Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones, and what better way to toast to gratitude than with a festive drink everyone can enjoy? My go-to non alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks are always a hit—refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting kids, expectant moms, or non-drinkers, this cranberry-apple sparkler brings the holiday spirit without the alcohol. It’s naturally sweet, easy to make ahead, and looks stunning served in a pretty pitcher with floating orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Trust me, this might just become your new Thanksgiving tradition—just like it did for my family!

Why You’ll Love These Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

Let me tell you why this drink is my Thanksgiving MVP—it’s the little things that make it shine:

Refreshing with a holiday twist: That tart cranberry and sweet apple cider combo? Absolute magic. The sparkling water gives it just enough fizz to feel celebratory.
No fancy skills needed: If you can stir ingredients in a pitcher, you’ve got this. I’ve made it half-asleep at midnight when prepping for big gatherings.
Pleases every guest: Kids think it’s “fancy juice,” adults love the sophisticated flavors, and it’s naturally alcohol-free for anyone who prefers it.
Looks like you tried harder than you did: Floating orange slices and a cinnamon stick make it Instagram-worthy with zero effort.

Seriously—it’s the easiest way to make everyone feel included at your table.

Ingredients for Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this festive sipper – trust me, every ingredient plays a key role in that perfect sweet-tart balance:

1 cup cranberry juice (not cocktail – go for 100% juice)
1 cup fresh apple cider (the cloudy, unfiltered kind)
½ cup sparkling water (chilled is best)
1 tablespoon honey (or more to taste)
1 cinnamon stick (the good, aromatic ones)
1 small orange, freshly sliced (don’t skip those pretty rounds!)

See? Just six simple things that magically become something special. I always double the batch – it disappears fast!

How to Make Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

Okay, let’s get mixing! This couldn’t be simpler, but I’ve got a few little tricks to make sure your drink turns out just right:

Mix the juices first: Grab your prettiest pitcher (this is Thanksgiving, after all!) and pour in the cranberry juice and apple cider. Give it a good swirl—I like to watch that deep red and amber blend together.
Sweeten it up: Add the honey while the mixture is still room temperature—it dissolves way easier. Stir for a full minute until you don’t see any more golden streaks. (Test a drop on your finger—adjust now if you want it sweeter!)
Fizz with care: Gently pour in the sparkling water and stir just once or twice. Over-mixing flattens the bubbles, and we want that festive sparkle!
The finishing touches: Drop in the cinnamon stick and orange slices—they’ll infuse as it chills. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (I do an hour if I have time—the flavors meld beautifully).
Serve it proud: Fill glasses with ice, pour over, and let everyone admire those floating citrus wheels. That cinnamon stick makes a great stirrer too!

See? Five easy steps to your new Thanksgiving staple. The hardest part is waiting while it chills!

Tips for Perfect Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

After making this drink for years (and learning from a few “oops” moments), here are my can’t-skip tips:

Taste as you go: Cranberry juices vary in tartness—add honey ½ tablespoon at a time until it balances perfectly for your crowd.
Citrus matters: Use room-temperature oranges—they release more aromatic oils when sliced. And don’t remove the peels—they add subtle bitterness that cuts the sweetness.
Sparkle smart: Add the sparkling water right before serving if prepping ahead. This keeps the bubbles lively for that celebratory fizz.
Spice swap: Not a cinnamon fan? Try a star anise pod—it gives a licorice-like warmth that pairs beautifully with apple.

Trust me—these tiny tweaks take your drink from “nice” to “can I get the recipe?” status!

Variations for Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

Want to mix things up? Here are my favorite easy twists:

Berry swap: Use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for a deeper red hue and extra antioxidants (my aunt’s favorite!).
Spice it up: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or 2 thin slices of fresh ginger for a warming kick.
Herbal touch: Toss in a sprig of rosemary while chilling—it adds a piney note that screams “holidays.”

The beauty? This recipe welcomes creativity—make it yours!

Serving Suggestions for Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

Oh, presentation is half the fun! I love serving these in my grandmother’s cut-glass pitcher with extra cinnamon sticks as stirrers. For individual glasses, tuck a tiny sprig of rosemary or thyme into each one—it looks gorgeous and adds an herby aroma. This drink pairs perfectly with all the classic Thanksgiving sides, but my favorite match? That first sip alongside a buttery dinner roll—heaven!

Storage & Reheating

Good news—this drink actually gets better after chilling! Store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours (just wait to add the sparkling water until serving). No reheating needed—it’s meant to be enjoyed ice-cold. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it perfect for prepping ahead of the big day!

Nutritional Information for Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks

Now, let’s talk nutrition—because even holiday treats should make you feel good! This drink is naturally low-calorie and packed with vitamin C from the cranberry and orange. Since nutrition varies based on your specific juice brands and honey amounts, consider these values gentle estimates. The beauty? No artificial anything—just real ingredients celebrating the season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten some great questions about this drink—here are the ones that pop up most often:

Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar (those cocktail blends can be too sweet). My secret? I sometimes use frozen cranberry juice concentrate—it packs amazing tart flavor!

Is this drink kid-friendly?
Oh yes! My nieces and nephews go crazy for the “fancy bubbles.” For little ones, you can reduce the honey slightly—kids often prefer it tarter than adults.

Can I make it ahead without losing fizz?
Smart thinking! Mix everything except the sparkling water up to a day ahead. Add the bubbles when you’re ready to serve—it’ll stay perfectly effervescent.

What if I don’t have a cinnamon stick?
No worries! A pinch of ground cinnamon works in a pinch (start with ¼ teaspoon). Or try a vanilla bean for a different cozy twist.

Still have questions? Drop them below—I love helping troubleshoot holiday recipes!

Share Your Feedback

Did this drink become your new Thanksgiving favorite? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your twists or tips—your ideas might inspire someone else’s holiday table.

3 Irresistible Non Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks Everyone Loves

Author: Zach
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy these refreshing non-alcoholic drinks at your Thanksgiving gathering. Perfect for all ages and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup sparkling water
1 tbsp honey
1 cinnamon stick
1 orange, sliced

Instructions

In a pitcher, mix cranberry juice and apple cider.
Add honey and stir until dissolved.
Pour in sparkling water and stir gently.
Add cinnamon stick and orange slices.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Serve over ice.

Notes

Adjust honey to taste.
Use fresh orange slices for best flavor.
Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: non alcoholic thanksgiving drinks, holiday beverages, mocktails