Make a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink by mixing a cranberry sparkler in a pitcher, or by warming spiced apple cider on the stove, so every guest has something festive that is not just water. Both can be made ahead and poured as people arrive. For a larger pot of cider, see how to make apple cider for a crowd. If you also want a spiked option, keep it clearly separate and see Thanksgiving cocktails. More drink and table ideas are in the Thanksgiving table, drinks and activities guide and the Thanksgiving guide.
Cranberry sparkler
In a pitcher, combine two parts unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice with one part orange juice and two parts chilled sparkling water or ginger ale. Add thin orange slices and a few rosemary sprigs. Taste and adjust; if it is too tart, add a little more orange juice, not a lot of extra sugar. Make the juice base a few hours ahead and keep it cold, then add the bubbles just before serving so the drink stays bright. Serve it over ice in simple glasses.
Warm spiced cider
For a cold-weather option, warm apple cider with a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a strip of orange peel. Keep it below a boil so it does not turn bitter or lose its freshness, and ladle it into mugs. If you want a more detailed cider method for a crowd, use {CIDER} and skip the alcohol. Leave a small ladle on a back burner set to low, or keep the pot on a warm setting, and do not let it sit in the danger zone if you have added anything perishable such as a dairy float.
Serve it so everyone can find it
Set the non-alcoholic pitcher or pot where guests can reach it without asking, and label it if a spiked punch is also on the table. Keep a stack of glasses or mugs next to it, plus a bowl of extra ice for the sparkler. Both drinks are easy to scale: multiply the same ratios rather than inventing a new formula. Leftover juice base keeps in the refrigerator for a day or two; leftover still cider can be reheated gently the next morning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a Thanksgiving mocktail ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the juice base ahead and refrigerate it. Add sparkling water or ginger ale just before serving so it does not go flat.
What if I do not like cranberry?
Use the warm cider instead, or swap pomegranate juice for cranberry in the sparkler and keep the orange slices.
How do I keep a non-alcoholic drink separate from cocktails?
Use a different pitcher, set it on its own tray, and label both clearly so guests are not guessing.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Qt Stainless Mixing Bowl — A small bowl can hold orange slices or extra ice beside the pitcher.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk — A whisk is useful if you stir a juice base with a little juice concentrate.
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A lidded pitcher alternative can chill the juice base overnight.
- OXO Good Grips POP Container, 4.4 qt — A pantry container keeps spare cinnamon sticks and tea towels off the counter.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.