Hosting Thanksgiving just got a whole lot easier.
Though we're all for being your own bartender and mixing up co*cktails, on Thanksgiving, we just don't have the time! Doesn't mean we forgo the drinks though. Instead, we lean on big batch co*cktails to get us through. They're so much easier than prepping lots of individual fall co*cktails, so you can lay off being the designated mixologist for the night. With celebrated fall flavors and year-round refreshing favorites, these 34 boozy, big-batch drinks are a breeze to make and are sure keep your Thanksgiving guests happy, from the time they arrive 'til after dinner.
The best part? Many of these recipes only require three or four ingredients (meaning you don't have to buy unlimited mixers or alcohol), and are as simple as throwing them together in a large container and stirring. Looking for something refreshing and light? Try a wine co*cktail, like our green apple moscato sangria, our giggle juice, our Thanksgiving jungle juice, or our apple cider spritz.
Don't forget about hot drinks too! When the weather outside is frightful, there's nothing better than ladling out something warm and cozy, like our mulled wine, our wassail, or our Crockpot red wine hot cocoa.
Booze just isn't your thing? No prob! Most of these drinks can be made non-alcoholic by simply omitting the alcohol, but we've also included our purposefully virgin cranberry basil sangria so that everybody can get into the holiday spirit.
Looking for more festive drinks? Check out our Thanksgiving co*cktails and our fall sangrias to keep celebrating autumn right.
1
Apple Cider Margaritas
Super-excited for fall and all the fun fall activities that come with it—pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving, apple picking? These co*cktails are for you! They're the best of summery margaritas, plus spicy, seasonal apple cider.
Get the Apple Cider Margaritas recipe.
2
Thanksgiving Jungle Juice
We love a big-batch co*cktail because it not only saves you time at the home bar, but they're so easy to mix up. This classed up, festive spin on jungle juice is for when you want to be the designated drunk uncle at Thanksgiving.
Get the Thanksgiving Jungle Juice recipe.
3
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
We give classic summer sangria a fall twist by adding in sparkling apple cider (of course), white wine, and Fireball. Our apple cider sangria is a fan-favorite, but this bubbly version feels a bit fancier, making it worthy of your holiday dinner.
Get the Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
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4
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Ditch the packets of hot chocolate—it's a special holiday occasion after all! Make a batch of this hot chocolate on the stove with creamy whole milk, rich semisweet chocolate chips, and a little bit of whiskey, and everyone will be asking for a second cup.
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
5
Cranberry-Apple Sangria
Sangria is a perfect co*cktail for the holidays because it’s made all in one big pitcher. Plus, your guests can help themselves to a festive co*cktail while you finish up cooking. This recipe is fairly traditional but with a holiday twist, featuring flavors like tart cranberries and cinnamon.
Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe.
6
Fall Harvest Punch
Cider and ginger beer might seem like a weird pairing, but with fresh fruit and cinnamon (plus bubbly!), we promise you, it works. This punch has all the cozy fall flavors we know and love, plus a boozy twist. 😎
Get the Fall Harvest Punch recipe.
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7
Apple Pie Bourbon Shots
If you're truly looking to get your party started this holiday (or if you're a bourbon fan), then these apple pie bourbon shots should be a must-have at your next gathering. All you need are a few ingredients—apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—too!
Get the Apple Pie Bourbon Shots recipe.
8
Green Apple Moscato Sangria
Moscato sangria fans—get ready to meet your new favorite shareable co*cktail. Inspired by Olive Garden's now discontinued signature sangria, this copycat green apple moscato sangria is the perfect fall twist on the classic summer co*cktail.
Get the Green Apple Moscato Sangria recipe.
9
Mulled Wine
Making this mulled wine couldn't be easier: Combine a bottle of red wine with some orange slices, warm spices, honey, and brandy, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. THAT'S IT.
Get the Mulled Wine recipe.
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10
Apple Cider Spritz
Easy breezy and ready for fall, this apple cider spritz offers a twist on a recent summer classic, the Aperol spritz. To make a big batch, make a pitcher of the cider, Aperol, and pumpkin spice mix, then just add to glasses with ice, a garnish, and Prosecco!
Get the Apple Cider Spritz recipe.
11
Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria
Sangria without the wine? Yes, please. The fruit is the real star in this big-batch drink—use whatever’s in season and get creative with the combination (think cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary for the holidays).
Get the Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria recipe.
12
Moscow Mule Punch
This punch is basically one enormous Moscow mule, which lets you off the hook for drink duty during the celebration (win, win!). Plus, it's the perfect excuse to get those festive copper mugs out. 😎
Get the Moscow Mule Punch recipe.
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13
Red Sangria
Fruity, refreshing, and perfect for serving a crowd, sangria is one of our go-to co*cktails to enjoy all year long. We love this classic combination of fruits, spices, and wine, we’ve also included all of our top tips on how to vary this wine co*cktail to your specific tastes.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
14
Brunch Punch
If your Thanksgiving is more of a holiday brunch instead of the classic dinner, this boozy punch is the perfect pairing to your spread. With a bottle of bubbly and fresh fruit flavors, this is just the punch to get your holiday started right.
Get the Brunch Punch recipe.
15
Glögg
Glögg, pronounced ‘glu-guh,’ is essentially Sweden's answer to mulled wine, tracing back as far as the early 1600s. Initially invented to mask the flavor of poor-tasting wine, it evolved into a traditional beverage enjoyed at social gatherings over the festive season.
Get the Glögg recipe.
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16
Boozy Butterbeer Punch
Whether you're a Harry Potter fanatic or have only seen a movie or two, this punch is so delicious, it'll win over fans and skeptics alike. Sweet and creamy, this is a cozy punch that's so good, it's almost a Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Boozy Butterbeer Punch recipe.
17
Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa
Throwing more of a chill Friendsgiving this year? Let your Crockpot prepare your party drinks! The combo of chocolate and red wine might seem a little odd but trust us, it's perfect.
Get the Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa recipe.
18
Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria might make you think of warm summer nights and tropical fruits, but this apple-based co*cktail will have you ready for fall. Here, we went for a white wine sangria, rounded out with spicy ginger beer and sweet apple cider.
Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
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19
Limoncello
Homemade limoncello is sweet and strong with a lasting, delightful lemon flavor. It's the basis for one of our favorite co*cktails—the lemon drop martini—and is perfect for sharing and gifting during the holidays. Hot tip: Make it at least a week in advance to guarantee the best lemon flavor.
Get the Limoncello recipe.
20
Prosecco Punch
Bright and fruity, this prosecco punch shines during the warmer weather but is so delicious, it deserves to be celebrated all year round. This boozy bowl will be a refreshing, light contrast to your heavier Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Prosecco Punch recipe.
