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Best Thanksgiving cocktail recipes & food pairings for your holiday table
Looking for the best Thanksgiving cocktails to serve this holiday? Whether you’re hosting a traditional family dinner or a casual Friendsgiving, the right cocktail can make your meal unforgettable. These easy Thanksgiving cocktail recipes pair perfectly with classic holiday dishes — from turkey and sides to pies and cheese boards. Serve them together for a menu that’s festive, flavorful, and sure to impress.
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- Sara Pinsonault
The holidays are all about celebrating those we’re most thankful for – including our friends. Thanksgiving’s arguably less formal counterpart, Friendsgiving, is typically observed with festive cocktails and a potluck-style feast enjoyed with the best of company. While it’s expected that holiday staples like turkey and mashed potatoes will make appearances, we suggest putting a creative spin on your next Friendsgiving offering with these Thanksgiving-inspired bites that are riffs on the classics.
The Roundup: Best Thanksgiving Cocktails & Pairings
Gin & Tonic — with Rosemary Garlic Bread & Cranberry Baked Brie
Martini — with Turkey Meatballs & Herbed Gravy
Spicy Margarita — with Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn
Rob Roy — with Apple Crumble Pie
Gin & Tonic with Rosemary Garlic Bread & Cranberry Baked Brie
Why this pairing works
A crisp gin and tonic is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail to open your meal. The cocktail’s refreshing fizz and herbaceous botanicals balance the richness of warm rosemary garlic bread and the gooey indulgence of baked brie. The cranberry topping adds tart sweetness, echoing classic holiday flavors while complementing the citrus and thyme notes in the drink.
Recipe & Serving Tips
The Cocktail: Mix Tanqueray No. Ten gin with tonic water, fresh lime juice, and a sprig of thyme for garnish.
The Food Pairing: Serve toasted rosemary garlic bread with a wheel of baked brie topped with cranberry sauce.
Hosting Tip: Prepare the bread and brie ahead of time and pop them in the oven right before serving. Guests can enjoy a warm, shareable appetizer while sipping their G&T.
A Little Savory: Martini with Turkey Meatballs & Herbed Gravy
Why this pairing works
Dip your toes into the savory realm with a simple yet elegant Ketel One martini. It’s perfect for cleansing your palate if you were just enjoying the melty cheese above. Pair this beverage with some turkey meatballs, smothered in an herbed gravy, which will provide a perfect contrast to the bright, chilled cocktail. Notes of cracked black pepper from the martini also complement the meaty dish.
Recipe & Serving Tips
The Cocktail: Enjoy the classic elegance of a martini, where crisp and clean flavors are highlighted by subtle botanical notes for a sophisticated sip.
The Food Pairing: Complement your martini with turkey meatballs smothered in herbed gravy, offering savory depth that enhances the cocktail's refined profile.
Hosting Tip: Serve martinis in sleek, chilled glasses alongside turkey meatballs on small plates or skewers for easy handling, creating an effortlessly chic game day experience.
Add Some Spice: Margarita with Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn
Recipe & Serving Tips
A spicy margarita is just the kick your multi-course meal needs to prevent any impending food comas. Pair it with a creative take on traditional creamed corn, which helps to cut through the cocktail’s spice level. The smoky-sweet Hatch green chiles complement the flavors of chipotle chili powder, while the rich Don Julio Añejo Tequila adds further balance.
The Cocktail:
Relish the vibrant zest of a margarita, where tangy citrus notes intertwine with the smooth warmth of tequila for a lively and refreshing-tasting experience.
The Food Pairing:
Pair your margarita with Hatch green chile creamed corn, where the creamy texture and mild heat complement the cocktail's bright flavors.
Hosting Tip:
Serve margaritas in festive glasses garnished with lime wedges alongside individual servings of Hatch green chile creamed corn in small bowls or cups to keep guests delighted and satisfied.
And for Dessert: Rob Roy and Apple Crumble Pie
This Rob Roy cocktail places the subtly smoky Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky front and center, balanced with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. It’s the perfect sipper for the end of your meal, made even better when paired with a delicious apple pie — thanks to the complementary fruity flavors of baked apple and a buttery crumble topping.
The cocktail
Indulge in the rich, smoky allure of a Rob Roy, where the complex layers of Scotch are beautifully balanced by the sweetness of vermouth and aromatic bitters.
The food pairing
Complement your Rob Roy with a warm apple crumble pie, where the spiced apple filling and buttery crust enhance the cocktail's deep flavors.
Hosting tip
Serve Rob Roys in stylish coupe glasses alongside slices of apple crumble pie on dessert plates, providing your guests with a cozy and sophisticated treat.