Thanksgiving is often all about the food—savory mains, hearty sides, and decadent desserts—but the drinks deserve just as much attention. This year, go beyond the typical wine and cider with vegan Thanksgiving drinks and mocktails that are as festive as they are refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a full family dinner, a cozy Friendsgiving, or a casual brunch, these plant-based, alcohol-free beverages are sure to impress your guests.
Every drink on this list celebrates the cozy, seasonal flavors of autumn—think cinnamon, cranberry, pumpkin spice, apple, and pear—while remaining fully vegan. That means no honey, dairy-based creamers, or ingredients derived from animal products. Just pure, plant-powered flavor to toast the season of gratitude.
Why Choose Vegan & Alcohol-Free Thanksgiving Drinks?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate why vegan mocktails are such a great addition to your Thanksgiving table.
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They’re inclusive for everyone. From kids to adults who prefer not to drink alcohol, these mocktails keep everyone in the celebration.
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They pair beautifully with fall dishes. Vegan mocktails enhance the warm spices and earthy notes of Thanksgiving food without overpowering them.
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They’re hydrating and wholesome. Using natural juices, herbal teas, and plant-based milks gives each sip a nutrient boost.
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They’re easy to batch prep. You can make big pitchers in advance—no need to play bartender during the party.
Let’s raise a glass to compassion, flavor, and creativity with these vegan Thanksgiving drink recipes that prove indulgence doesn’t require alcohol.
1. Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail
A fall classic that never goes out of style. This warm drink fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
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Fresh apple cider (ensure no added honey)
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Cinnamon sticks
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Whole cloves
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Orange slices
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Maple syrup (to taste)
Instructions:
Simmer all ingredients in a pot for 15–20 minutes. Strain and serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick.
Why it’s perfect for Thanksgiving: It’s nostalgic, naturally vegan, and easy to make for a crowd.
2. Cranberry Sage Spritzer
This sparkling mocktail balances tart cranberry with earthy herbs—a refreshing and elegant drink to serve before dinner.
Ingredients:
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Unsweetened cranberry juice
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Sparkling water or club soda
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Fresh sage leaves
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Lime juice
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Agave or maple syrup
Instructions:
Muddle sage in a glass, add cranberry juice, lime juice, and sweetener. Fill with ice and top with sparkling water.
Tip: For a visual pop, freeze cranberries in ice cubes before serving.
3. Pumpkin Spice Almond Latte (Iced or Hot)
For your morning or mid-afternoon celebration, this vegan pumpkin spice latte satisfies the craving for something creamy and cozy—without dairy.
Ingredients:
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Strong brewed coffee or espresso
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Almond or oat milk
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Pumpkin purée
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Maple syrup
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Pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
Whisk pumpkin, syrup, and spices into warm plant milk, then pour over coffee. Froth the top if desired.
Why it’s crowd-friendly: You can set up a DIY latte bar and let guests add their favorite toppings like cinnamon, coconut whipped cream, or nutmeg.
4. Pear & Ginger Sparkler
If you’re looking for a light, sophisticated option, this mocktail delivers both sparkle and spice.
Ingredients:
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Pear nectar
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Fresh ginger slices
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Sparkling water
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Lemon juice
Instructions:
Combine pear nectar and lemon juice with a few ginger slices. Chill, then strain and top with sparkling water before serving.
Serving idea: Garnish with a thin pear slice or a sprig of thyme for presentation.
5. Maple-Cranberry Cooler
This mocktail embodies Thanksgiving in a glass—sweet, tart, and rich in color.
Ingredients:
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Cranberry juice
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Fresh orange juice
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Maple syrup
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Club soda
Instructions:
Stir together juices and syrup in a pitcher, then add ice and top with soda water. Serve with orange slices or rosemary sprigs.
Bonus: The maple syrup adds depth and seasonal warmth without any refined sugar.
6. Hot Cocoa Bar with Vegan Toppings
Create a vegan hot chocolate bar where guests can customize their mugs with dairy-free delights. It’s a hit for adults and kids alike.
Base ingredients:
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Plant milk (oat or almond)
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Cocoa powder
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Maple syrup or coconut sugar
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Vanilla extract
Topping ideas:
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Coconut whipped cream
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Vegan marshmallows
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Crushed peppermint
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Chocolate shavings
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Cinnamon sticks
How to serve:
Set up the bar with toppings in bowls, ladles for cocoa, and mugs ready for guests to design their perfect drink.
Pro tip: Add a slow cooker to keep the cocoa warm all night.
7. Apple Pie Smoothie
Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch, this smoothie packs in seasonal flavors while keeping things light and energizing.
Ingredients:
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Apples, chopped
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Frozen banana
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Oat milk
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Cinnamon and nutmeg
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Maple syrup (optional)
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Rolled oats (for texture)
Instructions:
Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve chilled with a dusting of cinnamon on top.
Why it works: It tastes like dessert but nourishes like breakfast.
