How to Save Money on Thanksgiving Drinks: Homemade Ideas

Disclosure: I am a #LEVOPARTNER. LĒVO provided my LĒVO II+ bundle free of charge as part of a paid partnership so I could test it and share my honest experience. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of my affiliate links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and based on my actual experience.

Save money on Thanksgiving drinks without making the holiday feel skimpy. Thanksgiving dinner is expensive enough by the time you buy the turkey, gather everything for the side dishes and start thinking about dessert. Then come the drinks. It is easy to toss a few bottles of soda, juice and sparkling drinks into the cart without realizing how quickly they add up. I would much rather put that money toward the meal, or keep it in my pocket, and serve drinks that still feel special.

One of the things I love about homesteading is that we have more options than whatever happens to be on the grocery store shelf that week. I can look through the pantry, think about what I have preserved, and use something simple like tea, apple juice or a homemade syrup to dress up the table. You don't have to grow or preserve your own ingredients to do this, either. Let me show you the drink ideas I would consider, how I stretch them for a gathering, and what I do to avoid opening far more than anyone will drink.

Before you buy drinks, think about who's coming

Before I start deciding what to make, I think about who is actually going to be at the table. Are people coming for dinner and heading home, or will they be visiting through the afternoon and staying for pie? Those are two very different amounts of drinks. I like the idea of keeping water available, offering an unsweetened choice, and making one holiday drink that looks pretty in a pitcher. Coffee or hot tea can come out with dessert. That's plenty of variety without having six kinds of soda taking up room.

I also don't assume everyone wants the same thing. Someone may avoid caffeine, while someone else may not want a sugary drink. When I serve tea, I prefer to leave the main pitcher unsweetened and let people add what they like. If I make punch, I make sure guests know what's in it. It's a small thing, but it saves guessing, keeps everyone more comfortable, and usually means fewer half-empty containers at cleanup time.

1. Don't overlook a pretty pitcher of water

I know water doesn't sound particularly exciting for Thanksgiving, but it is one of the easiest places to save. I have several fruit-infusion bottles and pitchers, so this is a chance to put things I already own to work instead of buying another gadget. Add washed fruit or food-safe herbs to a pitcher, keep it chilled, and suddenly plain water looks as though it belongs on the holiday table. For a pretty combination, take a look at my strawberry basil infused water, or try the flavors in my blueberry, vanilla and cinnamon flavored water. I still put out plain water, too, because not everyone wants fruit in their glass.

The smaller infusion bottles are handy when only one or two people want a particular combination, while a bigger pitcher makes more sense for the table. I've written about an infusion water bottle for fruit and herb drinks, but I also own a Primula Flavor Now Muddler Instant Infusion Pitcher. I bought that pitcher myself, and I love how it lets me muddle fruit and herbs right in the insert. I even shared a basil, strawberry and watermelon flavored-water recipe in that post. You don't need special equipment to make flavored water, but if you already have infusion bottles or a muddler pitcher, Thanksgiving is a good time to put them to use. I keep fruit-infused water chilled and refill smaller amounts rather than leaving a big dispenser of cut fruit sitting out for hours.

2. Make a pitcher of tea instead of buying bottles

A few tea bags can go a long way, and I don't see any reason to pay for individual bottles of tea when a pitcher is so easy to make. I brew it according to the package directions, remove the bags, cool it promptly and put it in the refrigerator. Then I let everyone sweeten their own glass. Some people like tea very sweet, some don't want sugar at all, and making one unsweetened pitcher takes care of both.

This is also where the herb garden comes in handy. If you've got mint or lemon balm that you've dried and stored properly, there is no reason to overlook it. I have recipes for lemon balm and lavender herbal tea and making an herbal tea in about 20 minutes. Both are worth a look when you want something a little different from regular iced tea. A few lemon slices on the side make even a simple pitcher look like you put thought into it. And you did, without buying individual bottles.

3. Put cranberry-apple punch on the holiday table

If I want one drink that feels like Thanksgiving, cranberry and apple are such a natural combination. You get that pretty holiday color without tracking down a dozen special ingredients. This version uses cranberry juice blend, apple juice and sparkling water, and it makes about eight glasses. I can put the juices in the refrigerator ahead of time, then add the fizz when it's time to serve. Here is the recipe so you can print it or save it for your own holiday plans:

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One thing I would taste before serving is the cranberry juice. Some blends are noticeably sweeter than others, so there is no need to add sugar without tasting first. I prefer to keep the ingredients cold and let people add ice to their glasses. If you're in the mood for another holiday option, my non-alcoholic cranberry holiday beverage gives you another recipe to try. And remember, skipping extra sugar doesn't make fruit juice sugar-free.

