Between the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, the rolls, and the green bean casserole, it's quite the feat when you manage to leave room for pumpkin pie after aThanksgivingfeast. Luckily, dessert options that are healthy and delicious run rampant, and you'll want to make sure to save some room for a bite of each. From Paleo pies to dairy-free ice creams, here are 20 healthy Thanksgiving desserts to please everyone at your table, regardless of their diet.
Brit + Co
Mini Chocolate-Pecan Pies
These smaller portions of chocolate pecan pie make snacking on something sweet way healthier and more realistic than reaching for an actual slice. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Sweet Potato Parfait
You'll get a little bit of sweet and a little bit of savory with this aesthetically-pleasing Thanksgiving dessert. (via Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
Double Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Bread
Though layered with chocolate, banana bread does have bananas in it, so that means it's healthy, right? (via Brit + Co)
Delicious Knowledge
Pumpkin Donuts with Pecan Frosting
No one can ever say no to a donut, and these can even double-duty as breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving. (via Delicious Knowledge)
Half Baked Harvest
Mini Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Candy Peanut Butter Cups
Who said Thanksgiving dessert had to be pie? Snack on these homemade Reese’s cups while you play games after dinner. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Natural Girl Modern World
Pumpkin Pie Parfait with Coconut Whipped Cream
The most “difficult” part of this recipe is the 24-hour wait to dig in, but don’t worry — this layered gluten-free and vegan dessert is a great way to tap into your creative skills. (via Natural Girl Modern World)
Bakerita
Paleo Pecan Pie
You won’t be in a sugar coma after a slice (or two!) of this paleo pecan pie. Coconut oil and almond flour make this a delicious grain-free and dairy-free dessert. (via Bakerita)
Healthy Maven
Spiralized Apple Crumble
Instead of spending all your time chopping apples for a healthy Thanksgiving dessert, cut your time in half by spiralizing them for a quick and healthy apple crumble. It’s sure to be a huge hit and is *totally* Instagram-worthy. (via Healthy Maven)
Joyful Healthy Eats
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Pecan Crust
Make these a few days in advance to take the stress out of the entire Thanksgiving dinner event. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)
Gourmande in the Kitchen
Coconut Caramel Pecan Bars
These vegan and gluten-free bars look and taste fancy, but are a total breeze to make. (via Gourmande in the Kitchen)
Twin Stripe
Gluten-Free Apple Berry Crumble
Apple pie is so 2014. Instead, make a gluten-free crumble with those apples for a dessert that everyone can enjoy! (via Twin Stripe)
Amy’s Healthy Baking
Maple Cupcakes with Pumpkin Pie Frosting
No one will guess that these cupcakes are healthy and gluten-free. Serving cupcakes will keep you from having to wash extra plates and forks, too. (via Amy’s Healthy Baking)
Bakerita
Paleo Pumpkin Pie
Traditional pumpkin pie isn’t gluten-free or paleo. Swap it out for this pie that’s free of dairy and refined sugar, and healthy enough to have for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. (via Bakerita)
Hungry Happenings
Cocoa Banana Ice Cream Turkeys
Banana ice cream is vegan and gluten-free, and won’t have you missing traditional pumpkin pie. You can have your turkey and eat it too with this adorable dessert, no matter if you’re a carnivore or not! (via Hungry Happenings)
Clean Raw Living
Vegan Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Can you believe raw, vegan cheesecake is a thing? These are perfect for a treat everyone can enjoy, no matter what kind of diet they may follow. (via Clean Raw Living)
The Real Food Dietitians
Gluten-Free Healthy Carrot Cake Bars
Loaded with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a velvety cream cheese drizzle, this treat is all about indulgence without all the guilt. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Clean Cuisine
Gingerbread Loaf
Deck the halls with boughs of gingerbread! This gingerbread loaf is a slice of holiday happiness that'll transport you straight to a cozy winter wonderland. (via Clean Cuisine)
Crowded Kitchen
Granola Cookies
Packed with oats, nuts, and your choice of mix-ins, they're a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to perfection. These cookies offer a delightful crunch in every bite, and you can even make them ahead of time to ease your Thanksgiving prep. (via Crowded Kitchen)
A Virtual Vegan
Dark Chocolate Hummus
Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-decadent, this dessert dip will leave your guests swooning. It's the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent, making it a delightful surprise on your Thanksgiving table. (via A Virtual Vegan)
Whole and Heavenly Oven
Browned Butter Banana Zucchini Cake
The browned butter in this healthy Thanksgiving dessert adds a rich, nutty note, while the bananas and zucchini keep it moist and sweet. This dessert is a Thanksgiving game-changer that'll have your family begging for seconds. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Where Is My Spoon?
