10 Thanksgiving Mocktail Ideas

Thanksgiving mocktail ideas are the perfect way to keep everyone clinking glasses this holiday season — no hangover, all celebration. Let’s be honest, not everyone at the table wants wine with their turkey, and kids deserve something fancier than lukewarm apple juice in a plastic cup.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd of teetotalers, designated drivers, pregnant friends, or just folks who prefer their buzz to come from pumpkin pie, these festive drinks deliver all the cozy vibes without the alcohol.

According to recent surveys, nearly 30% of Americans are actively reducing their alcohol intake, and the non-alcoholic beverage market is booming. Translation? Mocktails aren’t just trendy — they’re here to stay. From spiced cranberry punches to maple-kissed apple ciders, these recipes bring warmth, color, and that “pour me another” energy to your Thanksgiving spread.

Contents

1 The Rise of the Festive Mocktail
2 10 Thanksgiving Mocktail Ideas to Wow Your Guests
3 Cheers to Inclusive Celebrations
4 FAQs

The Rise of the Festive Mocktail

Mocktails have shed their boring reputation and stepped into the spotlight as Instagram-worthy, flavor-packed alternatives to cocktails. Thanksgiving is the ideal occasion to show off creative non-alcoholic drinks — the season practically begs for cinnamon sticks, fresh herbs, and bubbles.

Plus, when you’re already juggling mashed potatoes and pie, you don’t need tipsy guests knocking over the gravy boat. These drinks keep the party inclusive, the vibes merry, and your Aunt Linda from oversharing after her third glass of chardonnay.

10 Thanksgiving Mocktail Ideas to Wow Your Guests

Before we dive in, here’s a fun fact: cranberries are one of only three commercially grown fruits native to North America — which makes them basically the Thanksgiving ingredient. Now let’s toast to that. 🍹

1. Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch

This crimson beauty is what happens when fall flavors crash a party and refuse to leave. Fresh cranberry juice meets bubbly sparkling apple cider, with a splash of orange juice for brightness and a handful of frozen cranberries that double as edible ice cubes. The tartness of cranberries balances perfectly with the cider’s sweetness, creating a refreshing, festive punch that looks stunning in a glass pitcher. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and orange wheels for that “I spent hours on this” look (you didn’t).

Quick Tip: Freeze cranberries and orange slices in ice cube trays the night before — they keep drinks cold without watering them down, and they’re ridiculously pretty.

2. Spiced Pear & Ginger Fizz

Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe pear while wrapped in a cozy sweater — that’s this drink. Pear nectar forms the base, mixed with fresh ginger juice (or ginger syrup if you’re not feeling adventurous), a squeeze of lemon, and topped with sparkling water. The ginger adds a warm kick that plays beautifully with pear’s subtle sweetness. It’s sophisticated enough for the adults’ table but sweet enough that kids will sneak sips when you’re not looking.

Quick Tip: Muddle a few fresh thyme leaves in the bottom of each glass before adding the drink — it adds an herbal note that’s chef’s kiss for fall.

JoyJolt Faye 13oz Highball Glasses, 6pc Tall Glass Sets. Lead-Fre…

A RATHER CLASSY GLASS: On the surface it may look like an average highball glass. But this is the JoyJolt Faye Glass, an…
LOVELY TO BEHOLD: With its slimline 2.5” grip, 1.7oz heft and 3mm rolled rim, Faye alcohol glasses feel fantastic to hol…
LEAD-FREE CRYSTAL GLASSES: Notice how thick, robust and slender your skinny drink glasses are. Strong crystal glass like…

$22.92

Buy on Amazon

3. Maple Bourbon-Style Mocktail

No actual bourbon here, but you’d never guess it. This clever concoction uses black tea steeped extra strong as the “whiskey” base, sweetened with pure maple syrup, a dash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess, and a hint of vanilla extract. Serve it over ice with an orange peel twist, and suddenly you’ve got a grown-up sipper that tastes like a cozy cabin in Vermont. The maple syrup brings that quintessential Thanksgiving sweetness without being cloying.

Quick Tip: Use a smoky tea like Lapsang Souchong if you want an even more authentic “bourbon” vibe. FYI, it’s a game-changer.

4. Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer

Jewel-toned and gorgeous, this spritzer screams sophistication. Pomegranate juice (the 100% pure stuff, not the sugary cocktail mix) gets muddled with fresh rosemary, topped with club soda, and finished with a squeeze of lime. The rosemary isn’t just for looks — it infuses the drink with an earthy, piney flavor that balances pomegranate’s sweetness. Every sip feels like you’re at a fancy brunch, not peeling potatoes in yoga pants.