4. Warm up some apple cider

There's something about the smell of warm apple cider and cinnamon that makes the kitchen feel like the holidays. If you've put up apple products from the harvest, this is one more way to enjoy them. Otherwise, a jug of pasteurized cider from the store is perfectly good. I've also shared my homemade apple cider recipe if you'd like to explore making your own. For serving, I like the idea of warming a smaller pot with cinnamon sticks and a few cloves, then straining out the spices. If you're pressing your own cider, make sure it has been pasteurized using a validated method before you offer it to guests.

I wouldn't warm every drop of cider at once. A small pot is easier to refill, and any unopened cider can stay in the refrigerator for another day. Keep the cider properly hot while it's being served, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. If your family would rather have cold apple juice, serve that instead. Holiday drinks don't need to turn into another complicated kitchen project.

5. Make a small batch of cinnamon drink syrup

Now here's a little kitchen trick I really like: make one jar of cinnamon simple syrup and let it do more than one job. A spoonful can dress up iced tea, coffee, apple cider or sparkling water. That beats buying a different flavored bottle for every drink. White sugar gives you a lighter syrup, while brown sugar brings a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor.

Ingredients for cinnamon simple syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

How to make cinnamon simple syrup

1. Pour the water and sugar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cinnamon steep for a stronger flavor. Taste as it cools; for a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, transfer the cooled syrup to the refrigerator with the cinnamon sticks and let it infuse for up to 6 hours.
4. Remove the cinnamon pieces with a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle, cover it and refrigerate.

Once it's strained, I keep the syrup in a clean jar in the refrigerator. This is something to enjoy fresh, not a recipe for shelf-stable canning. Add a little to a glass, taste, and add more if you want it sweeter. It's much easier to add another spoonful than to fix a whole pitcher that's too sweet.

You can even put the jar on the drink table with a clean spoon and let everyone choose how much they want. If you make more than one homemade syrup, label the jars so people know what they're adding. It's a small touch, but I think homemade choices like this are much more interesting than a counter crowded with bottles.

Optional: infuse maple syrup with the LĒVO II+

Of course, you know I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, and sometimes an idea turns into something I want to use in more than one recipe. That's what happened with my maple-vanilla coconut syrup. I used my LĒVO II+ to infuse maple syrup with vanilla beans and toasted coconut flavoring. This isn't my cheapest Thanksgiving drink idea, and I wouldn't tell you to buy a machine just to make holiday drinks. The cinnamon syrup above works without one. But if you already enjoy making infused ingredients, this is a fun way to add something different to the table.

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I made the syrup with two half-pint jars of maple syrup, 2 cups altogether, and loved how the vanilla and toasted coconut added another layer of flavor without covering up the maple. The card above has the ingredients and the settings I used. I store the finished syrup in the refrigerator, and a little goes a long way in coffee or a special drink. Be sure to follow the fill limits and directions for your own machine. Read my full maple-vanilla coconut infusion and mocktail recipe for the complete method, and my honest LĒVO II+ review to see how the machine has worked in my kitchen.

If you decide to experiment with other edible herbs or spices, check the settings for those ingredients rather than assuming every infusion uses the same time and temperature. That's part of the fun of experimenting, but I still want to make a batch I can actually use instead of filling the refrigerator with syrups.

6. Let everyone flavor their own sparkling water

I have a SodaStream in my kitchen, so I can make plain sparkling water and let everyone add the flavors they enjoy. Cranberry juice, apple juice or a little homemade syrup all work nicely. I carbonate the plain water first and add the flavor afterward. I never put juice or syrup into the machine. If you don't have a SodaStream, store-bought sparkling water works just as well. And if saving money is the goal, remember to include the cost of CO2 refills when comparing it with bottled drinks.

For something a little fruitier, I have a pomegranate lemonade recipe, and if you have an herb garden, take a look at my homemade herbal soda. Both are good reminders that a festive drink doesn't have to come from a store-bought bottle.

7. Save the coffee and hot tea for pie

By the time the pies come out, I think a cup of coffee or hot tea can be every bit as welcome as another fancy drink. I wouldn't brew a huge pot before I knew who wanted some. Make a smaller batch, set out cups and sweeteners, and refill if needed. If you're serving milk or cream, including milk from your own animals, handle it properly and use pasteurized milk for guests.