Zucchini Bundt Cake
This beauty is all about turning a humble veggie into a dessert masterpiece. With its stunning spiral shape and tender crumb, it's a showstopper that'll have everyone reaching for another slice! (via Where Is My Spoon?)
Vanilla and Bean
Blueberry Galette
Bursting with plump, juicy blueberries and encased in a flaky, buttery crust, this treat is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar! (via Vanilla and Bean)
Gastroplant
Orange and Prune Scones
These are perfect bites for breakfast or as a charming addition to your Thanksgiving brunch spread. (via Gastroplant)
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This post has been updated, featuring former reporting from Kaitlyn Ingram and Cassandra Pisone.
Last night I realized I was pregnant during the height of the pandemic and the 2020 election cycle, but I didn't have any self-care practices in sight. I was chronically stressed and spent way too much time on social media when I should've been finding ways to ground myself. After a tough four years of navigating everything from motherhood to starting my career, I've finally started utilizing gratitude journaling as a tool to get through tough days.
I don't know how you may be feeling today, but I've created journal prompts you can refer to when you're scared, anxious, unsure of the future, and more. They're not meant to replace meditation or seeking therapy, but they are here for moments you need to check in with yourself.
A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Worried About The Future
Write Down 5 Things You're Grateful You Can See, Touch, Hear, And Smell
This is actually a practice I picked up in therapy to help redirect my anxious thoughts. It's something I often refer to when I'm fixated on the future and things that might happen. Any time you feel yourself not being present because you're worried about what's next, focus on things that are immediately in front of you or around you.
For example, here's what's reminding me to be present:
- I can hear one of my favorite gospel songs playing and the subtle humming I'm doing.
- I can see two lime green books on my desk.
- I can smell the clean laundry my fiancé took out of the dryer.
- I'm touching the keys on my keyboard as I type this.
Although they seem small, I'm grateful they're helping to keep me rooted in the present moment. So, what are you grateful you can see, touch, hear, and smell today?
Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Experiencing Sadness
Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Today
Practicing gratitude when you're sad isn't so you can pretend the sadness doesn't exist. It's a very real emotion that calls for us to be curious about why we're feeling that way. However, if you feel like you're 'stuck' in your sadness, you can try writing down 3 things you're grateful for right now. Again, they don't have to be grandiose. They just have to make sense to you.
You could be grateful for:
- Eating a delicious meal
- Having a good night's sleep
- Hearing your favorite song at the right moment
- Morning snuggles with your pet or toddler
- Having access to binge watch your favorite TV show when you need to escape reality for a bit
Write Down The People You're Grateful You Can Rely On
My hope is that everyone has at least one person they can rely on during difficult moments in life. I know everyone doesn't have huge villages for different reasons, but I'd rather focus on who is there.
This gratitude journaling idea doesn't require you to go in depth about why you're grateful for the people in your corner unless you want to. You can simply write their names down if that's all you have the bandwidth for.
Recount A Memory That Always Makes You Smile
When in doubt, think about a moment that was hilarious or filled you with joy. It can be from your childhood, first year in college, or even your wedding day! The one memory that always makes me smile is from an interesting moment I told one of my uncles he looked like Santa Claus. I was around 5 or 6 years old, so it was a super innocent comment, but still it was hilarious nonetheless. No one in my family has let my uncle or me forget that moment. It's small, but it's one of the memories I'm grateful I can remember when I'm feeling sad.
