There’s nothing like the warmth of Thanksgiving—the smell of roasting turkey, the laughter around the table, and of course, the drinks that make the celebration even cozier. My family’s tradition? Sipping on these bourbon-spiked apple cider cocktails while we wait for the feast to finish. The blend of sweet maple syrup, tart lemon, and a dash of cinnamon is pure holiday magic in a glass. Festive, simple, and just the right balance of cozy and cheerful, these cocktails have become our go-to for toasting gratitude (and surviving Aunt Linda’s annual “when are you getting married?” questions). Trust me, one sip, and you’ll want to make this a yearly ritual too.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Cocktails

These cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re little celebrations in a glass. Here’s why they’ve become my Thanksgiving must-have:

Effortless elegance: Ready in 5 minutes flat (perfect when you’re juggling a million dishes)
Autumn in every sip: Apple cider and maple syrup taste like fall coziness bottled up
Crowd-pleaser magic: The bourbon warmth makes even Uncle Bob’s politics stories bearable
Flexible flavors: Adjust the sweetness or booze level to suit any guest

Seriously—this might just become your new turkey day tradition!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cocktails Festive Drinks Cozy Cheers

Gather these simple ingredients – each one brings something special to your cozy holiday drink:

2 oz bourbon (I use Maker’s Mark, but any good quality bourbon works)
1 oz apple cider – the unfiltered, cloudy kind with real apple flavor
1/2 oz maple syrup – the real stuff, none of that pancake syrup nonsense
1/2 oz lemon juice – freshly squeezed makes all the difference
1 dash cinnamon – I use a heaping dash because I’m extra like that
Ice – for shaking and serving
Cinnamon stick – for garnish (and bonus stirring!)

That’s it! Just seven ingredients between you and the coziest Thanksgiving cocktail ever.

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy bar setup required—just grab these basics:

Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar in a pinch—we improvise!)
Jigger or small measuring cup for those perfect pours
Double old-fashioned glass or any festive mug you love
Fine mesh strainer if your shaker doesn’t have one built in

That’s seriously all you need to shake up holiday cheer!

How to Make Thanksgiving Cocktails Festive Drinks Cozy Cheers

Okay, let’s get shaking! These cocktails come together in minutes, but there’s a little method to the magic. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfectly balanced drink that’ll make your Thanksgiving guests feel extra loved (and maybe a little extra grateful for your hosting skills).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Fill your shaker: Add a generous handful of ice—about halfway full. Trust me, you want enough ice to get everything properly chilled without diluting the flavors.
Pour in the good stuff: Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz apple cider, ½ oz maple syrup, ½ oz fresh lemon juice, and that glorious dash of cinnamon. No need to measure the cinnamon perfectly—just shake some in like you’re sprinkling holiday cheer.
Shake it like you mean it: Seal that shaker tight (learned that lesson the messy way!) and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. You’ll hear the ice doing its job—that’s the sound of deliciousness in the making.
Strain and serve: Fill your glass with fresh ice (never reuse the shaken ice—it’s tired now!), then strain the cocktail over it. The fine mesh strainer catches any rogue cinnamon bits for smooth sipping.
The finishing touch: Drop in a cinnamon stick garnish. It looks pretty, smells amazing, and makes a great stirrer for when the flavors settle.

And voilà! You’ve just made the coziest Thanksgiving cocktail that’ll have everyone raising their glasses in gratitude. Cheers to that!

Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Cocktails Festive Drinks Cozy Cheers

Want to take your cocktail game to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tricks that make all the difference:

Taste before shaking: Dip a spoon in the mix to check sweetness—add more maple syrup if needed
Chill your glass: Pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes for an extra frosty sip
Fresh is best: That bottled lemon juice can’t compete with the real thing
Slow your pour: Let the cocktail settle for a minute before serving—the flavors blend beautifully

Little details make big memories around the holidays!

Variations for Thanksgiving Cocktails Festive Drinks Cozy Cheers

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can tweak it to suit any guest! Try these fun twists:

Non-alcoholic cheer: Swap bourbon for sparkling apple cider—kids and teetotalers get festive sips too
Spiced rum twist: Replace bourbon with dark rum for a deeper, caramel-y flavor
Cranberry sparkle: Add a splash of cranberry juice for extra tartness and holiday color

Mix, match, and make it your own—that’s what holiday hosting is all about!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cocktails in your favorite festive glasses—I love using copper mugs for extra warmth. They pair perfectly with roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, or just cozy conversation by the fire. Cheers!

Storage & Reheating

These cocktails shine brightest served fresh, but if you must prep ahead, mix everything (except ice) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Give it a quick shake with fresh ice before serving—just like Grandma’s famous “second wind” at holiday parties!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re sipping on (though let’s be real – it’s the holidays, calories don’t count, right?): Each cocktail has about 180 calories and 12g sugar. These are estimates – your actual numbers might dance a bit depending on your bourbon brand or how heavy-handed you are with that maple syrup. The good news? Zero fat, and just a whisper of sodium. Now go enjoy that cozy drink guilt-free!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years of making these Thanksgiving cocktails, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions from friends and family. Here are the ones that come up most often – with all my best tips for troubleshooting your festive drinks!

Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?

Absolutely! Just swap the bourbon for sparkling water or apple juice. The cinnamon and maple syrup still give it that cozy holiday flavor – perfect for designated drivers or younger guests.

How Do I Adjust Sweetness?

Easy! Start with less maple syrup, taste, then add more if needed. Remember – you can always add sweetness, but you can’t take it away!

Can I Batch Make These Cocktails?

You bet! Multiply the recipe by your number of guests, mix everything (except ice) in a pitcher, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Shake individual servings with fresh ice when ready to serve.

Share Your Festive Cheers

Did you make these cocktails? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a photo of your creation and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday celebrations. Cheers to cozy moments and new traditions!

5-Minute Bourbon Thanksgiving Cocktails for Cozy Cheers

Author: Zach
Total Time: 5 mins
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy these festive and cozy Thanksgiving cocktails for a cheerful celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz bourbon
1 oz apple cider
1/2 oz maple syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 dash cinnamon
Ice
Cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, apple cider, maple syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Shake well for 15 seconds.
Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with sparkling water.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, cocktails, festive drinks, cozy drinks, bourbon, apple cider