5 Essential Cocktails for November 2026
Each month, Chilled brings you five essential cocktails based on our National Drink Day Calendar. Be sure to bookmark it so you’re always ready for the next spirited celebration.
Can you believe it’s already November? The holiday season is finally here, and we could not be more excited! Between crisp autumn weather, gathering around the table with family and friends, and cozying up by the fire, November brings some of the best spirited occasions of the whole year. Whether you’re gearing up for Thanksgiving prep or just looking to shake up your seasonal menu, we’ve rounded up five festive cocktails to keep your glass full all month long.
11/7 – International Merlot Day
International Merlot Day celebrates one of the world’s most versatile and approachable red wines. Known for its velvety texture and rich dark fruit notes, Merlot shines just as brilliantly in a shaker as it does on its own in a wine glass. Celebrate with the Bohemian Rasp-sody, a bright, fruit-forward creation combining fresh raspberries, passion fruit puree, vodka, sweet & sour, lemon juice, and a float of rich Merlot for a stunning, layered red wine cocktail.
11/14 – National Pickle Day
Brine lovers, rejoice! National Pickle Day honors the savory, tangy flavor profile that has taken the cocktail world by storm. Savory drinks are bigger than ever, and a splash of pickle juice adds the ultimate punchy kick to classic spirit bases. Take your celebration to the next level with the Bodega Pickle Martini, a crisp, savory twist on a classic gin martini featuring Tanqueray Gin, a mist of Vermouth, a dash of celery bitters, and savory pickle juice, finished off with extra pickles for garnish.
11/23 – National Espresso Day
Nothing beats the rich, aromatic pick-me-up of coffee paired with your favorite spirit. National Espresso Day is all about paying homage to bold coffee flavors, whether served cold over ice or warmed up for a chilly evening nightcap. Cozy up with the Espresso Spiked Hot Chocolate, the ultimate cold-weather indulgence that blends decadent hot chocolate with Three Olives Espresso Vodka and sweet chocolate syrup for a rich, caffeinated mug.
11/26 – Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the ultimate day of indulgence, gratitude, and gathering. When it comes to the holiday feast, you need a complex, decadent cocktail that matches the rich, comforting flavors of your favorite side dishes and desserts. Mix up It’s Giving Thanks, a festive, labor-of-love cocktail featuring brown butter fat-washed whiskey, El Guapo Sweet Potato Syrup, El Guapo Chicory Pecan Bitters, Angostura bitters, and a drop of saline for a nutty, savory-sweet holiday pour.
11/28 – National French Toast Day
Wrap up the holiday weekend by celebrating everyone’s favorite breakfast-for-dinner item. National French Toast Day is the perfect excuse to trade in standard bar fare for rich, creamy, vanilla-cinnamon spiced indulgences. Ditch the bar to whip up some Baileys French Toast! Rich Baileys Irish Cream blends seamlessly with warm spices and sweet cream, bringing all the iconic flavor of fresh French toast straight into your glass.
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