A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You Feel You're Not Doing Enough
Write Down 1 Thing You've Grateful You've Accomplished
I know some journal prompts ask you to list multiple things you've recently accomplished, but I've found that makes me a little more anxious that necessary. If this sounds like you, I see you and think it's just as impactful to be grateful for one thing you've done that you're proud of. It could be as simple as:
- "I had the strength to get out of bed today after wanting to do nothing more than hide under the covers."
- "I did laundry and put everything away."
- "I made myself a meal instead of ordering lunch like I usually do."
- "I stuck to my budget this week."
- "My presentation at work or school went really well."
- "I made that scary phone call I've been putting off."
- "I went for a walk around my neighborhood or local park."
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It's 2024; changing up Thanksgiving staple dishes is totally cool. It's almost time to serve stuffing cups and mashed cauliflower puree, but do you dare go beyond the classic pumpkin or apple pie? The answer is yes. There are so many new ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients that you might as well try them all! (Well, as many as you can anyway).
You can always opt for new takes on apple crisp, unique pecan recipes, and pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you'd rather skip the pies altogether, try something completely new. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.
Pumpkin Recipes
Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread
Sloane's Table
Nothing says Thanksgiving like delicious pumpkin bread, but have you ever tried the brown butter recipe? It adds "a nutty, caramelized flavor" that'll make it hard for you to eat only one slice.
Pumpkin Pie Spiced Toffee
Brit + Co
Don't want to deal with any leftovers? This crispy pumpkin-spice toffee is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie because it's easy for people to take home in bags. Give some to your friends, your family, and your neighbors!
Einkorn Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Calico + Twine
These aren't your average cookies. Not only are they packed with pumpkin flavor, but they're fluffy like cake instead of dense like other chocolate chip cookie recipes. One thing you'll want to note is that this recipe is specified for Einkorn flour (which hasn't been hybridized, meaning it's full of health benefits and flavor), so if you use another kind, you'll want to follow Kaetlyn's instructions on ratios.
Pumpkin Pie Brownies
The Cookie Rookie
Boxed brownie mix (which is already a good Thanksgiving dessert) gets a gooey upgrade when layered with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices.
Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust
Completely Delicious
This is like pumpkin pie, only so much better. The rich gingersnap crust pairs so nicely with the dark chocolate ganache and sweet pumpkin filling.
Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets
Half-Baked Harvest
Reason 8,453 why Nutella makes everything better: these plump and pillowy pumpkin beignets. Your guests will love the look of these fun Thanksgiving desserts, but they'll really freak out when they take a bite from the gooey center.
Kabak Tatlisi - Turkish Pumpkin Dessert
Give Recipe
This Turkish pumpkin dessert only requires two ingredients (seriously, what could be better than that?), is budget-friendly, and oh-so comforting!
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll
Image via Give Recipe
Nothing beats a good old cinnamon roll, and this one is only elevated by the addition of pumpkin!
Baked Pumpkin Churros
Cooking Classy
When churros and hot fudge are involved, there will always be room for dessert. (via Cooking Classy)
Easy Apple Dessert Ideas
Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Honey-Cinnamon Apples
Food Faith Fitness
Turn your favorite charcuterie-board combo into dessert with a rich and sweet goat cheese filling, sliced apples, and honey-cinnamon syrup that is definitely a Thanksgiving dessert to impress.
Puff Pastry Apple Roses
Give Recipe
Not only does this dessert taste amazing, but it looks amazing too! It's perfect to make for a Thanksgiving get-together, as everyone will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over it.
Apple Dumplings With Sparkling Apple Cider Sauce
Sweet Cayenne
Sparkling apple cider, butter, and brown sugar form a sticky sauce when baked with soft apple dumplings. If you listen closely, you can practically hear the dumplings begging to be heaped with ice cream. (via Sweet Cayenne)
Samoa Caramel Apple Nachos
The Girl on Bloor
A unique twist on a classic caramel apple, these nachos are the ultimate treat. (via The Girl on Bloor)
Apple Fritter Bread
Crazy for Crust
Here's a five-ingredient dessert that won't let you down — and it even has fresh fruit to boot.
