Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in a feast and give thanks for all we cherish. And while turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie often steal the spotlight, the right whisky can truly elevate your holiday meal, adding warmth and richness to the occasion. 

Whether you’re sharing a dram before the big dinner, pairing it with dessert, or sipping it as you relax by the fire, whisky is the perfect companion for Thanksgiving.

In this guide, we highlight the best whiskies for Thanksgiving from The Glenlivet collection, offering tasting notes and serving suggestions to complement the comforting, hearty flavours of the season.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old is a classic that fits right in with the taste of Thanksgiving. Its light, fruity notes are delicately balanced with a smooth, creamy finish, offering a refreshing contrast to rich seasonal dishes.

How to enjoy:
This whisky is delightful neat, especially as a pre-dinner sip. But it’s also an excellent choice for festive cocktails. 

Try it in a Maple Whisky Sour, where the bright citrus and maple sweetness perfectly complement the whisky’s fruity notes. For a more herbaceous touch, the Honey & Sage Old Fashioned brings out the whisky’s floral side, pairing wonderfully with Thanksgiving herbs like sage and thyme. Whilst for a refreshing, spiced twist, the Apple Cinnamon Spritz offers a balance of tart apple and warming cinnamon—perfect for sipping between bites of pie.

A modern favourite, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is a smooth single malt with notes of pear, toffee apple and sweet orange. Its light, creamy character pairs beautifully with both savoury and sweet dishes, making it ideal for sipping throughout your Thanksgiving celebrations.

How to enjoy:
Kick off your Thanksgiving festivities with a Scotch & Rosemary Highball, a light, bubbly, herbal drink that’s perfect for serving during appetisers.

As the night cools down, a Ginger Hot Toddy will warm you right up, with seasonal spice complementing the whisky’s sweet, fruity notes. And for a sweet treat, cosy up with a Whisky Hot Chocolate, blending the whisky’s toffee richness with creamy, decadent cocoa.

The Glenlivet 15 Year Old is aged in French oak casks, giving it a smooth, rich flavour profile with layers of warm spice, dried fruit and oak. This whisky feels right at home with the hearty, warming flavours of a Thanksgiving meal, making it perfect for those who want something a little more robust.

How to enjoy:

Savour this whisky neat after dinner to appreciate its complexity, or mix it into a Flannel Shirt cocktail, a cosy blend of whisky, cider and allspice that channels the spirit of autumn. The Orange Marmalade Sour is a delightful option for those who love citrus and spice, pairing beautifully with sweet potato dishes and cranberry sauce. 

And if you’re looking for a more sophisticated cocktail, the Vieux Carré blends The Glenlivet 15 with bitters, vermouth and cognac for a luxurious, after-dinner drink to sip with dessert.

For a whisky with a rich, intense taste, The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve is a must try. Part finished in Cognac casks, this expression has a bold nose of raisin, honey and spice. This scotch brings a burst of smooth, fruity lusciousness to the table, making it an ideal pairing for indulgent Thanksgiving dishes.

How to enjoy:
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a Morning Glory Fizz, a light and bright cocktail with sweet notes of peach. Then for dinner, swap to a Sherry Side Kick, where the whisky’s rich fruit notes marry with the sherry’s nuttiness. 

For a simple serve, try our Scotch with a Twist. This recipe adds a touch of ginger, orange and honey to enhance the whisky’s syrupy spiced taste. A delicious drink to sip throughout your Thanksgiving meal.

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old is a whisky lover’s dream, with deep flavours of rich fruit, toffee and spice—and a long, luxurious finish that’s made for special occasions. This expression is ideal for sipping slowly, allowing its complexity to unfold with every taste.

How to enjoy:
For those who prefer a classic approach, The Glenlivet 18 Year Old is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, where its depth of flavour can truly shine. 

But if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, an Old Fashioned made with our 18 Year Old whisky elevates this timeless drink, complementing its toffee and spice notes with the subtle sweetness of sugar and bitters. It’s the perfect end to a Thanksgiving feast, pairing wonderfully with rich desserts like pecan pie or a spiced apple tart.

As you gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving, make the celebration even more special with a glass of whisky. The Glenlivet’s diverse range of single malts offers something for every palate, whether you prefer whisky neat, on the rocks, or in a seasonal cocktail. 

Explore the rich, warming flavours of The Glenlivet collection, and toast to a holiday full of gratitude and good taste.

For more whisky inspiration, check out our guides on how to drink whisky as well as the best whiskies to gift this season.