Quick Tip: Char the rosemary sprig with a kitchen torch before adding it to the glass. The smoky aroma is next-level impressive and ridiculously easy.

Libbey Ascent Tumbler and Rocks Drinking Glasses Set of 16, Glass…

Tumbler and Rocks Glass Set: Level up your hosting game with the perfect balance and elegance of our everyday glasses dr…
Elegant Drinking Glasses: Our kitchen dinner glasses features an elegant curvature and smart, strong lines; the graceful…
Serve Any Cocktail: Our aesthetic rocks and glass tumblers set are suited for all purposes – serve up any cocktail you c…

$34.99

Buy on Amazon

5. Caramel Apple Cider Mocktail

This is basically liquid apple pie, and no one’s complaining. Warm or chilled apple cider gets drizzled with salted caramel sauce (store-bought is fine, we’re not judging), topped with whipped cream, and sprinkled with cinnamon. It’s indulgent, cozy, and tastes like every Thanksgiving memory you’ve ever had. Serve it warm in mugs for that fireside vibe, or over ice if your kitchen is already 90 degrees from the oven.

Quick Tip: Rim the glass with caramel and crushed graham crackers before pouring — it’s extra, but in the best way.

6. Cranberry Orange Mule

Take the classic Moscow Mule, swap vodka for nothing, and you’ve still got a winner. Fresh cranberry juice, zesty orange juice, spicy ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime create a tangy, fizzy drink that’s as refreshing as it is festive. The ginger beer brings the heat, while cranberry and orange keep things bright and fruity. Serve it in copper mugs if you’ve got them — because presentation matters, even for mocktails.

Quick Tip: Use frozen cranberries as “ice” and add a candied ginger slice on the rim for an extra pop of flavor and Instagram appeal.

7. Cinnamon Vanilla Cream Soda

This mocktail tastes like Thanksgiving dessert in a glass. Vanilla syrup (homemade or store-bought) gets mixed with a pinch of cinnamon, topped with cream soda, and finished with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s sweet, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make in batches. Kids will lose their minds over it, and adults will appreciate the nostalgic, old-school soda fountain vibes.

Quick Tip: Add a splash of heavy cream to each glass before the soda for a richer, creamier texture — it turns into a legit dessert drink.

8. Blackberry Sage Lemonade

Tart, herbaceous, and unexpectedly elegant, this mocktail brings a sophisticated twist to Thanksgiving. Fresh blackberries get muddled with sage leaves, mixed with lemonade, and topped with sparkling water. The blackberries stain the drink a deep purple, while sage adds an earthy complexity that keeps it from being too sweet. It’s refreshing without being summery — perfect for that weird Thanksgiving weather limbo.

Quick Tip: Freeze blackberries and small sage leaves into ice cubes for a drink that stays cold and looks like it belongs in a magazine.

9. Hot Buttered “Rum” Mocktail

Warm, buttery, and impossibly cozy, this drink is basically a hug in a mug. Hot apple cider gets mixed with a spiced butter mixture (butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), creating a rich, comforting drink that tastes like you’re sipping it in front of a fireplace. No rum needed — the spices and butter bring all the warmth and complexity. It’s perfect for sipping after dinner while everyone argues about pie.

Quick Tip: Make the spiced butter ahead and store it in the fridge. When guests arrive, just drop a spoonful into hot cider and stir — instant fancy drink.

10. Ginger Pear Champagne Mocktail

End your meal on a bubbly high note with this elegant sipper. Pear juice gets a splash of ginger syrup, topped with sparkling white grape juice (or any non-alcoholic sparkling wine), and garnished with thin pear slices. It’s light, effervescent, and fancy enough to toast the holiday without any alcohol. The ginger adds just enough spice to keep it interesting, while the pear keeps it smooth and sophisticated.

Quick Tip: Freeze edible flowers or small pear slices into ice cubes for a show-stopping presentation that requires zero extra effort.

Cheers to Inclusive Celebrations

Thanksgiving mocktail ideas prove that you don’t need alcohol to create memorable, delicious drinks that bring people together. Whether you’re serving a crowd of all ages, accommodating sober friends, or just want something refreshing alongside the turkey, these festive punches and fall beverages deliver flavor, warmth, and serious Pinterest vibes.

Mix up a batch, snap a photo, and toast to a holiday where everyone’s invited to raise a glass. Complete your Thanksgiving menu with warming soup recipes and adorable cupcake ideas — and if you’re still figuring out what to wear while hosting, we’ve got outfit inspiration that won’t clash with cranberry stains. 🍂