8. Sparkling Chai Cider
This drink combines two fall favorites—chai tea and apple cider—for an aromatic, bubbly beverage.
Ingredients:
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Chai tea (brewed and cooled)
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Apple cider
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Sparkling water
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Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
Mix chai tea and cider in a 2:1 ratio, then top with sparkling water. Serve over ice or warm for a cozy twist.
Why it’s a crowd-pleaser: It delivers spice, sweetness, and fizz all in one sip.
9. Pomegranate Rosemary Punch
Elegant and colorful, this mocktail doubles as table decor thanks to its deep ruby hue.
Ingredients:
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Pomegranate juice
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Fresh rosemary sprigs
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Lemon slices
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Sparkling water or ginger ale
Instructions:
In a pitcher, mix pomegranate juice with lemon juice, add rosemary, and let infuse for 15 minutes before topping with fizz.
Tip: Float a few pomegranate seeds in each glass for extra flair.
10. Vegan Eggnog with Cashew Cream
Creamy, spiced, and entirely dairy-free, this vegan eggnog rivals the traditional version with ease.
Ingredients:
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Cashews (soaked overnight)
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Coconut milk
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Maple syrup
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Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla
Instructions:
Blend until smooth and frothy, then chill before serving. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Why it’s perfect for Thanksgiving: It’s nostalgic yet refreshing—and pairs beautifully with vegan pumpkin pie.
11. Mulled Cranberry Punch
This warm punch makes the house smell like the holidays and tastes like comfort in a mug.
Ingredients:
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Cranberry juice
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Orange slices
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Cinnamon sticks
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Whole cloves
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Fresh ginger
Instructions:
Simmer ingredients for 20 minutes, strain, and serve warm.
Variation: Add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a touch of fizz.
12. Cucumber Mint Tonic
For guests who want a light and refreshing palate cleanser between rich dishes, this tonic is ideal.
Ingredients:
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Cucumber slices
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Fresh mint leaves
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Lime juice
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Club soda
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber and mint, add lime juice, and top with soda water.
Why it’s great: It resets the palate and brings a touch of spa-like calm to the table.
13. Caramel Apple Smoothie
A dessert-like drink that’s naturally sweet and festive.
Ingredients:
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Apples (peeled and diced)
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Almond milk
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Dates or maple syrup
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Vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Blend until creamy. Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce and top with crushed nuts.
Serving suggestion: Serve in small glasses with a mini cinnamon stick straw.
Hosting Tips for a Vegan Thanksgiving Drink Station
If you want to keep your party low-stress and interactive, set up a DIY mocktail bar so guests can mix their own beverages. Here’s how to do it right:
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Choose a few bases: Offer sparkling water, apple cider, and cranberry juice as your primary liquids.
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Add mix-ins: Provide fruit slices, fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks, and citrus wedges.
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Sweeteners: Have maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar available.
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Garnishes: Stock up on vegan whipped cream, berries, and mint.
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Label everything: Make it easy for guests to find plant-based and gluten-free options.
This not only saves you time but also creates an engaging experience for your guests.
Make-Ahead Drink Ideas for Stress-Free Hosting
Thanksgiving can be hectic, so the best vegan drink recipes are the ones that can be prepped ahead of time. These beverages develop deeper flavors after chilling overnight:
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Cranberry Sage Spritzer Base: Mix and refrigerate the cranberry-sage mixture before adding sparkling water.
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Vegan Eggnog: The spices intensify overnight—just shake before serving.
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Mulled Cranberry Punch: Make it a day early and reheat gently before serving.
Batch-prepping your drinks keeps things simple so you can focus on cooking and connection.
Seasonal Flavor Pairings to Try
To really elevate your vegan Thanksgiving mocktails, experiment with fall-inspired flavor combinations that bring depth and sophistication:
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Apple + Cinnamon + Maple: Classic warmth.
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Cranberry + Orange + Rosemary: Fresh and zesty.
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Pumpkin + Vanilla + Almond: Creamy and dessert-like.
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Pear + Ginger + Lemon: Refreshing and aromatic.
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Pomegranate + Mint + Lime: Vibrant and festive.
Each pairing offers a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice—ideal for complementing a plant-based holiday meal.
The Perfect Companion: The Dharma Store
While your guests sip their vegan Thanksgiving mocktails, spark conversation about compassionate living with stylish apparel from The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—soft, sustainable, and perfect for anyone passionate about animal-friendly living. It’s a simple way to celebrate the values that make Thanksgiving truly meaningful.
Bringing It All Together
These vegan Thanksgiving drinks and mocktails capture the spirit of the season—warmth, gratitude, and creativity—without relying on alcohol or animal products. Each recipe celebrates fall’s best flavors and gives every guest something special to sip.
So this Thanksgiving, raise a glass filled with apple cider, pumpkin spice, or cranberry fizz, and toast to kindness, community, and good taste. After all, the most memorable gatherings are those that nourish both the heart and the planet.
Cheers to a compassionate and flavorful holiday season!