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Festive Vegan Thanksgiving Drinks & Cocktails


Celebrate the Season with Vegan Thanksgiving Drinks & Cocktails

Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it’s a celebration of gratitude, family, and flavor. And while the spotlight often lands on the turkey or the pies, the drinks you serve can elevate your feast from great to unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a big gathering, this collection of vegan Thanksgiving drinks and cocktails proves that festive beverages don’t need animal products to taste incredible. From creamy nog-inspired drinks to spiced cider cocktails and cozy non-alcoholic options, there’s something here for everyone at the table.

And if you love to celebrate your compassion beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store — they offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, perfect for showing your values in style this Thanksgiving season.

Why Vegan Drinks Matter at Thanksgiving

It might surprise some people to learn that not all drinks are vegan. Many traditional holiday beverages contain ingredients like honey, dairy-based cream, or even wines and spirits processed with animal-derived fining agents.

Choosing vegan drinks ensures every sip aligns with your values — and no one has to miss out on the holiday fun. Plus, with the variety of plant-based milks, natural sweeteners, and vegan-friendly liquors available today, it’s easier than ever to mix up impressive cocktails and cozy warm drinks that everyone can enjoy.

This guide includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, so every guest — vegan or not — can raise a glass to gratitude.

1. Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Martini

Nothing says Thanksgiving like pumpkin spice. This cocktail brings the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie into a glass — creamy, spiced, and totally dairy-free.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka (ensure it’s vegan-friendly)

  • 1 oz coconut cream

  • 1 oz pumpkin purée

  • ½ oz maple syrup

  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

  2. Shake vigorously until chilled and creamy.

  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

  4. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

Pro tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture.

2. Spiced Cranberry Mule

A seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail brings tart cranberry and warm ginger together in one refreshing holiday drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vodka

  • ½ cup cranberry juice

  • ½ oz fresh lime juice

  • Ginger beer (vegan-friendly)

  • Fresh cranberries and mint for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice.

  2. Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

  3. Top with ginger beer.

  4. Stir gently and garnish with cranberries and mint.

Why it works: It’s light, festive, and visually stunning — perfect for Thanksgiving toasts.

3. Apple Cider Bourbon Smash

If you’re looking for something cozy, crisp, and autumnal, the Apple Cider Bourbon Smash delivers. It combines the sweetness of cider with the smoky depth of bourbon — all vegan-friendly, of course.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon (check vegan status)

  • ½ cup apple cider

  • ½ oz lemon juice

  • ½ oz maple syrup

  • Ice

  • Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.

  2. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

  3. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Tip: Use fresh, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.

4. Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz

This elegant, lightly fizzy cocktail feels special but is easy to make. The combination of sweet pomegranate and aromatic rosemary brings a sophisticated touch to the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz pomegranate juice

  • 1 oz sparkling water or soda

  • 1 oz gin (optional for alcohol version)

  • ½ oz lime juice

  • Fresh rosemary sprig and pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Add all liquid ingredients to a glass with ice.

  2. Stir gently to combine.

  3. Garnish with rosemary and pomegranate seeds.

Perfect for: Guests who prefer something refreshing and light with their meal.

5. Maple Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless drink that gets a vegan twist with maple syrup instead of traditional honey or refined sugar. It’s simple, bold, and perfect for sipping slowly after dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or whiskey

  • ½ oz pure maple syrup

  • 2 dashes of bitters (ensure they’re vegan)

  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a rocks glass, stir together the maple syrup and bitters.

  2. Add ice and pour in the bourbon.

  3. Stir until well chilled.

  4. Express the orange peel over the glass, then drop it in.

Why it shines: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — a grown-up favorite with a plant-based twist.

6. Non-Alcoholic Pumpkin Chai Latte

Perfect for kids and non-drinkers, this cozy latte combines two fall favorites — pumpkin spice and chai tea. Creamy, spiced, and caffeine-optional, it’s ideal for Thanksgiving morning or dessert time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 chai tea bag

  • 1 cup oat or almond milk

  • 1 tbsp pumpkin purée

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

  1. Brew chai tea in a mug using hot water.

  2. In a small pot, whisk together milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, and spice until warm.

  3. Froth or whisk vigorously for foam.

  4. Pour the milk mixture over the tea and stir gently.

Serving suggestion: Top with coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence.

