Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing, it’s about connection, celebration, and moments worth savoring. And what better way to elevate your gathering than with Thanksgiving mocktails that feel just as festive as their spirited counterparts?
Whether you're cutting back on alcohol or simply want to include everyone at the table, these seasonal, flavorful drinks deliver all the joy without the hangover. From sparkling cranberry blends to velvety pumpkin fizzes, here’s how to bring delicious, inclusive fun to your holiday toast.
Why Thanksgiving Mocktails Are Worth Celebrating
Mocktails have gone mainstream and for good reason.
They offer the creativity and complexity of craft cocktails while keeping things light and inclusive. With the rise of sober curiosity and health-first lifestyles, more people are reaching for non-alcoholic holiday drinks that still feel indulgent.
At its core, Thanksgiving is about togetherness. Why limit the toast to those who drink? Mocktails bridge the gap, ensuring that every guest, from kids to grandparents, has something thoughtful and delicious in hand.
🎉 Bonus: Thoughtfully paired mocktails, like a cranberry-orange sangria alongside roast turkey, can enhance your meal just as beautifully as wine.
Essential Ingredients for Thanksgiving Mocktail Magic
The best Thanksgiving mocktails start with seasonal ingredients:
Think crisp apples, juicy pears, tart cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and warming spices.
- Apples bring natural sweetness
- Cranberries add tart brightness
- Citrus lifts and balances flavors
- Cinnamon & cloves create warm, nostalgic depth
To level up your drinks, incorporate CBD-infused mixers like Shimmer Seltzer or herbal teas for added dimension. A splash of Chai Cherry or Ginger Orange Shimmer Seltzer adds a touch of effervescence and calm, perfect for easing into the holiday spirit.
✨ Try this: Layer herbs like rosemary or infusions like spiced chai for added flavor complexity.
Don’t Forget the Garnish
A beautiful drink starts with presentation.
Garnishes aren’t just pretty, they engage the senses. Try:
- A cinnamon stick on the rim
- Star anise floating in the glass
- Sugared cranberries skewered on cocktail picks
- Orange zest for aromatic lift
Take a cue from our Chai Cherry mocktail and let your garnish double as an aromatic accent. The result? A mocktail that feels as intentional and elevated as any signature cocktail.
5 Festive Thanksgiving Mocktails to Try
🍎 Sparkling Cranberry Apple Cider
Tart cranberries meet sweet apple cider, topped with club soda or Just Hemp Shimmer for a fizzy, festive twist. The ultimate fall refresher.
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Fizz
Bring cozy flavors to life with Ginger Orange Shimmer and a splash of pumpkin spice syrup. A dash of vanilla adds depth, while bubbles keep it light and celebratory.
🍐 Cinnamon Pear Punch
Elegant and warming. Use fresh pear juice, cinnamon sticks, and chai tea for a sophisticated, spiced drink. Add honey syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
🍒 Chai Cherry Sparkler
Blend brewed chai, cherry juice, and Chai Cherry Shimmer Seltzer for a spicy-sweet mocktail. Float a star anise pod on top for dramatic flair.
🍃 Snazzy Razz Lime Smash
Bright, tart, and ultra-refreshing. Muddle mint and raspberries, splash in fresh lime juice, and top with seltzer. Serve in a highball glass with crushed ice and a mint sprig.
Hosting Tips: Serve with Style
Presentation is half the experience.
Here are a few ways to make your mocktails pop:
- Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar or orange zest
- Use clear glassware to showcase bold colors
- Serve drinks on trays with mini name tags or place cards
- Pair each mocktail with a specific dish (think: Pumpkin Spice Fizz with sweet potato casserole)
💡 Pro tip: Create a self-serve mocktail bar with mix-and-match seltzers, garnishes, and mixers so guests can customize their own.
Raise a Glass to a More Inclusive Thanksgiving
Whether you're hosting a lively Friendsgiving or a cozy family dinner, Thanksgiving mocktails let everyone toast to the moment. They’re flavorful, fun, and festive without the hangover.
Explore the full Shimmer Seltzer lineup to bring something extra special to your table. And if you're looking for more holiday hosting tips, check out our mixology page for ideas that sparkle with intention.
Cheers to good taste, good company, and good vibes during Thanksgiving and all season long. 🥂