12 WHISKY DRINKS FOR THANKSGIVING

Our apple cinnamon cocktail combines two classic autumn flavours for a drink that invokes the same sense of joy as the first bite of an apple pie that is fresh out of the oven. It uses sparkling wine or champagne to give it a delightful fizz, whilst a large pinch of cinnamon provides a warming kick.

It is believed that the Hot Toddy that we know and love today has its origins in Britain-controlled India in the 17th century. By the 19th century, it had worked its way across the pond, been adapted and began to be recommended as a way to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold.  

Nowadays, the Hot Toddy is ideal for sipping on cold evenings. Its ingredients include whisky, honey, lemon, and cinnamon which result in a drink that is warming and sweet with the perfect hint of spice.

If you are looking for simple whisky drinks that still pack a punch for Thanksgiving celebrations, then our rompope whisky cocktail might be just what you are looking for. It combines whisky, Rompope and cold brew finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The result is a creamy whisky cocktail that is reminiscent of eggnog but with a tropical, alcoholic twist.

References to ginger in recorded history go back as far as 500BC and it has been used in culinary and medicinal recipes ever since then. Golden Storm is our take on the classic whisky ginger cocktail and uses this much-loved ingredient to add sweetness and spice. The recipe also calls for soda water which creates a refreshing drink that is still perfect for serving at Thanksgiving get-togethers. If you want to double down on the nod to this wonderful spice, why not rustle up this cocktail after holding a family gingerbread person decorating competition and then enjoy your creations together?

The perfect winter whisky cocktail for sipping on while you let your turkey dinner digest, The Side Kick cocktail is an amalgamation of a Sidecar and a Cameron’s Kick. It uses some of the most festive flavours, including sherry, almond, cinnamon and clove for a short, sour cocktail that tastes and smells delicious.

The Hot Toddy’s chilled-out twin, the Cold Toddy includes all the same characteristic flavours of citrus and spice but is served cold. It’s ideal if you want the taste of autumn but are looking for something a little more refreshing. The honey helps bring out the natural sweetness of the whisky whilst the lemon enhances the caramel, woodsy tones.

This cocktail combines scotch and honey and is the perfect cocktail for transitioning from summer to fall. It’s refreshing and light but the lemon and orange alongside aromatic bitters provide flavours that are synonymous with colder weather and the festive season.  It’s a great on-theme option for serving between dinner courses to wet your whistle without being too heavy.

The ultimate Old Fashioned is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that has been served since the late 17th century and its popularity hasn’t really wavered since then. It’s crafted using a combination of whisky, bitters and unrefined cane sugar which bring out the best characteristics of the whisky whilst adding wonderful aromatic notes. 

If you are seeking a scotch on the rocks with a twist, then you’ll want to try this whisky cocktail. It uses the classic flavours of honey, ginger and orange to highlight the rich yet subtle cognac finish of the scotch whilst giving the drink an overall winter warmer vibe. If you’re a football fan, it’ll be ideal for sipping on as you watch an NFL Thanksgiving game.

The Irish coffee is a renowned cocktail that combines Irish whisky, coffee, and cream for an indulgent after-party drink. Our whisky coffee cocktail takes inspiration from this classic but uses scotch whisky, dark chocolate, and cayenne pepper to add richness and spice. What’s more, the cream creates a velvety mouthfeel whilst the strong coffee gives a boost in more ways than one.

A traditional sour uses citrus and sugar to create the distinctive taste that we’ve come to know and love. In this red wine and whisky cocktail, maple syrup is used instead to add caramel, nutty notes. In addition, the inclusion of red wine injects fruit flavours including plum, blackberry and black cherry, all of which are commonplace in autumn dishes, as well as a unique smoky finish.

The Coco Noche, a tropical almond cocktail creates something special by combining whisky, almond extract, and coconut cream. Garnished with allspice, it feels festive and has those recognisable winter scents of clove, nutmeg and marzipan. It can be served hot or cold which makes it a great option if you want something that you can take with you through the seasons. It feels decadent and luxurious, making it ideal for impressing your Thanksgiving guests or for whipping up when you simply want to treat yourself!

If you like the sound of these Thanksgiving whisky drinks, you don’t need to wait until the turkey is basting and the sweet potato casserole is topped with marshmallows before you can appreciate them! Get your hands on a bottle of The Glenlivet and start mixing up cocktails packed with autumnal aromas now. If you are looking for further inspiration, or other whisky drinks that can be enjoyed all year round, be sure to check out our selection of whisky cocktail recipes including 2-ingredient whisky drinks and our guide to beer and whisky pairing.