(Cheese)cakes Make Awesome Thanksgiving Dessert
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
Brit + Co
If you want the taste of a cake without committing to a huge slice, opt for cupcakes instead! They're delicious, they're bite-sized, and they make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert.
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The Recipe Critic
When there's a crowd, you can't go wrong with a sheet cake.
Glazed Buttermilk Donut Bundt Cake
The View From Great Island
Why buy a dozen donuts when you can make a giant one? This unique cake is made with oat flour, buttermilk, and nutmeg.
Nutella Gooey Butter Cake
Spicy Southern Kitchen
It's only logical to end an extremely large meal with an extremely rich dessert.
Pumpkin Roll
The Recipe Critic
If you want an elegant Thanksgiving dessert that doubles as dessert and a centerpiece, go with this pumpkin roll, which looks complex but is beginner-friendly.
Pumpkin Carrot Cake
Averie Cooks
The veggie action doesn't have to stop after dinner. Load pumpkin with more carrot!
Cookies, Bars and Other Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving
Baked Churro Chips
Brit + Co
These healthy-ish churro chips are an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and they pair oh-so-well with your end-of-feast espresso. Serve them with multiple dipping sauces for a shareable treat.
Caramel Cranberry Nut Bars
Completely Delicious
It's not Thanksgiving without cranberries! This bar is buttery and masterfully combines tart cranberries with sweet caramel.
Brit + Co
Casseroles and sweet potatoes are already turkey day staples — together they make one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes!
Gingerbread Pecan Cheesecake
Brit + Co
Gingerbread and pecans come together seamlessly in this festive, unique Thanksgiving dessert. Our stomachs are already grumbling.
Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles
Brit + Co
Pumpkin spice pairs deliciously with cinnamon-heavy snickerdoodles.
Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts
Brit + Co
Hot chocolate is one of our favorite winter treats, and we'd eat doughnuts every day of the year if given the opportunity. The logical next step? Combining the two.
Vegan Butter Board
Brit + Co
This Thanksgiving dessert can also double as an appetizer, making it double the fun! Since it's vegan, you don't have to worry about your guests with allergies feeling left out. Plus it's a hands-on snack which is great for kids.
Low-Carb Eggnog
Brit + Co
This Keto drink might not technically be a dessert, but it's sweet and delicious so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to include it. It's also the perfect segway from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season.
Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
Pinch of Yum
Love apple crisp but don't love doing dishes? These squares pack plenty of apple, butter, and cinnamon and make great finger food.
Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
The Novice Chef
Pass a plate of this Thanksgiving baking idea around, and they'll disappear faster than the turkey.
Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies
Wondermom Wannabe
If kids are on dessert duty, they'll love dipping Nutter Butters into chocolate and customizing them with sprinkles — no oven necessary. These cookies are festive, cute, and a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving!
Check out our email newsletter and our online baking classes for more Thanksgiving day desserts and inspiration!
Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken and Sara Cagle
This post has been updated.
In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!
Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.
Let's get into the recipe!
Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Lifestyle of a Foodie
For the shortbread crust:
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
For the pecan pie filling:
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped
How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars
Lifestyle of a Foodie
- Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
- Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
- Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.
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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.
This post has been updated.
The rush of the holidays and planning the perfect holiday feast is no joke — finding the best Thanksgiving cocktails, roasting a delicious turkey and, of course, getting creative with leftovers — it all makes it hard to kick back and relax. We think you should find a moment for yourself (or with a few pals) and celebrate the wonderful flavors we love so much this time of year.
Instead of going for the tired pumpkin spice latte, think more along the lines of a boozyfall cocktail. Picture bourbon cocktails with cinnamon, caramel, apple… you know, all the autumn classics. We don't recommend sampling these Thanksgiving cocktails all in one night, but let's just say it'll be difficult to only choose one. We can't wait to try these Thanksgiving cocktails!
