Thanksgiving is about gathering, gratitude, and good food—but the drinks deserve just as much attention as the feast. Whether you’re toasting with friends, hosting a family dinner, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, vegan Thanksgiving drinks and mocktails bring flavor, color, and celebration to every sip—without the need for alcohol.
These recipes are not only delicious but also fully plant-based, meaning no honey, dairy, or animal-derived ingredients sneak their way in. From spiced apple mocktails to pumpkin chai lattes, this guide offers creative, cozy, and festive vegan drink ideas to round out your Thanksgiving celebration.
Let’s explore ten refreshing and heartwarming recipes—plus expert tips for presentation, pairing, and hosting a holiday that sparkles with style and compassion.
Why Choose Vegan Mocktails for Thanksgiving?
Mocktails have evolved far beyond “just juice.” Today’s alcohol-free drinks are sophisticated, beautifully layered, and full of seasonal flavor. Choosing vegan mocktails adds an extra layer of mindfulness to your Thanksgiving spread.
Here’s why they belong on your holiday menu:
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Inclusive for everyone: Kids, expectant parents, and non-drinkers can all enjoy them.
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Cruelty-free: No honey, cream, or animal by-products—just pure plant goodness.
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Balanced and refreshing: They pair beautifully with the richness of Thanksgiving foods.
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Beautiful presentation: Garnishes, herbs, and fruit slices make every glass a centerpiece.
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Hydrating and healthy: You’ll wake up after the feast feeling nourished, not sluggish.
Thanksgiving is about togetherness—and vegan mocktails make sure everyone can raise a glass.
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Thanksgiving Drinks
Before we jump into recipes, stock your bar with these vegan-friendly essentials. They’ll make every drink feel festive and flavorful.
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Cranberry juice: Tart and bright, perfect for color and flavor.
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Apple cider: The heart of autumn in a glass.
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Maple syrup: A natural, vegan sweetener that adds depth.
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Coconut milk or oat milk: Creamy bases for warm drinks and lattes.
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Sparkling water or soda: Adds fizz and sophistication.
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Cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves: For spice and aroma.
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Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and mint make elegant garnishes.
1. Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail
Why it works:
A Thanksgiving classic that captures fall in every sip. Warm, aromatic, and comforting, this mocktail can be served hot or chilled.
Ingredients:
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4 cups apple cider
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1 cinnamon stick
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3 cloves
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1 orange slice
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1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
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Combine cider, spices, and orange slice in a saucepan.
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Simmer for 15 minutes, then strain.
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Serve warm with a cinnamon stick garnish.
Pro tip:
Add a splash of ginger juice for a zingy, warming finish.
2. Cranberry Rosemary Spritzer
Why it works:
Bright, tangy, and festive, this sparkling mocktail looks stunning on the table.
Ingredients:
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½ cup cranberry juice
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½ cup sparkling water
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1 tsp maple syrup
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Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
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Mix cranberry juice and maple syrup in a glass.
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Top with sparkling water.
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Garnish with rosemary and cranberries.
Pro tip:
Chill all ingredients before assembling for crisp bubbles.
3. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Why it works:
It’s dessert in a glass—creamy, spiced, and entirely plant-based.
Ingredients:
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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1 banana
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1 cup oat milk
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Serve in tall glasses with a dusting of cinnamon.
Pro tip:
Add a scoop of vegan protein powder for extra creaminess.
4. Pear Ginger Fizz
Why it works:
Pear and ginger create a refreshing drink that feels fancy without any fuss.
Ingredients:
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½ cup pear juice
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1 tbsp fresh ginger juice
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½ cup sparkling water
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Ice and sliced pear for garnish
Instructions:
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Mix pear and ginger juice.
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Pour over ice and top with sparkling water.
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Garnish with thin pear slices.
Pro tip:
Add a sprig of thyme for a sophisticated touch.
5. Maple Chai Latte
Why it works:
This cozy drink bridges breakfast and dessert, ideal for chilly afternoons.
Ingredients:
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1 cup strong brewed chai tea
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½ cup oat milk
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1 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Heat oat milk and chai together until warm.
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Froth or whisk until creamy.
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Pour into mugs and top with cinnamon.
Pro tip:
Use coconut milk for a richer version.
6. Pomegranate Sparkle
Why it works:
Vibrant red and bursting with antioxidants, this mocktail is perfect for toasting.
Ingredients:
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½ cup pomegranate juice
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½ cup sparkling water
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1 tbsp lime juice
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Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
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Combine juices, stir well, and top with sparkling water.
