Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and enjoying delicious meals. For individuals in recovery or those supporting someone on their sobriety journey, the holiday can present certain challenges, especially when alcohol is a common part of celebrations.
However, staying sober on Turkey Day doesn’t mean missing out on the festive spirit. By incorporating alcohol-free Thanksgiving drinks into your holiday spread, you can enjoy delicious, seasonal drinks without compromising your sobriety. Mocktails offer a fun, flavorful alternative to traditional cocktails, allowing you to indulge in the taste of the holidays while maintaining a clear mind.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending one, having creative and refreshing mocktail options available ensures that everyone can feel included and enjoy the occasion. Below, we’ve put together ten Thanksgiving-inspired mocktail recipes to help you celebrate in a way that’s both festive and supportive of a sober lifestyle.
1. Cranberry Apple Spritz
This refreshing blend of tart cranberry and sweet apple is a perfect fall drink. The hint of sparkling water adds a little fizz, making it a great alcohol-free alternative to the classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup apple juice
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries and apple slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the cranberry and apple juices in a glass.
- Add ice and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and apple slices.
2. Pumpkin Spice Cooler
This pumpkin and apple cider mocktail captures the essence of fall with its warm flavors. It’s a comforting drink that brings the warmth of a pumpkin pie into your glass.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Club soda
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix the pumpkin puree, apple cider, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract in a shaker.
- Pour into a glass over ice and top with club soda.
- Stir with a cinnamon stick for an extra-festive touch.
3. Maple Ginger Fizz
The sweetness of maple syrup combined with the zing of ginger creates a deliciously balanced mocktail that’s perfect for fall. It’s both refreshing and cozy, ideal for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ cup ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
- ½ cup club soda
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour the maple syrup into a glass and add the ginger beer.
- Top with club soda and ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
4. Spiced Pear Sparkler
Pear is an often-overlooked fall fruit, but it shines in this mocktail. The spices make this drink feel festive and perfect for cooler weather.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
- Blend the pear and cinnamon together until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
5. Cinnamon Orange Mocktail
With the classic combination of cinnamon and orange, this mocktail brings a burst of holiday flavors to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup tonic water
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix the orange juice and ground cinnamon in a glass.
- Add tonic water and ice.
- Garnish with orange slices.
6. Pomegranate Mint Mocktail
This vibrant and refreshing mocktail combines the tartness of pomegranate with the cooling effect of mint, making it a perfect palate cleanser between courses.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Pomegranate seeds and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of a glass.
- Add pomegranate juice and ice.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with pomegranate seeds and mint.
7. Ginger Apple Cider Punch
This punch brings together the warmth of ginger with the crispness of apple cider, perfect for a large Thanksgiving gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup lemon juice
- Ice
- Apple slices and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the apple cider, ginger, and lemon juice in a pitcher.
- Serve over ice, and garnish with apple slices and lemon wedges.
8. Cranberry Ginger Smash
A refreshing blend of cranberry and ginger, this mocktail has a tart yet slightly spicy kick that’s great for a crisp Thanksgiving day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- ½ cup ginger ale (non-alcoholic)
- Ice
- Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Pour the cranberry juice and ginger ale into a glass over ice.
- Stir well and garnish with cranberries and mint leaves.
9. Rosemary Lemon Sparkler
The earthy flavor of rosemary adds an unexpected twist to this citrusy drink, making it both sophisticated and seasonal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon slices and rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the rosemary in a glass.
- Add the lemonade and ice, then top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary.
10. Cider & Thyme Mocktail
This simple yet elegant mocktail combines the fall favorite—apple cider—with the herbal notes of thyme, making it an ideal drink for your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Thyme sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle the thyme in a glass.
- Add apple cider and ice, then top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Lumina Recovery Is Here to Support You This Thanksgiving
These mocktail recipes offer a festive and alcohol-free way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family and friends. They’re perfect for anyone looking to maintain their sobriety while still enjoying the flavors of the season. By focusing on creative, flavorful ingredients, you can elevate your holiday without the need for alcohol.
For those looking to maintain their sobriety while enjoying the holidays, Lumina Recovery offers telehealth and outpatient programs, providing flexible support so you can stay on track with your recovery—even during Thanksgiving festivities.
If you or a loved one is navigating sobriety, contact Lumina Recovery to get the support you need this holiday season.