7. Hot Mulled Wine (Vegan & Spiced)

This European classic is a Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser — warm, fragrant, and ideal for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle vegan red wine

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 1 orange, sliced

  • 3 cinnamon sticks

  • 5 whole cloves

  • 2 star anise pods

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.

  2. Simmer gently (don’t boil) for 20–25 minutes.

  3. Strain and serve warm.

Tip: Choose a fruity red wine, like a Merlot or Zinfandel, for the best results.

8. Sparkling Pear and Sage Cocktail

This one’s light, aromatic, and beautifully balanced — a wonderful drink to serve with appetizers or lighter dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz pear nectar or juice

  • 1 oz gin or vodka

  • Sparkling water or prosecco (vegan-friendly)

  • Fresh sage leaves

Instructions:

  1. Muddle sage in a shaker with pear juice.

  2. Add gin or vodka and ice; shake well.

  3. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling water or prosecco.

  4. Garnish with a fresh sage leaf.

Pro tip: Chill your glasses ahead of time for an extra-refreshing presentation.

9. Vegan Hot Chocolate

A decadent, dairy-free hot chocolate is a must-have at any Thanksgiving gathering. It’s rich, creamy, and cozy enough to replace dessert entirely.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oat or almond milk

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 oz dark chocolate (vegan)

  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Heat all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking until smooth.

  2. Pour into mugs and top with vegan whipped cream or marshmallows.

Why it works: A nostalgic, family-friendly option that’s both simple and comforting.

10. Cranberry Orange Mocktail

This vibrant mocktail combines sweet and tart flavors in a beautiful ruby-red drink — a non-alcoholic option that’s just as festive as the rest.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cranberry juice

  • ¼ cup orange juice

  • ¼ cup sparkling water

  • 1 tsp maple syrup

  • Orange slice and cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Stir together all ingredients in a glass with ice.

  2. Garnish and serve chilled.

Why guests love it: It’s refreshing, hydrating, and looks stunning on the table.

Hosting Tips for a Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving Bar

Building a great drink station takes more than just a few bottles and mixers. Use these tips to ensure your guests enjoy every sip:

  1. Label your drinks clearly. Include notes like “non-alcoholic,” “spicy,” or “contains caffeine.”

  2. Offer plant-based mixers. Coconut cream, almond milk, and vegan syrups make cocktails richer.

  3. Add garnishes. Herbs, fruit slices, and cinnamon sticks add elegance to even the simplest drinks.

  4. Pre-batch big-batch cocktails. Mix up a pitcher of mulled wine or spiced cider to simplify serving.

  5. Keep mocktails visible. Make non-drinkers feel included by showcasing alcohol-free options prominently.

The Importance of Ethical Celebration

Vegan Thanksgiving isn’t only about what’s on your plate — it’s also about the spirit of gratitude and mindfulness. By choosing plant-based foods and drinks, you’re making a positive impact for animals, the planet, and your own well-being.

This holiday, your glass can symbolize more than just a toast; it can represent compassion, awareness, and community.

To extend that spirit beyond your dinner table, check out The Dharma Store. Their organic vegan-themed t-shirts make thoughtful gifts and reminders that small choices can reflect big values.

Final Thoughts: Cheers to a Compassionate Thanksgiving

This year, make your Thanksgiving drinks as memorable as your meal. From creamy pumpkin martinis to spiced apple cocktails and warming vegan hot chocolate, each recipe celebrates the season’s best flavors — without a drop of dairy, honey, or compromise.

These vegan Thanksgiving drinks and cocktails aren’t just delicious — they’re conversation starters that prove plant-based entertaining can be elegant, fun, and flavorful.

So raise your glass (or mug) to gratitude, good company, and compassionate living. With thoughtful planning, your holiday table — and bar — can truly reflect the spirit of Thanksgiving.

And for an extra dose of vegan pride this season, don’t forget to visit The Dharma Store — where you can find organic, ethically made t-shirts that celebrate kindness in every fiber.