Irish cream liquor, vanilla vodka, and heavy cream over ice and serve in a pecan and brown sugar-rimmed glass. Or, you could use whipped cream vodka for an extra creamy finish.
2. Apple Cider Mimosas
I’ve been to my fair share of bottomless mimosa brunches, though I usually opt for blueberry juice with my bubbles. Still, I can’t believe I never thought to put apple cider in the glass! This tastes like amped-up sparkling cider. The apple flavor is way more pronounced, and I love how the thicker cider blends with the sparkling wine. This will be my go-to Christmas morning drink from now on.
3. Pumpkin Pie Moscow Mule
The traditional Moscow mule is made with ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. It’s a very clean drink with just the right amount of spice and zest, plus it’s bubbly and boozy. I’ve also had a mule with tequila, rum, and bourbon (though not together, of course). Unless you’re a purist, I think that as long as you keep the ginger beer and lime, you’re good to go. This recipe keeps it classic with vodka; only you’ll use vanilla for a bit more sugar. Then, you’ll get that fantastic pumpkin flavor by blending in pumpkin butter.
4. Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
Hot toddies are usually full of whiskey, honey, and a bunch of warm spices. Served hot, it’s the perfect winter warmer after a long day. This stunning toddy takes that warmth and gives it a fruity twist. You’ll use bourbon, which is sweeter than whiskey. However, you can stick to what you prefer, as always. To complement the slightly tart cranberries, you’ll also add a small orange to the pot. Be sure to pierce it so you get the sweet juices and the sharp taste of the rind.
5. Apple Cider Prosecco Spritz
If you’re a fan of the Aperol spritz but maybe want something a tad less bitter, this drink is for you. It does include some Aperol, keeping that bitter orange flavor. But it adds apple cider for a splash of crisp, apple goodness. Of course, you could leave the Aperol out of it if you don’t like the flavor. Or, I bet it would be super yummy with a splash of cranberry juice.
6. 3-Ingredient Pomegranate Ginger Smash
Since this cocktail uses vodka and ginger beer, you could get away with calling it a pomegranate mule. No matter what name you use, it’s still vibrant and fresh, using 100% pomegranate juice for its big, bold taste.
7. Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
This drink speaks to the basic, pumpkin spice latte lover in me! I can’t help what I love, and I’ll choose flannel and a pumpkin spice latte any day of the week. But this isn’t just pumpkin spice creamer with vodka. Oh no! It’s like an icy, boozy pumpkin spice latte, thanks to the coffee liquor in the mix. If you don’t want as much sugar, you could use this sugar-free pumpkin syrup and a dash of coconut milk instead.
8. Apple Cider Old-Fashioned
Growing up, cider was always strictly for the grown-ups. So, when I was given a glass at a friend’s house, I almost jumped out of my seat when she handed some to her kid! It was tasty, sure, but it was missing something. So please be warned: in my house, the cider packs a punch. I like the complexity of this recipe, using bourbon for warmth and bitters to bring out the tart apple flavors. But then, it also includes maple syrup for a lovely sweet undertone that brings it all together.
9. Pomegranate French 75
The French 75 uses gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar, making it kind of like an adult lemonade. It gets the name from the 75mm Howitzer field gun used in World War I. The gun is said to have incredible accuracy and speed. This cocktail is thought to be similar, giving you quite the kick after just a few sips. You’ll leave out the sour lemon of the original and replace it with pomegranate for something a little sweeter.
10. Pear Aperol Spritz Cocktail Recipe
We all tend to think of apples and pumpkins during the colder months, but pear is just as tasty and partners so well with warm spices. To get that unique flavor, you’ll need to muddle some pear slices with lemon juice, simple syrup, and vanilla extract. But if you find you enjoy this pairing, why not try making pear-infused simple syrup instead?
11. Cranberry Apple Sangria
No doubt you’ve tried sangria before. It can be red or white, and it’s usually full of berries, wine, and other sweet ingredients. This festive recipe takes the idea of sangria and turns it on its head, using apples, cranberries, oranges, cinnamon, and cloves. You’ll use pinot grigio for the base, which has lovely hints of lime, pear, and green apple.
12. Chai Tea Recipe with Bourbon
Chia means tea in Hindi, so when we talk about chai tea, we’re actually just saying “tea tea.” This traditional drink consists of black tea with milk and a selection of warm, aromatic herbs and spices. In the states, chai tea is pretty specific, and it almost always involves cinnamon, cloves, and other fall-favorite spices like cardamom and ginger. And what goes better with all those delicious spices? Bourbon!
13. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
I love a whiskey sour, though I almost always have it with bourbon and orange juice. Unfortunately, my sweet tooth isn’t a huge fan of whiskey. That said, this one does include some lovely, sweet maple syrup, so it’s just right for me. You’ll need a cocktail shaker and plenty of ice for this. Add the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon and shake until it’s chilled to perfection.
14. Spiced Citrus Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is the quintessential Thanksgiving cocktail recipe. It’s warm, sweet, strong, and bursting with incredible flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make in a big batch and serve a crowd. As the name suggests, red wine is the base for this drink. I like to go for something fruity to complement the citrus in the mix. You’ll also use apple cider and orange juice to lighten it up a little.
15. Cranberry Moscow Mule
I think this cocktail looks the most like a holiday drink because it’s traditionally served in copper mugs. Even though it’s served cold, over ice, just holding that mug will make you feel like curling up in front of a fire. Feel free to keep this close to the classic and use vodka. But if you want something darker, try using dark rum. It will give it such an intense flavor, and you’ll reach for another in no time.