I also keep the cream refrigerated until it's needed instead of leaving it on the table all afternoon. And remember that cinnamon syrup? This is another chance to use it. A little in a cup of coffee can make dessert feel extra cozy without buying flavored creamers just for one holiday. If chocolate is more your thing, my Instant Pot hot cocoa is another recipe you can pull out when the weather turns chilly.

How much should you buy or prepare?

I don't think there's a magic number that works for every Thanksgiving. If people are only staying for dinner, you'll need a lot less than if everyone visits all afternoon. I would start with about six to eight ounces per glass of punch or juice, then adjust for your guests and their habits. Make one pitcher first and keep the rest of the ingredients unopened. There's no sense mixing three pitchers when half the table would rather have water.

If you have overnight company, remember they'll probably want something to drink the next morning, too. Look at the juice, tea and coffee you already have before adding more to the shopping list. I don't consider an ingredient free just because it's sitting in the pantry. I worked to put it there, but I also don't need to replace every jar the moment I open it.

What I would get ready before Thanksgiving

• Two days before the holiday, wash pitchers and count cups and mugs.
• The day before, refrigerate juices and make any small batches of tea or syrup.
• Thanksgiving morning, set out clean water service and keep perishable drinks chilled.
• Just before serving, mix carbonated punch and replenish ice.
• After the meal, promptly refrigerate perishable drinks; do not save anything that was left out unsafely.

Compare the cost per serving before shopping

Now, here's something worth checking before you decide homemade is automatically cheaper. A recipe with special ingredients can cost more than a simple store-bought drink. My cranberry-apple punch recipe makes around eight cups. Add up what you spent on the amounts of cranberry juice, apple juice and sparkling water that went into the pitcher, then divide by eight. That's your approximate cost per eight-ounce glass. You can compare it with the bottles at your grocery store. I count tea, sugar and even SodaStream gas refills in that comparison, because those things have a cost whether I bought them today or last month.

For me, the first shopping trip is usually a walk through the pantry. Maybe there's some preserved apple juice, tea, dried herbs or syrup that could be put to good use. I check what I have and whether it's still in good condition before deciding what I really need to buy. That doesn't mean opening every jar to use it up just because it's Thanksgiving! I'd rather put a few thoughtful drink choices on the table, keep extra ingredients sealed and have something left for another day.

Frequently asked questions

What's the least expensive Thanksgiving beverage?

I would start with drinking water and a pitcher of unsweetened tea. They are usually among the least expensive choices, particularly if you've already got tea in the pantry. Of course, the exact cost depends on what you pay for water, tea and energy.

Can I serve homemade apple cider?

Absolutely, if you have your own apples and like making cider. Just be sure it's properly pasteurized and stored when you're serving guests, especially anyone more vulnerable to foodborne illness.

Can I make punch the night before?

Yes, and that's exactly how I would save time on Thanksgiving morning. Mix the juices the night before, keep them chilled and wait until just before serving to add the sparkling water. That keeps the bubbles in the punch instead of letting them disappear overnight.

How do I avoid wasting leftover beverages?

Make one pitcher, leave the backup ingredients sealed and let people sweeten their own drinks. It's a lot easier to make a second batch if you need it than to figure out what to do with a huge container of leftover punch.

Use the Drinks and Ingredients Already on the Homestead

You don't have to plan a fancy drink menu to make Thanksgiving memorable. Some of the nicest things on a holiday table come from what we already have: apples from the harvest, dried herbs for tea, or a syrup made in the kitchen. I love the way those little homemade touches make a meal feel personal, and I'd rather use what I have than buy bottles that will sit in the refrigerator until New Year's.

If you've read Experimental Homesteader for very long, you know I keep coming back to making the most of what we grow, preserve and buy. That applies to drinks just as much as it does to dinner. Use what you need, keep the rest for another meal and don't feel as though a holiday only counts if you overspend.

Beverages are only one part of a thoughtful holiday meal. Visit Thanksgiving Recipes and DIY Decorating Ideas for the Homestead for the main menu, or eco-friendly Thanksgiving ideas for ways to reduce waste. For another festive drink, try my non-alcoholic cranberry holiday beverage. You can also browse my Instant Pot hot cocoa recipe for a cozy option, or read how I stretch my grocery budget by making one meal feed the next for more kitchen savings.

Now I'm curious: what's the one drink your family expects to see on the Thanksgiving table? Do you stick with cider and tea, or is there a special homemade recipe everyone asks for? I'd love to hear what you serve in the comments.

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