Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks: What to Bring If You’re Not Drinking

You know that food coma that follows Thanksgiving? When your jeans don’t button and you can’t seem to pull yourself up off the couch?

It can be rough. But, while you should certainly stuff yourself with all of the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, keeping alcohol at bay can help you survive the slump and feel better the next day.

Never mind that ditching the booze can mean probably less political family get-togethers, and it’s definitely better for your physical and mental health.

Non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks are a great way to celebrate the holiday season without worrying about the negative effects of alcohol. Whether you are looking for something fruity, spicy, or sweet, there are plenty of non-alcoholic wines, beers, mocktails, and classic drinks that will satisfy your craving.

In this article, I will share some of my favorite traditional and trending non-alcoholic drinks you can bring so you can sip on something sans booze while still feeling like an adult.

Why Should You Have NA Drinks at Thanksgiving? It’s All About Inclusivity

“Turkey Day” is a time for family, friends, and good food. It’s also a time for great drinks, even without the booze.

The point is to give thanks, express gratitude, and celebrate surrounded by loved ones. And what better way to do that than by honoring your health?

If you’re the one who is not drinking, you probably already know why you want there to be alcohol alternatives at this family gathering. Because who over five years old wants to drink juice or ginger ale?

Suppose you’re reading this and you’re the one hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. In that case, I recommend planning to serve some Thanksgiving mocktails or EANABs, aka “equally as attractive non-alcoholic drinks” alongside your regular alcoholic beverages. With these elevated alcohol-free options, you’re letting people know that you don’t expect everyone to drink and that it’s perfectly okay!

Just like accommodating someone with a gluten allergy by making gluten-free stuffing, by offering alcohol alternatives, you create a more inclusive event for all your guests.

And sometimes, it’s more about the anticipation and the ritual of drinking than anything. For example, being able to pour something bubbly into a beautiful crystal glass enables non-drinkers to still feel included in the special moment.

On top of that, for many abstainers, explaining why they aren’t drinking can be a massive source of anxiety. By offering EANABs like NA wine or mocktails, you can make it easier for a guest who wants to draw less attention to their sobriety. Even the designated drivers will thank you!

Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for Thanksgiving

One thing I’m thankful for this year? In 2023, we’ve come a long way from choosing between either O’Doul’s or Becks when it comes to NA beer.

If you are looking for that perfect autumnal non-alcoholic brew, here are some beers I recommend:

• Ration ALE – Whether you prefer IPA or a citrus-forward beer, Ration ALE comes in three flavors; Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, and Mexican Cerveza, all of which would be a great option to sip on during your Thanksgiving festivities.

• Athletic Brew Dark and Gourdy – A festive fall brew featuring a malt profile with pumpkin and spice, this non-alcoholic beer is inspired by a traditional Porter style.

• Partake Brewing’s Oktoberfest – If you want a delicious fall NA beer but also want to save some extra calories so you can have an extra helping of grandma’s homemade apple pie, this 30-calorie, deep amber NA beer is for you.

Non-Alcoholic Wines to Make a Thanksgiving Toast

Not only are non-alcoholic craft beers a thing, but so is toasting to what your grateful for with something other than Martinelli’s.

Here are some delicious, quality non-alcoholic wines you can contribute to Thanksgiving:

Sparkling Wines

• Sovi – Sovi makes a great sparkling white and rosé wine using certified sustainably grown grapes from a single estate.

• Töst – Okay, so this one isn’t a de-alcoholized wine, but rather it’s made with sparkling water and white tea with festive notes of ginger and white cranberry.

• Zilch – Offering Brut Bubbles and Rosé Bubbles, Zilch is a great option for an NA sparkling wine as well.

White Wines

• Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling – A favorite among sommeliers, this non-alcoholic German Riesling features a stony minerality that tempers the fruit and makes it super refreshing.

• Surely Sauvignon Blanc – While less complex than the Leitz Riesling, this wine is an easy-drinking, approachable NA wine with citrus, pear, and apple notes.

Red Wines

• Noughty Dealcoholized Rouge – An alcohol-free red wine alternative, it’s got all the body of red wine with just 14 calories per glass and 2.5g of sugar per 100ml. It’s a tremendous guilt-free choice that pairs well with a Thanksgiving steak, should it be on the menu.

• Allay Functional NA Cabernet Sauvignon – This de-alcoholized wine has added organic functional ingredients like reishi and ashwagandha for optimal taste and mouthfeel.

Ready-to-Drink NA Beverages You’ll be Grateful for at Thanksgiving

There are tons of ready-made beverages, aka RTDs, from popular booze-free brands you can serve at Thanksgiving, too. After all, you might not have the time to mix mocktails while helping keep an eye on the turkey in the oven!

