Big-Batch Cocktails to Serve Before Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Make-ahead cocktails should really go without saying.
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Photography by J MUCKLE VIA REAL SIMPLE | STYLING: REBEKAH PEPPLER

If there is one understated essential of a Thanksgiving meal, the pre-dinner cocktails are certainly it. The high-stress nature of the day aside—between the planning, the prep, and all the cooking, things can definitely get hectic—making sure your family and friends feel as at-home as possible is of the essence. Now, in order to avoid spending the pre-dinner hour glued to the bar cart, whip up a big-batch cocktail the night before instead. Not only will it allow guests to serve and entertain themselves, but you’ll be free to tend to your hosting duties. So, save the wine for the dinner, and serve up one of these mouthwatering cocktails instead. Here, a few of our favorite holiday punch recipes. 

Minty Moscow Mule Punch

The best part of this recipe? You’ll likely have a majority of its ingredients laying around, from your Thanksgiving dishes: ginger, mint, brown sugar, to name a few! Prep the punch the night before and allow it to chill overnight. 

Get the recipe on Real Simple.

Fountain of Youth

Just what exactly does the fountain of youth entail? A bit of pineapple, lemon juice, and a trio of spirits complete this beautifully garnished blend. 

Get the recipe here

Photography by DON MONICK VIA BON APPETIT

Spiced Rum Punch with Citrus and Luxardo

For a drink that packs in a little punch, look no further. From the two varieties of rum and maraschino liqueur, to the fresh bitters and bounty of citrus, this spiced blend is dangerously refreshing. 

Get the recipe on Bon Appetit.

Photography by J MUCKLE VIA REAL SIMPLE | STYLING: REBEKAH PEPPLER

Extra-Large Rosé Sbagliato

Equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth, this dazzling punch is further elevated by a bottle of fine rose. Throw in an ice ring, before serving, for a chilled touch. Yep, it doesn’t get easier than that. 

Get the recipe on Real Simple.

Photography by THE REGAL

Dos Palomas 

Big-batch palomas? Sign us up! Comprised of only a handful of ingredients, it’s all about minimal effort for maximum impact. This crowd-pleaser certainly won’t disappoint.

Get the recipe here

Photography by KEIRNAN MONAGHAN & THEO VAMVOUNAKIS VIA BON APPETIT

Red Sangria with Herbs and Citrus

What’s a party without sangria? This spiced version comes riddled with bold flavors—from the depth of the anise to the splash of brandy—and a unique medley of fresh herbs, which won’t go unnoticed. 

Get the recipe on Bon Appetit.

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

Bourbon Punch

This citrus-heavy concoction is both deliciously refreshing and loaded with flavor—we think the bundle of mint and freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice may have something to do with that. Slice up a variety of citrus to create a beautifully layered look in the punch bowl. Add in extra mint leaves for a colorful pop.  

Get the recipe here. 

Photography by THE ROSE CLUB AT THE PLAZA

Champagne Punch

From NYC’s famed Plaza Hotel, a punch recipe that’s equal parts elegant and refreshing. Fresh lemon juice and a tropical iced tea elevate this clever concoction. 

Get the recipe here

Photography by ANTONIS ACHILLEOS VIA FOOD & WINE

Punch Parker

A medley of citrus, a touch of pineapple, and an entire bottle of Dorothy Parker gin serve as the base of this ingenious blend, accentuated by a sweet framboise liqueur and a bottle of chilled Prosecco. 

Anna Kocharian Avatar

Anna Kocharian

Writer/Editor

Anna has a penchant for travel, fresh flowers, and books. You can usually find her on some sort of culinary adventure, seeking the best burgers or waffles in the city.