Thanksgiving Day in America is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, rooted in centuries-old traditions of gratitude and harvest. Its origins are often linked to early colonial gatherings and the 1621 feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, though its deeper roots stretch back to Indigenous harvest celebrations that long predated European arrival. Over time, it evolved into a nationwide day centered on reflection and appreciation.
Today, Thanksgiving is one of the most significant family-centered holidays in the United States. People travel across states and even across the country to gather with family and friends, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Homes become warm spaces filled with conversation, laughter, and reconnection as loved ones come together to share a meal and time.
Alongside family gatherings, the day includes traditions that have become distinctly American. Parades, football games, community events, and volunteer programs are common, adding a festive energy to the holiday. Many cities host large public celebrations, while smaller communities hold local activities that bring neighbors together.
At its heart, Thanksgiving remains a moment to pause and appreciate the blessings in life. It encourages people to express gratitude for relationships, health, opportunities, and shared experiences. Beyond the food and festivities, the holiday stands as a reminder of the importance of reflection, kindness, and the bonds that connect people.
Thanksgiving Day Cocktails & Drinks
Apple Cider Margarita
A fall twist on the classic margarita, this drink blends apple cider with tequila and lime for a crisp, sweet, and lightly tart cocktail that feels refreshing but still seasonal.
Spiced Cranberry Mule
A Thanksgiving take on the Moscow Mule, mixing vodka, ginger beer, and cranberry juice. The cranberry adds holiday color and brightness.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Creamy and dessert-like, this version adds pumpkin spice flavor to vodka and coffee liqueur, creating a cozy, indulgent drink.
Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
Maple syrup replaces the usual sugar, pairing beautifully with bourbon to give a warm, aromatic cocktail perfect for chilly evenings.
Apple Pie Martini
This sweet, cinnamon-kissed drink tastes like liquid apple pie, combining apple vodka, vanilla liqueur, and apple cider.
Pomegranate Gin Fizz
Light, bubbly, and fruity, this gin-based drink gets its jewel-tone color from pomegranate juice, making it festive and refreshing.
Hot Toddy
A warm blend of whiskey, honey, and lemon, this classic is soothing, simple, and perfect for cozy Thanksgiving nights.
Mulled Wine
Red wine simmered with spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness creates a fragrant, comforting drink ideal for cold-weather gatherings.
Caramel Apple Sangria
A fall-style sangria that blends white wine, apple cider, and caramel liqueur with fresh apple slices.
Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
A seasonal upgrade to the whiskey sour, featuring cinnamon syrup and warm spice notes balanced with lemon.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash
Brown sugar brings a rich sweetness, mashed with fresh citrus and bourbon for a smooth, slightly rustic cocktail.
Spiced Pear Spritz
Light and elegant, this spritz uses pear juice or pear liqueur with sparkling wine and a hint of spice.
Pumpkin Spice Martini
Creamy and sweet, this cocktail blends pumpkin flavor with vanilla or cream liqueur for a dessert-style drink.
Cranberry Bourbon Punch
A punch bowl favorite combining bourbon, cranberry juice, orange, and sparkling water for a bright, crowd-pleasing drink.
Rosemary Gin & Tonic
A simple gin and tonic elevated with a rosemary sprig, adding fresh, herbal aromatics that complement Thanksgiving dishes.
Maple Rum Hot Chocolate
A warm, cozy drink mixing rum with rich hot chocolate and a touch of maple for sweetness.
Chai-Spiced Eggnog
Traditional eggnog infused with chai spices creates a fragrant, creamy drink with warmth and depth.
Apple Cider Bourbon Float
Bourbon and cold apple cider topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream forms a fun, dessert-inspired holiday drink.
Sparkling Cranberry Mimosa
Perfect for brunch or early celebrations, this blend of cranberry juice and sparkling wine is festive and light.
Ginger Maple Shandy
A refreshing mix of beer, ginger ale, and maple syrup that brings crisp, spicy, and lightly sweet fall flavor.
Pear & Ginger Bourbon Cocktail
A smooth blend of bourbon, pear nectar, and ginger syrup creates a warm, lightly spicy drink that pairs perfectly with fall flavors.
Apple Cinnamon Sangria
A festive sangria using red or white wine mixed with apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and sliced autumn fruits for a sweet, spiced punch.
Cranberry Rosemary Spritzer
This light drink mixes fresh cranberry juice with sparkling water or prosecco, plus rosemary for a clean herbal twist.
Spiked Hot Apple Cider
Warmed apple cider combined with rum or whiskey and holiday spices, creating a nostalgic, cozy cup ideal for chilly evenings.
Vanilla Chai Martini
Chai tea shaken with vanilla vodka or cream liqueur delivers a fragrant, dessert-like cocktail rich with spice.
Pumpkin Beer Shandy
Pumpkin ale blended with ginger beer or lemonade for a refreshing, lightly spiced drink that’s perfect with hearty meals.
Blackberry Thyme Gin Smash
Blackberries muddled with thyme, lemon, and gin give a deep, fruity cocktail that feels rustic and elegant.
Spiced Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Honey, bourbon, and lemon shaken with a pinch of cinnamon make a sweet-and-bright drink that balances fall warmth with citrus freshness.
Pomegranate Margarita
A jewel-toned margarita that blends tequila, lime, and pomegranate juice for a tart, festive holiday sip.
Cinnamon Maple Irish Coffee
Classic Irish coffee sweetened with cinnamon and maple syrup, topped with whipped cream for a warm holiday treat.
Cran-Apple Mocktail
A non-alcoholic option combining cranberry and apple juices with sparkling water, perfect for kids or guests avoiding alcohol.
Maple Ginger Hot Tea Cocktail
A warm drink made with black tea, maple syrup, and ginger, optionally spiked with whiskey for an extra kick.
Spiced Plum Rum Punch
Plum juice or purée stirred with rum, citrus, and autumn spices creates a deep, cozy punch full of seasonal flavor.
Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate (Spiked or Not)
Rich hot chocolate topped with toasted marshmallows; add a shot of liqueur like Baileys or rum for adult guests.
Rosemary Apple Bourbon Fizz
Apple juice, bourbon, and soda water with a sprig of rosemary give a bubbly, fragrant cocktail ideal for holiday dinners.
Pumpkin Chai Hot Toddy
A twist on the classic, using chai tea, pumpkin, honey, and whiskey for a warm, spice-filled comfort drink.
Maple Cranberry Smash
Cranberries muddled with maple syrup and mixed with bourbon or vodka for a seasonal cocktail with tart sweetness.
Ginger Pear Mocktail
A refreshing alcohol-free blend of pear juice, ginger ale, and a squeeze of lime—light, sweet, and festive.
Apple Butter Old Fashioned
Apple butter stirred into bourbon with orange zest and bitters makes a cozy, rich variation of the classic drink.
Spiced Pumpkin Punch
Pumpkin purée, citrus, spices, and either rum or a non-alcoholic base create a creamy, crowd-friendly punch perfect for big gatherings.