12 Easy Thanksgiving Cocktails

Cranberry Martini
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine. Photo: Cranberry Martini

Shake up Thanksgiving with seasonal cocktails that are simple, food friendly, and always festive. With these top-rated cocktails, you'll turn just a few ingredients into holiday cheer.

01 of 12

Americano Cocktail

a tall colorful glass of Campari and sweet vermouth over ice with an orange twist
Photo by lutzflcat. lutzflcat

Stir Campari and vermouth over ice. Top off with club soda and add a slice or a simple twist of orange peel. "It's a Negroni, basically, minus the gin octane," says Lorem Ipsum. Nice for afternoon sips and a great low-alcohol, pre-dinner drink.

02 of 12

Really Simple Bellinis

Really Simple Bellinis
Photo by Raven.

This one's just peachy! Mix up canned peaches in a blender and top off with sparkling wine, that's it! "Add a dash of grenadine for a more colorful drink!" says MAGNOLIAWENCH.

03 of 12

Kir Royale Cocktail

Kir Royale
Photo by Getty Images. Getty Images

Creme de cassis and sparkling wine create a two-ingredient, low-alcohol cocktail that's just right before a big meal. "Crème de cassis, the sweet syrupy liqueur made from blackcurrants, is a delicious and wonderful way to fancy up an ordinary glass of champagne," says Linda.

04 of 12

Jack Rose Cocktail

Jack Rose Cocktail
Photo by Meredith. Meredith

Shake up applejack (apple brandy) and fresh lemon juice with a bit of grenadine. "Another great cocktail for autumn," says Lorem Ipsum. "Or any time."

05 of 12

Moscow Mule Cocktail

Moscow Mule Cocktail
Photo by Buckwheat Queen. Buckwheat Queen

Vodka, ginger beer, and lime create a spicy, well-balanced cocktail. "Used a great ginger beer, which I think is most important to the taste," says Pat Kelly. "Proportions of ingredients was perfect!"

06 of 12

Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz
Photo by Buckwheat Queen. Buckwheat Queen

A terrific Thanksgiving cocktail. Aperol is lower in alcohol and maybe a touch less bitter than Campari. "Combined with the sweetness of the Prosecco, it makes the perfect, thirst-quenching cocktail," says sonjagroset.

07 of 12

Manhattan Cocktail

Classic Manhattan
Photo by Meredith. Meredith

Here's a basic but a bracing cocktail of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters. So simple, so classic. "Classic indeed!" confirms Big Steel. "While I don't typically enjoy sweet cocktails, this one straddles the fence between sweet and smoky."

08 of 12

Original Champagne Cocktail

2466122 champagne cocktail by AR magazine
The Original Champagne Cocktail is so easy to make. Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

Simple glamour! A cube of sugar, a couple dashes of Angostura bitters, and sparkling wine are all you need to create this sophisticated cocktail. "I made this drink for Thanksgiving and loved it," says Darcie.

09 of 12

Vodka Martini Cocktail

Gin Martini
Photo by Meredith. Meredith

Vodka stands in for gin in this variation on the king of cocktails. And, of course, if you prefer gin, go for it. "This is the perfect vodka martini," says W.Adkisson. "There are lots of variations on the ratios of vermouth to vodka, but I've found I like this best."

10 of 12

Nectar of the Gods

Nectar of the Gods
Nectar of the Gods | Photo by DIZ.

"A nice easy champagne variation with a Southwestern twist," says The Jazz Chef. It's simply champagne, agave nectar and Chambord, the raspberry-flavored liqueur.

11 of 12

Perfect Pear Brandy Sidecar

Pear Brandy Sidecar
Photo by Getty. Getty

Shake up pear brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pear nectar and pour into a martini glass. "It tastes like biting into the ripest, most redolent pear you've ever eaten," says c-biskit.

12 of 12

Cranberry Martini

Cranberry Martini
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

A colorful classic. Shake vodka, orange liqueur, vermouth, and cranberry juice over ice. Garnish with cranberries. "I had this cranberry martini recipe at a holiday party and everyone loved it," says Ed Grivner. "The cranberry juice mixes nicely with the liquor. It's a perfect smooth drink."

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