Easy Thanksgiving Drinks You Can Make in 10 Minutes That Guests Will Rave About

Let’s be honest: you’ve got pies in the oven, a bird doing its thing, and sides multiplying like rabbits. Drinks? They need to be fast, festive, and absolutely delicious. That’s where these easy Thanksgiving drinks come in—each one is ready in 10 minutes or less, made with simple ingredients, and designed to earn you compliments without breaking a sweat.

We’re talking cozy spices, crisp apples, sparkling sips, and a few fun twists that make your table feel special. Whether you want boozy cocktails, family-friendly mocktails, or something that toggles easily between the two, you’ll find your go-tos here. Ready to wow your crowd and still have time to baste? Let’s pour.

1. Maple Bourbon Cider Smash That Smells Like Fall in a Glass

This one’s the sweater-weather cocktail you’ll crave all season. It’s cozy, slightly smoky, and just sweet enough thanks to maple syrup and fresh apple cider. Best part? It’s a two-minute shake that tastes like a slow-simmered hug.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz fresh apple cider
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Optional garnish: cinnamon stick, apple slice, orange peel

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice. Add bourbon, cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bitters.
2. Shake 10–12 seconds until frosty.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice or an orange peel twist.

Serve with salty snacks or sharp cheddar—bourbon loves a cheese moment. For a lighter version, top with a splash of club soda. No bourbon? Rye or dark rum works beautifully.

2. Cranberry Rosemary Sparkler That Makes Every Toast Feel Fancy

Looking for something bubbly and bright? This sparkler is tart, refreshing, and pretty enough for your holiday photos. The rosemary adds a woodsy aroma that screams Thanksgiving without any extra work.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cranberry juice (100% juice if possible)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 3–4 oz chilled prosecco or sparkling wine (or sparkling water for mocktail)
• Ice
• Garnish: rosemary sprig, a few fresh cranberries

Instructions:

1. In a flute or wine glass, add cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup if using.
2. Add a few ice cubes if using a stemless glass; traditional flutes can skip the ice.
3. Top with chilled prosecco (tilt the glass for fewer bubbles and more control).
4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and cranberries.

Make it a batch by multiplying and keeping the bubbly on the side for topping. Want more tartness? Swap lime for lemon or add a dash of unsweetened pomegranate juice. Easy, elegant, done.

3. Pear Ginger Fizz That Cuts Through the Richness

This refreshing sipper balances sweet pear with zippy ginger—exactly what heavy holiday bites need. It’s classy but not fussy, and it adapts to mocktail or cocktail mode in seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz pear nectar or pear juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz ginger syrup (or 1/2 oz simple syrup + a few slices fresh ginger muddled)
• 2 oz vodka or gin (optional for mocktail: skip and add more soda)
• 3 oz club soda or ginger beer
• Ice
• Garnish: pear slice, candied ginger

Instructions:

1. In a tall glass, add pear nectar, lemon juice, and ginger syrup. If using fresh ginger, muddle with syrup first.
2. Add ice and vodka or gin if using. Stir well.
3. Top with club soda for lighter fizz or ginger beer for extra spice.
4. Garnish with a pear slice and a piece of candied ginger.

For a crowd, line up glasses with ice and pre-mix the pear base in a pitcher. Add bubbles right before serving so it stays lively. Swap pear for apple if that’s what you’ve got—still delicious.

4. Pumpkin Pie White Russian That Deserves Its Own Dessert Plate

Imagine a White Russian wandered into a pumpkin patch. This indulgent drink is creamy, spiced, and holiday-party iconic. It’s almost like dessert… but in a rocks glass. Yes, please.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 1.5 oz half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 oz pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 oz maple syrup (to taste)
• Ice
• Optional: crushed graham crackers + cinnamon sugar for rim

Instructions:

1. Optional rim: Dip glass rim in a little maple syrup, then in crushed grahams and cinnamon sugar.
2. In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, pumpkin purée, spice, and maple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously until smooth and frothy, 12–15 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

Make it lighter with milk or almond milk, or go dairy-free with coconut cream. For extra flair, grate fresh nutmeg on top. If the mix is too thick, add a splash of milk and shake again.

5. Apple Cider Mule That Brings the Copper Mug Magic

Moscow Mule, meet the orchard. This crisp, gingery cocktail plays perfectly with Thanksgiving flavors and looks stunning in those iconic mugs. It’s crowd-pleasing and ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka (or bourbon for a warmer vibe)
• 3 oz fresh apple cider
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 3–4 oz ginger beer (chilled)
• Ice
• Garnish: apple slice, cinnamon stick, lime wheel

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug (or highball) with ice.
2. Add vodka, apple cider, and lime juice. Stir.
3. Top with chilled ginger beer. Give a gentle stir.
4. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Bourbon makes it richer; tequila makes it party-ready. Want it nonalcoholic? Skip the spirit and use extra cider plus ginger beer. Pro tip: use spicy ginger beer for extra kick.