Brit + Co
Nespresso White Russian
Combining booze with coffee makes it somewhat more acceptable to knock one back during that late-morning, gathering-before-dinner time period, no? We love any excuse to get cozy with Nespresso, and this White Russian concoction will have you feeling all the warm, Thanksgiving-y vibes.
Brit + Co
S'moretini
Whether it's too cold to sit outside and snack on some s'mores, or you don't have a fire pit to roast marshmallows (although Gilmore Girlsdid show us how to use our stovetops...), this Thanksgiving cocktail is a great alternative to the sticky dessert. The chocolate andgraham cracker coating on the rim is just the cherry on top!
Brit + Co
Rum Toddy
This cocktail recipe is great because there's a good chance you already have the majority of the ingredients in your kitchen! Just put everything you need in a thermos, stir it up, and you're good to go. Not only will toddies keep you warm on cold days, but they're good for sore throats and fighting the chills if you're feeling a lil' under the weather.
Brit + Co
Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz
Swap your cranberry sauce for a cranberry cocktail complete with ginger beer, pears, and limes. Make sure you keep some whole cranberries and rosemary sprigs for the finishing touch. Even if you've never made cocktails before, this drink is so easy that anyone can make it!
Brit + Co
Clementine Whiskey Smash
Sweet clementine juice and rich whiskey are the perfect match in this fun Thanksgiving drink, plus you can adjust the amount of whiskey that goes in depending on how strong you'd like the drink. Go easy for a fresh taste or add a bit more if you want something warmer.
Brit + Co
Wild Turkey Cocktails
Now, we know what you're thinking: "there is no way I'm drinking a cocktail that has turkey in it." But you don't have to worry because the 'wild turkey' in this recipe actually comes from Wild Turkey American Honey! Make one for an afternoon apéritif or an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed. Now the only question is, who let the (wild) turkeys out?!
Brit + Co
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
We're suckers for all things pumpkin spice, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in a little PSL-inspired boozy bevvy. This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is super easy to make — and even easier to devour.
Brit + Co
Cranberry Is The New Black Cocktail
From cranberry sauce to cranberry garlands, this red berry is definitely a holiday season staple – and now you can add it to yourbar cart! Think of this drink as an upgraded vodka cranberry, with a more sophisticated look. If you're not able to get black vodka, just sub black food coloring to achieve the same finished product.
Brit + Co
Chai Hot Toddy
If you're not a huge pumpkin person, then you have to try this spiced, creamy Thanksgiving cocktail while you wait for eggnog season. Your classic chai gets a makeover with some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk (YUM!) that give it a whole new holiday edge. You can also experiment with different spices and adding in a shot of espresso to change things up.
Brit + Co
Apple Cide-car Cocktail
As far as we're concerned, apple cider season should last all winter long. This easy cocktail only has four ingredients (apple cider, brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice) which means there's no excuse to not have this on your Thanksgiving menu! Need a simple alternative for the under-21 crew? Nix the alcohol, but keep the glasses for an upscale apple cider mocktail.
Brit + Co
Convergent Opera Cake Cocktail
This cold brew concoction is perfect for getting you buzzed in more than one way. It's the perfect after-dinner dose of caffeine you need to avoid a food coma, but it'll also give you all the Thanksgiving feels.
Brit + Co
Cranberry Zinger Jam Jar Cocktail
We love jam and we love cocktails, so why not put them together? This cranberry zinger (which is basically the queen of mixed Thanksgiving cocktails) will certainly make you feel all kinds of bubbly. All you gotta do is pour your favorite gin and cranberry juice over ice, and then top with a spoonful of your go-to jam. Top it off with ginger ale, and you're done!
Brit + Co
Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail
Ginger has just the right amount of warmth to keep you toasty during holiday gatherings. This delicious ginger beer concoction will be a total crowd pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving gatherings.
Wholefully
Two Ingredient Apple Cider Mimosas
If mimosas (especially apple cider mimosas) don't scream fall brunch, we don't know what does. Since it's only two ingredients, you don't have to worry about trying to put together a complex Thanksgiving cocktail recipe while also preparing dinner. Sounds like a win-win.
Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres Hot Cider
Add 1 gallon apple cider, 1 tbsp whole allspice, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 4 star anise to a pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes before adding 1.5 cups of Dos Hombres Mezcal to spike the sip!
Home & Plate
Salted Caramel Apple Martini
Martinis make us feel sophisticated and mysterious, but there's one thing that's no mystery: cocktail hour will never be the same after you serve this sweet, tart drink to your family and friends. All you *really* need is a little caramel vodka and apple cider, and you're good to go. Don't forget to chill your martini glasses beforehand to keep things cool.
JoLynn Shane
Apple Cider Mojito Recipe
Mojitos might usually be a summer drink for you, but the addition of apple cider makes this one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you could sip on. The cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe is totally worth the extra prep time. This drink is also loaded with fresh mint and cinnamon sticks for a fall flavor combo you can't miss.
Joyful Healthy Eats
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Everyone knows that what makes a Moscow mule a true mule is the ginger beer. Well, with this easy Thanksgiving cocktail, what makes it is the hard apple cider instead of the regular kind.
Inspired by Charm
Apple Pie Sangria
Apple desserts are a must-have during the holiday season, and this apple pie-inspired sangria might just become our top pick. This is the *perfect* Thanksgiving cocktail to put out in a big pitcher and sip on during dinner, while watching the football game, or even when you're stuck cleaning up dishes.
Baked by Rachel
Apple Cider Whiskey Smash
This is an ahh-mazing seasonal twist on a traditional whiskey drink. With just three quick ingredients (whiskey, lemon juice, and apple cider) you can even make a big batch of this Thanksgiving-y drink *before* the holiday whirlwind begins.
Cookie + Kate
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
We consider November 1 to be the official start of maple season. Even if whiskey isn't your thing, it might be after sampling this cup of Thanksgiving goodness. A little maple syrup goes a long way when you're working with this recipe!
Dos Hombres Mezcal
Dos Hombres Naughty Toddy
Mix together 1 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .25 oz honey, 1 oz whiskey, and 2 oz natural apple juice together before heating it up on the stove to make this Thanksgiving cocktail. Garnsih with a lemon wheel, and prepare to be warm AF.
Gimme Some Oven
Cranberry Margaritas
Cranberries might be reminiscent of Christmas, but cranberry sauce is basically a Thanksgiving delicacy… which is why we had to give this seasonal margarita our stamp of approval. The squeeze of lime and the salted rim puts this cocktail over the (very delicious) edge, and if you want to get extra fancy with it, there's also a recipe to make your own homemade cranberry juice.
Holly & Flora
Bourbon + Spiced Pear Cocktail
With herbs like sage and thyme topped off with allspice and cinnamon, we're totally in love with this unique Thanksgiving cocktail. Not only does the ginger liqueur give this drink a little kick, but including agave means that it's totally sugar-free.
Baker by Nature
Cranberry + Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
If you're really craving some sweetness, this is the exact drink you should go for. It calls for two cups of cranberries on top of two cups of sugar to yield four cocktails. It's safe to say you'll be perked up after just a few sips.
The Sweetest Occasion
Salted Caramel White Russian
This cocktail is creamy, sweet, and totally dessert-like, which makes it a great addition to post-dinner conversation. You could literally forget the pies and cobblers (but what's Thanksgiving without some pie?) and just drink this instead. Don't worry if you're dairy-free – just swap the caramel sauce for a coconut-based caramel instead.
Slow Cooker Spiced Wine
Okayyy – this warm drink gives us all the fall feels. Red wine and brandy warmed in a crockpot with spices and orange sounds like total heaven to us. Not to mention that you can leave this to simmer throughout the day, so your guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about it! (viaWell Plated)
Domesticate Me
Spiced Cider Margaritas
For many, the lime margarita is a staple on Taco Tuesday, but maybe it's time to mix it up? We think YES. Cozy up by the fire with a glass of this spiced cider that's spiked with tequila and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples. That — and the cinnamon sugar rim — sounds right up our alley.
Want more mouthwatering holiday recipes and Thanksgiving cocktails? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more inspiration!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.