You can find many of these drinks at specialty beverage stores or your local health foods store like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Lazy Acres. When in doubt, you can also buy them online from their respective websites or from an online alcohol-free bottle shop like Proof No More.

I’d bring any of these ready-to-drink non-alcoholic bevs to Thanksgiving:

• De Soi – My go-to EANAB, a sparkling aperitif, this adaptogen-infused bubbly will make you feel relaxed amidst all the shenanigans around you. I recommend Golden Hour or Tres Rose.

• Weekday Vibes – If you are a fan of wine spritzers, this NA version might be just the thing for you. It comes in two flavors: Bitter Orange Spritz (which is akin to Aperol) or Grapefruit Rosemary Sparkling Rose.

• Moment – With natural adaptogens, this drink tries to mimic the effect of meditation without having to be antisocial. Try the Lemon Turmeric Sparkling flavor and feel the joy of being fully present.

• Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher – The excitement around sparkling water like Spindrift or La Croix has been fading, but meanwhile, these “hoppy” sparkling waters are taking off. They’re perfect if you enjoy the flavor of hops but don’t want to drink beer.

• Ghia – Another sparkling adaptogen drink, Ghia’s branding gives off “cool girl” vibes while the flavors are delicious and complex. Crack open a Ghia Soda and serve in a big wine glass with ice and you won’t even notice you’re not drinking.

• Little Saints – Plant magic mocktails and spirits inspire conversation, connection and play. These drinks contain unique ingredients like reishi, CBD, terpenes, Lion’s Mane, and even Palo Santo. (Maybe keep this drink out of reach from the kiddos!)

• Proxies – Not quite wine, yet so much more than juice or kombucha, Proxies boasts all the complexity of wine, minus the booze. Bring a nice bottle of their Red Blend to help wash down the turkey and potatoes.

Delicious Mocktails for Thanksgiving

If you have the time and you are feeling creative, here are some delicious mocktails or NA cocktail recipes that are perfect for this fall holiday.

Apple Cider Punch

One classic Thanksgiving punch is apple cider punch. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply mix together apple cider, ginger ale, and a splash of lemon juice. Add some cinnamon sticks and apple slices as garnish.

Some other ideas for your punch bowl are pumpkin punch or cranberry pomegranate punch.

Check out this apple cider punch recipe.

Mimosa

The mimosa is another classic cocktail that can be easily adapted into a non-alcoholic version. This brunch favorite can be made with equal parts orange juice, cranberry juice, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Add some fresh cranberries and an orange wedge, and you have a delicious and festive drink perfect for Thanksgiving morning.

Check out this non-alcoholic mimosa recipe.

Ginger Beer Mocktail

This is a delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail that is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors. Combine a ginger beer base, sweet pineapple, and fresh lime juice. Garnish with a rosemary sprig to give it that little something extra.

Here’s the exact recipe.

Lemon and Ginger Fizz

For a refreshing and zesty drink, try a lemon and ginger fizz. Mix lemon juice, fresh ginger, and honey in a glass, and top with sparkling water. Add ice and a sprig of fresh mint for a burst of flavor and aroma.

See this lemon and ginger fizz recipe.

Lemon and Berry Spritzer

Lemon juice pairs perfectly with berries for a fruity and refreshing drink. Muddle fresh berries in the bottom of a glass, and add lemon juice, honey, and sparkling water. Top with ice and a lemon slice for a beautiful and delicious drink.

Check out this lemon and berry spritzer recipe which adds vanilla flavoring for a delicious twist.

Bring a Cocktail Kit

If you’re not sure where to get started or you don’t want to go shopping for Thanksgiving mocktail ingredients, you could always try a non-alcoholic cocktail kit.

For example, Dri/kit curates luxury alcohol-free cocktail-making kits with only top-notch ingredients.

Serve guests professional-grade mocktails that you make yourself or turn the whole thing into a fun group activity you can do while the turkey’s still in the oven.

Classic Fall Drinks to Serve for All Ages

Lastly, here are some classic fall non-alcoholic drinks you can bring to Thanksgiving for everyone to enjoy.

• Hot chocolate
• NA mulled cider
• Lemonade
• Sweet tea (you can mix it with lemonade for an Arnold Palmer)
• Martinelli’s apple cider
• Coffee/Espresso
• Chai or black tea
• Water infused with citrus and herbs
• Egg Nog (It’s never too soon, right?)

Thanksgiving Isn’t Just About the Food

Thanksgiving is known for all the yummy food spreads, from turkey and cranberry sauce to mashed potatoes and stuffing. But it’s also a time to experiment with beverages in the kitchen. From now til the end of the Christmas season, have some fun with your family and friends by mixing mocktails and trying out different alcohol-free drinks together.

The day is one to recognize thanks for health and happiness. And being boozeless can help you feel healthier and happier!