6. Pomegranate Thyme Paloma That Looks Like Holiday Confetti

This jewel-toned Paloma twist is tart, bubbly, and wildly refreshing. Pomegranate and grapefruit are a dream team, and fresh thyme adds a savory edge that pairs with roasted turkey like a pro.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila blanco
• 2 oz grapefruit juice
• 1.5 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz agave nectar (to taste)
• 2–3 oz club soda
• Ice
• Garnish: thyme sprig, grapefruit wedge, pomegranate arils
• Optional rim: salt or salt-sugar mix

Instructions:

1. Optional: Rim a highball glass with salt or a salt-sugar mix.
2. Fill the glass with ice. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, and agave. Stir well.
3. Top with club soda and give a gentle stir.
4. Garnish with thyme, grapefruit, and a few arils.

For a mocktail, skip the tequila and add more pomegranate plus soda. You can swap agave for honey or simple syrup. Thyme not your thing? Rosemary works too.

7. Hot Honey Citrus Toddy You Can Sip While Basting

Need something warm but quick? This stove-free toddy comes together with kettle-hot water and pantry staples. The hot honey gives sweet heat that wakes up your taste buds—perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz whiskey, bourbon, or spiced rum (optional for mocktail)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2–3/4 oz hot honey (or honey + pinch of cayenne)
• 4–5 oz hot water
• 1 cinnamon stick or pinch ground cinnamon
• Garnish: lemon wheel, star anise (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine lemon juice and hot honey. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add whiskey, then top with hot water. Stir again.
3. Add a cinnamon stick and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Mocktail version is just as cozy—skip the spirit and add a splash more lemon. Adjust sweetness to taste; different honeys vary. Feeling fancy? Add a slice of fresh ginger to steep for a minute.

8. Chai-Spiced Espresso Martini That Keeps the Party Buzzing

Holiday dessert table meets coffee cocktail. This one tastes like a spiced latte with a glossy espresso martini finish. It’s bold, aromatic, and the pick-me-up your guests will quietly thank you for.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz strong espresso (freshly brewed and cooled) or cold brew concentrate
• 1/2 oz chai concentrate or 1/2 oz simple syrup + 1/4 tsp chai spice blend
• Ice
• Garnish: espresso beans or a dusting of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and chai concentrate.
2. Shake hard for 15 seconds to build that creamy foam.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with espresso beans or a pinch of cinnamon.

No chai concentrate? Use 1/2 oz simple syrup and a pinch each of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. For a less boozy version, halve the vodka and add more espresso. Trust me, this one disappears fast.

9. Spiced Cran-Apple Punch That Everyone Can Sip

Big-batch friendly and totally family-approved, this sparkling punch looks festive and tastes like fall. It’s perfectly sweet-tart and easy to spike by the glass if you want options for all ages.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or simple syrup (to taste)
• 2 cups ginger ale or sparkling water (chilled)
• Ice
• Garnish: orange slices, apple slices, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks
• Optional add-ins: 1–1.5 cups vodka, spiced rum, or prosecco (added to adults’ glasses)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and sweetener. Stir well.
2. Fill glasses or a punch bowl with ice and fruit garnishes.
3. Pour the juice blend over ice, then top with chilled ginger ale or sparkling water just before serving.
4. Let adults add a shot of vodka or rum in their glasses if desired.

For extra spice, add a few whole cloves or star anise to the pitcher for a quick infusion. If your cranberry juice is sweetened, you may not need any added sugar. It’s a looker—use a clear pitcher for maximum effect.

10. Cinnamon Vanilla Irish Coffee That Feels Like a Fireside Hug

When the evening winds down, bring out this smooth, gently spiced Irish coffee. It’s simple, soothing, and a great pairing for pumpkin pie or pecan bars. Ten minutes, one cozy mug, endless gratitude.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
• 6 oz hot, strong coffee
• 1/2–3/4 oz vanilla syrup (or 1/2 oz simple syrup + 1/4 tsp vanilla extract)
• Pinch ground cinnamon
• Lightly whipped cream (soft peaks)
• Optional garnish: cinnamon sprinkle or grated nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Warm your mug with hot water, then discard.
2. Add whiskey, vanilla syrup, and cinnamon to the mug. Pour in hot coffee and stir.
3. Gently float a layer of lightly whipped cream on top by pouring over the back of a spoon.
4. Finish with a tiny dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Make it nonalcoholic with a splash of vanilla and a cinnamon stick. If you like it sweeter, bump the syrup by 1/4 oz. Pro tip: Don’t overwhip the cream—soft and silky is the goal.

Quick Tips for Speedy, Stress-Free Sipping

• Prep a mini garnish bar: orange peels, apple slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and herb sprigs. It makes everything look intentional.
• Batch bases in advance: Mix juices and sweeteners in pitchers. Add spirits and bubbles right before serving.
• Chill what you can: Cold ingredients = faster, better-tasting drinks.
• Keep a mocktail path: Most recipes above work with or without alcohol. Label pitchers so everyone knows.

There you go—10 easy Thanksgiving drinks you can make in 10 minutes, from cozy hot sips to sparkling crowd-pleasers. Mix a couple, set out the garnishes, and watch your guests light up. You handle the drinks; the compliments will handle themselves.