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Add pomegranate seeds for texture and beauty.
Pro tip:
Chill the glasses for an elegant presentation.
7. Apple Cinnamon Mojito (Vegan Twist)
Why it works:
This refreshing mocktail combines the sweetness of apples with minty brightness.
Ingredients:
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½ cup apple juice
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½ lime, juiced
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4 mint leaves
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Sparkling water
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Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
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Muddle mint and lime in a glass.
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Add apple juice and top with sparkling water.
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Stir gently and add ice.
Pro tip:
Replace sparkling water with ginger beer for a bolder taste.
8. Coconut Nog
Why it works:
Eggnog, but make it vegan. Creamy, spiced, and festive—this nog is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
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2 cups coconut milk
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1 cup oat milk
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Chill for at least an hour before serving.
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Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Pro tip:
Add a pinch of turmeric for color and warmth.
9. Cranberry Orange Mule
Why it works:
Inspired by the classic Moscow Mule, this version is fruity and festive.
Ingredients:
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½ cup cranberry juice
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¼ cup orange juice
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½ cup ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
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Ice and orange slices
Instructions:
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Mix cranberry and orange juices in a copper mug.
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Top with ginger beer.
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Garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
Pro tip:
Freeze cranberries as ice cubes for a beautiful presentation.
10. Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Whip
Why it works:
Rich and cozy, this vegan hot cocoa makes the perfect end to Thanksgiving night.
Ingredients:
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2 cups oat milk
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2 tbsp cocoa powder
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp peppermint extract
Instructions:
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Warm oat milk, cocoa, and syrup together.
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Stir in peppermint extract.
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Serve with coconut whipped cream on top.
Pro tip:
Add crushed candy canes for a festive flair.
Hosting a Thanksgiving Mocktail Bar
Transform your drinks station into a mini experience for guests. A mocktail bar lets everyone personalize their drink and have fun creating their own combinations.
Setup tips:
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Choose a theme: “Autumn Orchard” or “Harvest Sparkle.”
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Offer a base bar: Apple cider, cranberry juice, sparkling water, ginger beer.
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Add mix-ins: Cinnamon sticks, citrus slices, herbs, and berries.
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Include plant-based milks: Perfect for creamy options like lattes and nogs.
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Label ingredients: Makes it easy for guests with dietary preferences.
The best part? You can make the mocktail bar self-serve so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Vegan mocktails are easy to prep in advance, which helps reduce holiday stress.
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Mix bases early: Combine juices and syrups up to 24 hours before serving.
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Keep fizz separate: Add sparkling ingredients right before pouring.
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Chill everything: Cold ingredients enhance flavor and presentation.
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Batch serve: Use large pitchers for family-style dining.
For hot drinks like chai or cocoa, use insulated pitchers to keep them warm throughout the meal.
Pairing Vegan Drinks with Thanksgiving Dishes
The right drink can elevate every course. Here’s how to match your mocktails with your menu:
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Cranberry Rosemary Spritzer: Pairs beautifully with savory sides like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
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Maple Chai Latte: Ideal with pumpkin pie or spiced desserts.
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Pear Ginger Fizz: Balances heavier dishes like casseroles or gravy.
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Hot Cocoa with Peppermint Whip: A perfect closer for dessert time.
Balanced mocktails complement rather than overpower your meal, enhancing both flavor and festivity.
Celebrate Vegan Values Beyond the Glass
Crafting vegan mocktails is about more than avoiding alcohol—it’s about celebrating mindful living and compassion. Every ingredient reflects an awareness of what we consume and how it impacts the world.
If you love expressing your vegan values beyond the kitchen, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton, designed to share your message of kindness and sustainability. Whether you’re hosting a vegan Thanksgiving or simply living more consciously, The Dharma Store helps you wear your compassion proudly.
Just like a thoughtful mocktail, it’s a small choice with big impact.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving isn’t only about the feast—it’s about connection, gratitude, and shared joy. With these vegan Thanksgiving drinks and mocktails, you can bring people together over festive flavors without relying on alcohol or animal products.
From sparkling cranberry spritzers to cozy pumpkin chai lattes, these recipes prove that indulgence can be kind, colorful, and cruelty-free. So fill your glasses, gather your loved ones, and toast to a season of warmth, wellness, and compassion.
After all, the best celebrations are those that leave you feeling refreshed—in body, mind, and spirit.