The Best Thanksgiving Mocktail Recipes
- Mocktail Girlie
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 16
The holidays are all about gathering, good food, and of course, great drinks! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a Friendsgiving, or cozying up with family at home, these Thanksgiving mocktail recipes will make your celebration even better.
From festive flavors like apple, cranberry, and pear to bubbly, refreshing spritzes, these recipes are all alcohol-free so everyone can join in the cheers. Plus, I’m sharing my top tips for enjoying the holidays without alcohol, how to prep ahead, and how to transport your drinks easily if you’re bringing them along.
Navigating the Holidays Without Alcohol
If you’re skipping alcohol this Thanksgiving, whether for health, pregnancy, Dry November, or simply because you want to feel your best, you’re not alone. The holidays can bring some social pressure, but a little preparation makes a big difference.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to stay confident and comfortable:
Plan your drink ahead of time. Having a fun, seasonal mocktail in hand helps you feel included and gives others something to talk about (Wait, what are you drinking? That looks amazing!).
Bring your own ingredients or a pre-made batch. This ensures you’ll have something you actually love and can share with others.
Focus on connection, not cocktails. The true magic of the holidays lies in laughter, gratitude, and good company. Not what’s in your glass.
Give yourself grace. If being around alcohol feels tricky, it’s okay to step outside, sip some sparkling water, or reset your energy.
The Best Thanksgiving Mocktail Recipes
Here are some of my go-to recipes that are perfect for both Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving. They’re easy to make for a group and guaranteed to impress!
THANKSGIVING BATCH APPLE SPRITZ
• 1 bottle of NA Sparkling Wine (NA sparkling wine recs)
• 1/2 gallon of apple cider
• rosemary
• apple slices
• cinnamon sticks
• cranberries
Full Recipe
FALL SANGRIA
• 1 bottle of NA white wine
• 1 ½ cups of apple cider (or apple juice)
• 2 oz maple syrup
• slices of apples
• slices of oranges
• cinnamon sticks
• cinnamon
POMEGRANATE SPRITZ
• 2 cups pomegranate juice
• 2 cups fresh orange juice
• 2 oz honey
• 6 oz gin alternative (OPTIONAL)
• Add 3 more oz of pomegranate juice and 3 more oz of orange juice
• 33 oz Club Soda
APPLE CIDER MIMOSA
• 4 oz non-alcoholic sparkling wine
• 2-3 oz apple cider or apple juice
• top with club soda (optional)
HARVEST SPRITZ MOCKTAIL
• 4 cups (32 oz) apple cider
• 1 1/2 cups aperitif (I like Figlia - Fiore Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo | MOCKTAILGIRLIE20 - 20% off)
• OR 3/4 cup pomegranate juice and 3/4 cup cranberry
• 1 bottle NA sparkling wine
• Top glass off with club soda or sparkling water
• sprinkle of cinnamon
APPLE CRANBERRY GINGER SPLASH
• 1 ¾ cups cranberry simple syrup
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup lime juice (juice of 3–4 limes)
• 7 cups ginger beer
PEAR MOCKTAIL
• 14 oz pear juice
• Juice of about 3–4 small lemons
• 30 oz lemonade
• 10 sage leaves
CRANBERRY MULE
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 10-15 mint leaves
• sprinkle of cinnamon
• 7 cups ginger beer
How to Bring Your Mocktail to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving
If you’re heading to someone else’s house, bringing your mocktail is one of the easiest ways to contribute. Plus, it ensures you have something delicious to sip!
Here’s how I like to do it:
Pre-mix your batch (minus any sparkling ingredient): Add the bubbles just before serving to keep it fresh.
Use a sealed glass carafe or large mason jars: This helps with easy transport. They fit perfectly in a cooler bag.
Bring your own garnishes: A small container of cranberries, apple slices, or rosemary sprigs.
Label it: If you’re contributing to a potluck-style table, label it “Non-Alcoholic ......” It encourages friends to give it a try, too!
