So here’s a question for you. What good are November’s famous holiday fixings without the right Thanksgiving drinks to go with them?
With the excess emphasis that’s put on the food consumed on this great American day of feasting (which admittedly makes perfect sense), liquid love is often lost in the turkey ‘n’ stuffing shuffle.
That said, let’s be 100% prepared this year. Let’s be sure that the gratitude-party gets started and goes strong all day long — in both classic and classy ways.
Nowadays, Thanksgiving feasts take the form of many mouthwatering meals. For some it’s a hearty breakfast or an ongoing brunch. Others stick to the traditional lunch/dinner spread. And some extra-festive families and friends even opt to celebrate with an all-day affair. (And why not? Many of us do have lots to be thankful for.)
So from mixed drinks and Thanksgiving cocktails, to wine pairings and holiday brews — here are some Thanksgiving drinks to have handy around the clock on that fateful fourth Thursday of the month.
Morning Thanksgiving Drinks!
Classic: Bloody marys are best. But having mimosas available as well is a great idea, for those who may not be tomato juice fans.
Classy: Coffee + Bailey’s or Kahlúa. Your morning caffeine fix is guaranteed to be the best part of waking up, with this in your cup.
Afternoon Thanksgiving Drinks!
Classic: Apple cider + rum. Delight in this drink for Thanksgiving served either hot or cold. It’s light enough to enjoy an ample glass before eating, while still packing just enough punch to get you pretty pumped for the food ahead.
Classy: A bit of bubbly. Champagne is the beverage for celebrating — and Thanksgiving is the holiday for celebrating gratitude. So putting a glass in guests’ hands is the perfect way to welcome them into your home. But remember! Champagne rocks some carbonation, so go easy on the bubbly to ensure bellies have plenty of room left for the feast that lies ahead.
During the Lunch/Dinner Turkey Feast!
Classic: Wine. Almost any red variety is a safe bet when it comes to putting Thanksgiving wine on the table; but pinot noir is often the ideal choice. Pinot flavors and aromas win the wine pairing battle that comes with trying to accommodate the smorgasbord of ‘yum!’ that adorns guests’ plates.
Classy: Scotch. Whether straight or on the rocks, this or any other favorite spirit is fantastic for wetting your whistle, plus leaving plenty of stomach space for a plateful of turkey and tryptophan.
Evening Thanksgiving Drinks!
Classic: Craft beer. Dinner is done and you’ve let your food settle a bit. Maybe you’ve popped a top button or two (we’re not judging). Now it’s time to sprawl out on the couch to watch football. And what goes better with football than beer? Albeit filling thanks to carbonation, brews also prove to be a nice, mellow beverage — one that won’t wreak any havoc on an already overly-stuffed stomach.
Classy: Pumpkin spice eggnog. Yes, it does exist. And it’s a delicious drink for Thanksgiving! The pumpkin flavor provides a cozy hint of turkey day flair; and being that it’s eggnog, there’s an unmistakable dash of “here comes Christmas” to tantalize your taste buds. So go ahead — shamelessly commence the playing of Christmas music as you sip. It’s time.
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