Thanksgiving Tea Recipes to Share with Family and Friends

by Kalah Garcia

Thanksgiving is a day for gathering, gratitude, and great flavors. This year, make tea part of the celebration. With the right blends, you can serve fun tea drinks to your family and friends, and even turn those same teas into festive cocktails for adults.

Here are a few easy, crowd-pleasing recipes to share.

1. Spiced Elderberry Tea Punch

Serves: 6–8
Perfect for: Mid-day sipping or as a light, non-alcoholic toast

Ingredients

  • 6 tsp Elderberry Lemon Balm or Blackberry Sangria
  • 6 cups hot water
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • Honey or maple syrup to taste
  • Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries for garnish

Directions

  1. Brew the tea in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain and let it cool completely.
  2. Stir in cranberry juice, orange juice, and sweetener to taste.
  3. Serve over ice or chilled in a pitcher with orange slices and cranberries.

Cocktail Upgrade: Add a splash of vodka or sparkling rosé for a fruity adult version.

2. Chai-Spiced Apple Cider

Serves: 6
Perfect for: After-dinner relaxation

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Warm the apple cider with the cinnamon stick over medium heat.
  2. Add the tea and steep directly in the cider for 3 minutes.
  3. Strain, stir in vanilla, and serve warm in mugs.

Cocktail Upgrade: Add a shot of spiced rum or bourbon for a cozy nightcap.

3. Pumpkin Spice Tea Latte

Serves: 4
Perfect for: Dessert pairing

Ingredients

  • 4 tsp Pumpkin Pie Tea
  • 4 cups hot milk (or non-dairy milk)
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Whipped cream and nutmeg for garnish

Directions

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling.
  2. Add tea and steep for 5 minutes.
  3. Strain, then whisk in pumpkin purée and maple syrup until smooth.
  4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and nutmeg. Serve warm.

Cocktail Upgrade: Add a splash of Irish cream or spiced liqueur.

4. Citrus Tea Spritzer

Serves: 8
Perfect for: A bubbly toast

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Brew the tea in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and chill completely.
  2. Stir in orange juice and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Just before serving, top with sparkling water and add sliced citrus and berries.

Cocktail Upgrade: Add white wine or champagne for a festive tea sangria.

Thanksgiving tea recipes are simple, shareable, and easy to make ahead. Brew a big batch, pour freely, and let everyone enjoy the warmth of the season together.

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