The 10 Best Thanksgiving Cocktail Recipes

Unleash your inner mixologist and add a signature cocktail to your Thanksgiving menu this year. Here are 10 cocktail recipes picked by Simply Recipes’ cocktail-loving editors. They’re

“While you might be tempted to add honey directly to the cocktail shaker, this extra step is important because honey thickens when it comes in contact with ice, so you need to be sure it will dissolve seamlessly into your cocktail. Making a syrup solves this problem.” —Sheela Prakash, Simply Recipes Contributor

“The black and tan lives and dies on how well the two beers are layered. Master the slow pour over the back of a spoon and you’ll see the lighter-density, much darker stout sitting cleanly and boldly over the heavier, tan ale.” —Sam Schick, Simply Recipes Contributor

“There isn’t a hard rule about what kind of scotch works best in a Godfather, but I recommend a blended scotch. I prefer blended scotch when mixing it into a cocktail and reserve single malt for sipping by itself.” —Elana Lepkowski, Simply Recipes Contributor

“While many printed recipes streamline the drink to include simply rye, in this recipe I make the Toronto as Canadian as possible with Canadian rye. It’s a smooth, mild rye with a less spicy finish. Try Pendleton, a blended, Canadian-style whisky.” —Elana

“Don’t let access to any particular amaro stop you. While Averna is the recommendation in today’s recipe, there are many other amari you can use instead. My personal favorite is Amaro Lucano, which is similar in flavor to Averna, but less of a “cola” taste for me.” —Elana

“If you’re searching for something reliably delightful for a special evening at home or a gathering with friends, here’s a tiny twist on a traditional cocktail that’s very simple to make, takes just a few ingredients, and yet tastes very sophisticated, indeed.” —Nancy Mitchell, Simply Recipes Contributor

“Not feeling like drinking? I’m a big fan of what I call a Not-Toddy, a hot toddy without the booze. It’s every bit as delicious, and it’s suitable for children, teetotalers, and nights when you just don’t feel like drinking. In this case, you’re basically making a spiced apple cider, but what’s not to like about that?” —Nancy

“Pear Bourbon Punch is made with classic bourbon, cinnamon-spiced pear liqueur, and fresh pear juice. The vanilla, oaky notes of bourbon and the spiced liqueur give it a warming quality. The pear juice is an appealing alternative to all the apple-infused cocktails that are popular in the fall.” —Lori Rice, Simply Recipes Contributor

“Once you’ve got all your ingredients, grab your mixing glass, not a shaker (a pint glass works well). A Martini should be stirred, not shaken. I’ve been taught by many bartenders that the trick to remembering this is that any drink that is all alcohols should be stirred.” —Elana

“Since sugar cubes are not something everyone keeps in their pantry, simple syrup is recommended here. For a richer mouthfeel, try making a rich simple syrup. Warm 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan, stirring together until all of the sugar has dissolved. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.” —Elana