16. Toasted Pecan Old-Fashioned
An old-fashioned a pretty grown-up drink and I didn’t like it for the longest time. It’s mostly whiskey with some sugar and bitters, with a splash of water to mellow it out. The alcohol is very prominent, and it’s typically the kind of drink you grow into as your tastebuds mature. This version uses pecan-infused whiskey, which you’ll need to prep a few days before. Just don’t leave them for too long. Four days is usually the sweet spot.
17. Pear and Pomegranate Sangria
Rather than simply adding pomegranate juice to red wine, this recipe uses pomegranate simple syrup, which gives it a lift of sugar. I think sangria should be sweet, so this is a great way to even out that heavy red wine taste. Unusually, this recipe also includes elderflower liqueur, which is super floral and perfume-like. I found it overwhelming, but if you like that flavor, you’ll love this drink.
18. Maple Old-Fashioned
Many people will add a teaspoon of sugar to their old fashioned to help cut through the bitterness. But using maple syrup is kind of genius, giving this drink hints of vanilla, caramel, and sometimes prunes. Maple syrup does have a pretty specific taste, so if you’re not a fan, maybe try using honey or agave instead.
19. Apple Cider Bellini
Bellinis are basically peach-flavored mimosas. Both use fruit puree or juice with sparkling wine, and both are totally acceptable to have for breakfast. What I love about this recipe is the use of apple vodka. Not only does it provide extra warmth, but it really helps to boost that fresh apple taste.
20. Salted Caramel Appletini With Salted Caramel-Infused Vodka
If you’re the type to throw on a chunky sweater and head to the closest orchard, I guarantee this decadent appletini will blow you away. Caramel apple is synonymous with Thanksgiving and the cold winter months, after all. So what could be better than those same flavors in a boozy drink? Salted caramel vodka can be pretty dangerous. It’s ridiculously delicious, so you’ll have a hard time sticking to just two ounces. Though you can buy caramel vodka in the store, making it yourself is pretty fun and probably cheaper.
21. Turmeric Ginger Hot Toddy
Turmeric and ginger are well known for their beneficial properties. Both are great anti-inflammatories, and they’re loaded with antioxidants to boot. If you feel like a cold is coming on, a few cups of turmeric and ginger tea should help keep it at bay. Of course, you don’t have to wait until your throat is scratchy. I think it’s best to think proactively and work this tasty hot toddy into your weekend routine. You can’t be too careful, right?
22. Earl Grey Tea Cocktail
Between the gin, lavender, lemon, and earl grey tea, this cocktail is highly fragrant and has a very perfume taste. If you’re not a lover of that botanical, floral taste, this might not be for you. Gin is super floral, and when you mix that with lemon and lavender, this drink smells like a pretty bouquet of wildflowers.
23. Cranberry Cobbler Smash
A bourbon or whiskey smash is a lot like a whiskey sour; only there’s usually some other flavor element “smashed” into the mix. I love to make a margarita smash, which includes vanilla whiskey, margarita mix, and plenty of ice. But this cranberry recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. To start, you’ll make cinnamon simple syrup, using cinnamon, water, and brown sugar. This is incredible, and I like to make extra and use it in my coffee. Once that’s cooled, just stir in cranberry juice and bourbon.
24. Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur Recipe
I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious pear vodka turned out to be. I spent a little extra money, figuring that the more expensive the vodka, the more pure the flavor. I was right! That said, it’s crazy-easy to make your own, and you can adjust the taste to your liking. Since this drink has so many bold flavors, it’s one to sip on over a longer period. You’ll want to make a small amount and be sure to chill it, then take your time with it.
25. Red Wine Pomegranate Punch
Like the mulled wine, this drink is ideal for serving a crowd. So make up a big batch and let people help themselves. That way, you can enjoy the day with everyone, rather than heading to the kitchen every half hour. The recipe calls for merlot, but if you don’t want it so strong, go ahead and use something lighter, like a pinot noir. Also, feel free to add extra fruit. I used a bag of mixed berries and threw in a bunch of cherries to give this an extra fruity kick.
26. Cranberry Margarita
Without trying to be too cliché, yes, I’m a margarita fanatic. There’s nothing more comforting to me than tequila with fresh lime juice and a dash of orange. But I also love margaritas in every form, from banana and blueberry to sriracha mango and even jalapeño! So, I couldn’t get through a list of cocktails without a margarita recipe, and this is probably the most Thanksgiving-esque around. Just add cranberry juice, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice to a shaker, and don’t stop until you feel the chill.
27. Pomegranate Ginger Sparkler
This recipe is more or less a pomegranate mimosa, using sweetened pomegranate juice in sparkling wine. But that little bit of ginger in the mix makes all the difference. You’ll start by making enhanced pomegranate juice, using pomegranate juice, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, and ginger. Let it cool and add a decent helping in your glass. Then, top it up with bubbles and enjoy.
28. Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte
I’ve hoped for Starbucks to come out with an all-adult, boozy line of drinks for the longest time. Just imagine the profits if they started adding whiskey to their coffees! Until that day, we’ll have to settle for making them at home. If you have a favorite pumpkin spice syrup, go ahead and use it. Otherwise, this recipe is super tasty. Then, it’s just a matter of making your latte and adding bourbon to the mix.
29. Kir Cocktail
I think this might be the easiest recipe on the list. Are you ready? Add 1/4 ounce of crème de cassis to 5 ounces of chilled dry white wine. Blink, and you’ll miss it! Blackcurrant liqueur is so underrated, but it has a lovely deep flavor, and it’s great for a more intense, cold weather cocktail.
30. Crantini
Martinis are known to be pretty intense and definitely not sweet. That’s especially true for those who prefer them dirty with plenty of salty olives. But cranberries aren’t super sweet, and their tart flavors work well to keep this more like the original. This drink also includes a splash of Cointreau, which adds to the bitterness while giving a citrus lift at the same time. Click on a star to rate it!
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