Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and mouthwatering food. This year, let’s elevate your turkey game with some incredible brine recipes that will leave everyone craving more. Get ready to transform your holiday centerpiece into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece!
Herb-Infused Citrus Brine

Fresh Herb and Citrus Turkey Brine from Good Life Eats
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Brown sugar, garlic garlic, oranges, whole, fresh sage Total Time: 25 hr.

How to Make a Citrus Herb Brine from The Wooden Skillet
Ingredients: Orange, lemon, black, mustard seeds, bay leaves Total Time: 12 hr 15 min.

Ultimate Citrus Turkey Brine from The Frizzled Leek
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Ginger, oranges, black, garlic, fresh sage Total Time: 6 min.
This delightful brine combines fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme with zesty lemon and orange. The citrus adds a bright note, making your turkey taste fresh and vibrant. It’s a favorite for those who love a hint of sweetness with their savory dishes.
Sweet Apple Cider Brine
Imagine the warmth of fall wrapped around your turkey! This brine uses apple cider, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. It not only enhances the turkey’s flavor but also fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Spicy Jalapeño Brine

Spicy Jalapeño Brine from Wife Of A Hunter
Ingredients: Wild turkey breasts, lemon, red pepper flakes, jalapeno, cayenne pepper

Easy Homemade Quick-Pickled Jalapeños from Alexandra's Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Apple cider, sugar Total Time: 5 min.

Pickled Jalapeños from Love and Lemons
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: White vinegar, sea salt, cane sugar Total Time: 10 min.
For those who crave a kick, this brine is packed with fresh jalapeños and garlic. The heat from the peppers seeps into the turkey, making each bite a flavorful explosion. It’s a fantastic choice for those who love a little spice in their life!
Maple and Mustard Brine
This unique brine blends sweet maple syrup with tangy mustard, creating a delicious contrast. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, the glaze it creates on the turkey is simply irresistible!
Classic Southern Buttermilk Brine

The Best Buttermilk-Brined Southern Fried Chicken from Serious Eats
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 6 h 5 min Total Time: 6 h 5 min.
Rich and creamy, this brine uses buttermilk to tenderize the turkey while adding a subtle tangy flavor. It’s a Southern classic that results in a moist and delicious bird, perfect for any Thanksgiving table.
Garlic and Herb Brine
This brine is a celebration of flavor, featuring loads of garlic, thyme, and parsley. It’s simple yet effective, making your turkey aromatic and savory. Perfect for those who love classic, comforting tastes!
Pineapple and Ginger Brine
Add a tropical twist to your turkey with this refreshing brine. The sweetness of pineapple paired with spicy ginger creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to surprise your guests. It’s a fun way to mix things up for the holidays!
Tea-Infused Brine
Tea-Brined Pressed Tofu 茶香干 from The Plant-Based Wok
Ingredients: 24 ч
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken from Simply Recipes
Ingredients: 1 ч 30 мин
Tea-Brined Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Gravy from Epicurious
Rating: 3.7. Ingredients: 3, 7(17)
This brine uses brewed black tea to impart a rich, earthy flavor to your turkey. Adding spices like star anise and cinnamon enhances the depth of flavor. This sophisticated brine is a great conversation starter at your Thanksgiving dinner!
Bourbon and Brown Sugar Brine

Brown Sugar Bourbon Brine from C&H® Sugar
Ingredients: Dark brown sugar, rosemary, sage, garlic, whole

Brown Sugar Bourbon Brined Turkey from A License To Grill
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Soy sauce, brown sugar, orange, lemon, frozen turkey Total Time: 4 hr 15 min.

Bourbon Turkey Brine from Food.com
Ingredients: Oven cooking bag, jim beam, whole turkey, blood oranges, ice Total Time: 48 hr.
Bring a touch of Southern charm to your feast with this bourbon-infused brine. The sweetness of brown sugar combines perfectly with the warmth of bourbon, resulting in a turkey that’s both flavorful and tender. It’s a fun, festive choice for adults!
Ginger Ale Brine
Using ginger ale adds a delightful sweetness and subtle spice to your turkey. Combined with herbs and spices, this brine keeps your turkey juicy and flavorful. It’s a fun, easy way to add a twist to your traditional brining process.
Smoky Chipotle Brine
This brine packs a punch with chipotle peppers, giving your turkey a smoky and spicy kick. Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors, it’s an adventurous choice that will definitely impress your guests!
Herbal Lemonade Brine
Combining herbal notes with the refreshing taste of lemonade, this brine is both zesty and unique. It’s a cheerful option that’ll brighten up your Thanksgiving spread. Plus, the herbs help create a fragrant aroma while cooking!
Roasted Garlic and Sage Brine
Rich roasted garlic and earthy sage come together in this comforting brine. It’s perfect for those who adore classic flavors that remind them of home. Your turkey will be bursting with flavor thanks to this simple but effective recipe.
Cranberry and Thyme Brine

