I used to feel a little sad on Thanksgiving when guests who didn’t drink alcohol were just handed a simple juice or soda. It didn’t feel very special or celebratory.
I always wondered, “How can I create a festive drink that makes everyone, from the kids to the grandparents, feel included in the toast?” I wanted something that looked and tasted as special as the day itself.
So I dove into creating these incredible non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks! Now, you can serve up gorgeous, flavorful mocktails that will have everyone raising a glass and feeling the gratitude. 🦃🍂
Our Top 3 Favorite Recipes
- Easiest to Make: Pomegranate-Orange Punch
- Most Unique Twist: Apple Cider Faux-jito
- Biggest ‘Wow’ Factor: Sparkling Cranberry-Rosemary Spritzer
7 Festive Thanksgiving Mocktails for Everyone to Enjoy
1. Sparkling Cranberry-Rosemary Spritzer 🦃
I absolutely love this recipe because it looks so elegant and tastes even better. I always make the rosemary simple syrup a day ahead—it infuses so much more of that beautiful, woodsy flavor and saves me precious time on Thanksgiving day!
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~5 mins | Cook: None
🎯 Best For: An elegant and celebratory welcome drink.
Image-1: A tall Collins glass filled with the bright red drink and a sprig of rosemary and a few cranberries floating on top, with condensation on the glass.
2. Spiced Pear & Ginger Fizz 🦃
This is my secret weapon mocktail! The spicy ginger beer gives it a wonderful “bite” that truly makes it feel like a grown-up cocktail. The sweet pear and spicy ginger are a match made in harvest heaven, and it’s always a huge hit with my guests.
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~5 mins | Cook: None
🎯 Best For: A sophisticated sip with a spicy kick.
Image-2: A lowball glass with a large ice cube, the pale golden drink, and a cinnamon stick and thin pear slice as garnish.
3. Pomegranate-Orange Punch 🦃
When you’re hosting a crowd, a big punch bowl is your best friend. For an extra fancy touch that I learned a few years ago, try freezing orange slices and cranberries into a large ice ring. It keeps the punch cold for hours without watering it down!
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~10 mins | Cook: None
🎯 Best For: The perfect make-ahead centerpiece for a crowd.
Image-3: A large glass punch bowl filled with the mocktail, floating orange slices, and pomegranate seeds, with a ladle resting inside.
4. Apple Cider Faux-jito 🦃
This is such a fun and unexpected drink for fall! My best tip is to not be shy when you’re muddling the mint with the lime and sugar. You really want to press and twist to release all those fragrant oils—that’s where all the amazing flavor comes from.
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Medium | Prep: ~10 mins | Cook: None
🎯 Best For: A fun and refreshing fall twist on a classic.
Image-4: A close-up of a glass showing the muddled mint at the bottom, filled with ice and the cider, garnished with a big mint sprig.
5. Slow Cooker Mulled “Sangria” 🦃
This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it holiday drink. The best part is the incredible aroma that fills your entire home as it simmers away. Guests can serve themselves right from the Crockpot, which means less work for you and more time to mingle.
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~10 mins | Cook: ~2-3 hours
🎯 Best For: A set-it-and-forget-it warm drink that makes your house smell amazing.
Image-5: A steaming mug of the dark purple liquid, with a slice of orange studded with cloves resting on the rim.
💬 Quick Question!
Of the recipes we’ve covered so far, which one is making you hungriest? Let me know in the comments below!
6. Creamy Pumpkin Spice Steamer 🦃
This is like a warm hug in a mug! After a big meal, it’s the perfect cozy treat for sipping by the fire. I love to use my immersion blender right in the pot before serving. It gets the steamer so wonderfully frothy and smooth—the kids go crazy for it!
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~5 mins | Cook: ~5 mins
🎯 Best For: A decadent, cozy dessert drink for all ages.
Image-6: A ceramic mug filled with the creamy orange drink, topped with whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon.
7. Hot Spiced Cranberry-Apple Wassail 🦃
This classic drink just screams “holidays” to me. The color is so beautiful and festive. My personal touch is to add a few long strips of orange peel to the pot while it simmers. It adds such a bright, citrusy aroma that complements the warm spices perfectly.
⏰ Details: Difficulty: Easy | Prep: ~5 mins | Cook: ~20 mins
🎯 Best For: A classic, soul-warming sip for a chilly day.
Image-7: A clear glass mug showing the vibrant red color of the wassail, with a cinnamon stick and a few floating cranberries.
My Top Tips for Festive Mocktails
🍂 My Top Thanksgiving Tips
- Garnish Like a Pro: Prep your garnishes ahead! Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in sugar for a “frosted” look. Have fresh rosemary sprigs, orange twists, and sugared cranberries ready to go.
- Use Fancy Ice: Make your drinks look stunning by freezing cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or small herb sprigs into your ice cubes. Use large square or round ice molds for a craft-cocktail feel.
- Set Up a DIY Mocktail Bar: Let guests have fun! Set out a few juices, a bottle of sparkling cider, a bowl of garnishes, and some simple syrups. Everyone can create their own signature non-alcoholic drink.
- Chill Your Glassware: Just before serving, place your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. A frosted glass makes any drink, especially a bubbly one, feel extra special and refreshing.
My Make-Ahead Drink Strategy for a Stress-Free Day
You can save so much time on Thanksgiving Day with a smart prep plan! The day before, I make any simple syrups, like one for rosemary or cinnamon, and let them cool completely. I also prep all my garnishes—I wash the mint, slice my citrus, and make a batch of those fancy ice cubes. Then, on Thanksgiving morning, I combine all the non-bubbly liquid ingredients in my punch bowl or slow cooker. Right before guests arrive, I just add the sparkling cider or turn on the heat. Easy!
Thanksgiving is all about gathering our loved ones and showing our gratitude. Making sure everyone has a special drink in their hand is a small but wonderful way to say, “I’m so thankful for you.” I hope these recipes bring extra warmth and sparkle to your table.
Which one of these festive mocktails will you be shaking up for your Thanksgiving feast? Let me know in the comments below
