Turkey, stuffing, and pie usually get all the glory—but the right cocktails can quietly steal the show. Whether you’re hosting the whole crew or just bringing a bottle to share, here are Thanksgiving cocktail ideas built around four standout spirits:
1. The Botanist Gin — Herb Garden in a Glass
Botanist is loaded with wild Islay botanicals, which makes it perfect for herb-driven Thanksgiving cocktails that play nicely with sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Cocktail Idea: The Botanist Harvest Gin & Tonic
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2 oz The Botanist Gin
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Premium tonic water
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Garnish: rosemary sprig + grapefruit slice
Build over ice in a big wine glass. The citrus and herbal notes mirror the flavors on the table without overpowering the food.
Cocktail Idea: Autumn Gin Sour
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2 oz The Botanist Gin
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0.75 oz lemon juice
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0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1)
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Optional: egg white for foam
Shake and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a thyme sprig. It’s bright, silky, and feels special without being fussy.
2. Bulleit Rye — Spice for the After-Dinner Crowd
Bulleit Rye is bold and spicy, which makes it ideal once the plates are cleared and the pies come out. Think warming, baking-spice-friendly cocktails.
Cocktail Idea: Bulleit Rye Apple Old Fashioned
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2 oz Bulleit Rye
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0.25 oz apple cider
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0.25 oz simple syrup or maple syrup
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir over ice and serve with an orange peel and apple slice. It’s basically Thanksgiving dessert in a rocks glass.
Cocktail Idea: Rye & Cranberry Highball
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1.5 oz Bulleit Rye
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2–3 oz cranberry juice
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Top with soda water
Build over ice and garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge. Easy to batch, easy to pour.
3. Casa Dragones Blanco — A Lighter, Bright Option
Tequila might not be the first thing you think of for Thanksgiving, but Casa Dragones Blanco is crisp, clean, and citrusy—perfect if you want something a little lighter than all the brown spirits.
Cocktail Idea: Casa Dragones Autumn Paloma
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2 oz Casa Dragones Blanco
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1.5 oz grapefruit juice
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0.5 oz lime juice
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0.5 oz agave syrup
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Splash of soda
Serve over ice in a salt- or cinnamon-sugar–rimmed glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. It’s refreshing but still feels fall-appropriate.
Cocktail Idea: Pear & Tequila Spritz
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1.5 oz Casa Dragones Blanco
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1.5 oz pear juice or nectar
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0.5 oz lemon juice
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Top with prosecco or club soda
Build in a wine glass over ice and garnish with a pear slice. Great for guests who love bubbles but want something different from the usual mimosa.
4. Woodford Reserve Holiday Edition Bourbon — Classic & Festive
Woodford Reserve Holiday Edition brings everything you want in a cozy, fireside bourbon—rich oak, vanilla, and spice—wrapped in a seasonal package that looks great on the table or as a host gift.
Cocktail Idea: Holiday Bourbon Manhattan
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2 oz Woodford Reserve Holiday Edition
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1 oz sweet vermouth
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2 dashes aromatic bitters
Stir and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a brandied cherry or orange twist. Simple, elegant, and ideal after dessert.
Cocktail Idea: Bourbon Pumpkin Flip (Dessert in a Glass)
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1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Holiday Edition
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1 oz pumpkin purée (sweetened/spiced to taste)
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0.5 oz maple syrup
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1 whole egg (optional, classic Flip style)
Shake very hard with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with grated nutmeg. It’s rich, custardy, and very “end of the night by the fireplace.”
Stocking Your Thanksgiving Bar with BottleStork
Whether you’re building a full cocktail bar or just want a couple of bottles that can do it all:
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The Botanist Gin covers your bright, herbal gin crowd.
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Bulleit Rye handles the spice-lovers and Old Fashioned fans.
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Casa Dragones Blanco keeps things fresh and modern.
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Woodford Reserve Holiday Edition delivers that classic, cozy bourbon moment.
Add bitters, mixers, and a few fresh garnishes, and you’re Thanksgiving-ready.
Pro tip: Order early so everything lands before the big day—then all you have to worry about is not burning the rolls.