Salty and Sweet Cranberry Citrus Brine from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
This festive brine uses cranberry juice for a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey. Infused with thyme, it creates a holiday spirit in every bite. It’s a great way to add a seasonal touch to your meal!
Pomegranate Molasses Brine

Homemade Pomegranate Molasses and How To Use It from Hungry Paprikas
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 ч 45 мин
For a unique twist, this brine uses pomegranate molasses to impart a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a delightful choice that not only tastes amazing but also adds a beautiful color to your turkey. Perfect for the more adventurous cook!
Peach and Thyme Brine
Brined Turkey Breast With Peach Rosemary Glaze from Food.com
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Boneless turkey breast, apple cider, brown sugar, honey, rosemary Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
Brined & Grilled Pork Chops With Fresh Peach Sauce from Italian Food Forever
Ingredients: Pork chops, brown sugar, cider vinegar, fresh peaches, red pepper flakes Total Time: 3 hr 20 min.
Peach-Ginger Shrub Recipe from Serious Eats
Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, peaches, fresh ginger Total Time: 72 hr.
Sweet peaches combined with fragrant thyme create a delightful brine that brings a taste of summer to your Thanksgiving table. It’s a refreshing option that will surprise your guests with its unique flavor combination.
Chili Lime Brine
This brine is zesty and refreshing, featuring lime juice and chili powder. It adds a bright flavor to your turkey that’s perfect for those looking to step outside the traditional brining box. It’s a fun, vibrant addition to your feast!
Rosemary and Lemon Brine
Simple yet sophisticated, this brine features fresh rosemary and zesty lemon. It’s a timeless combination that adds depth and brightness to your turkey. Perfect for those who appreciate classic, aromatic flavors!
Honey and Citrus Brine
This sweet and tangy brine uses honey and citrus fruits to create a lovely glaze on your turkey. The sweetness balances beautifully with savory spices, making every bite a delight. It’s a wonderful choice for those who love a touch of sweetness!
Classic Poultry Brine
A no-fuss, traditional brine using salt, sugar, and basic spices. It’s a reliable recipe that ensures your turkey remains juicy and flavorful. Sometimes, sticking to the classics is the best way to go!
Lavender and Honey Brine
For something truly special, this brine features fragrant lavender and sweet honey. It’s aromatic and unique, making your turkey stand out with its beautiful flavor profile. This one is sure to be a conversation starter!
Fennel and Orange Brine

Pan Roasted Citrus Fennel Brined Chicken from PERDUE
Ingredients: 2 h 30 min Total Time: 2 h 30 min.
This brine combines the sweet, licorice flavor of fennel with bright orange. The result is a turkey that’s aromatic and delicious, perfect for those who enjoy a twist on the traditional flavors. It’s refreshing and unexpected!
Italian Herb Brine
Featuring classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, this brine is fragrant and flavorful. It creates a turkey that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair, perfect for those who adore Italian cuisine. You’ll feel like you’re feasting in Tuscany!
Cherry and Thyme Brine
This sweet and savory brine uses cherry juice and fresh thyme for a unique flavor combination. It’s a great way to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your turkey. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
Red Wine Brine
Using red wine as a base for your brine adds a rich depth of flavor and a beautiful color. Combined with spices like bay leaves and peppercorns, it creates a sophisticated turkey that will impress any wine lover at your table. Cheers to a delicious dinner!
Nutmeg and Allspice Brine

Best Turkey Brine Recipe from Cooking On The Weekends
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 24 h 20 min Total Time: 24 h 20 min.
This warm and cozy brine uses nutmeg and allspice to evoke the flavors of the holiday season. It’s perfect for those who love traditional holiday spices. Your turkey will be infused with comforting flavors that make everyone feel at home!
Turmeric and Ginger Brine

Spicy Pickled Cauliflower from Craving Something Healthy
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 45 min Total Time: 45 min.

Pickled Turmeric & Ginger from Cultured Table
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 8 h 20 min Total Time: 8 h 20 min.

Homemade Fire Cider Tonic with Turmeric and Ginger from Cultured Guru
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 24 h 30 min Total Time: 24 h 30 min.
This vibrant brine uses turmeric for a beautiful golden color and ginger for a warming spice. It’s a unique flavor that brings a bit of global flair to your Thanksgiving. Your turkey will not only taste good but look stunning, too!