The Ultimate Thanksgiving Cocktail & Wine Pairing Guide
Because turkey isn’t the only thing that deserves attention on this table.
Thanksgiving is upon us—the one day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to eat yourself into a food coma while dodging your family’s interrogation about your life choices. Whether you’re team “pass the Pinot” or “shaken, not stirred,” we’ve got the perfect Thanksgiving sip for every bite of your feast. Take a look below for some fantastic food and cocktail/wine pairings!
Let’s get into it, shall we? 🍂🍸
The Pre-Dinner Warm-Up
Get the party started before the turkey hits the table.
Cranberry Thyme Spritz
“Light, bright, and just fancy enough to impress your in-laws.”
Ingredients:
1 oz cranberry juice
1/2 oz Aperol
3 oz sparkling wine (like prosecco)
Splash of soda water
Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme
Instructions:
In a wine glass, combine cranberry juice and Aperol.
Top with sparkling wine and a splash of soda water.
Gently stir and garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme.
Wine Pairing:
Brut Prosecco (Veneto, Italy) – Crisp, dry, and effervescent, Prosecco keeps your palate refreshed as you mingle and nibble.
The Main Event
Bold sips for big bites.
Apple cider mule
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka or bourbon
2 oz apple cider
1/2 oz lime juice
Ginger beer to top
Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug with ice.
Add vodka (or bourbon), apple cider, and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Wine Pairing:
Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley, Oregon) – Light-bodied with earthy red fruit flavors, it plays nicely with turkey and herbaceous dressing without stealing the spotlight.
A Toast to the Side Dishes
The unsung heroes of the Thanksgiving table.
Rosemary Maple Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1/4 oz maple syrup
Dash of bitters
Sprig of rosemary (lightly toasted) for garnish
Instructions:
In a rocks glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and a dash of bitters.
Add a large ice cube and stir until chilled.
Lightly toast the rosemary sprig (use a lighter or match) and garnish.
Wine Pairing:
Beaujolais Nouveau (Beaujolais, France) – Juicy, fruity, and slightly chilled, this red wine is like the “cool cousin” at Thanksgiving—it gets along with everyone and never overwhelms.
The Grand Finale
Liquid dessert, anyone?
Tiramisu Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
1 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
1 oz espresso (freshly brewed and cooled)
1 oz mascarpone cream (or heavy cream for simplicity)
1/2 oz simple syrup (or vanilla syrup for extra sweetness)
Garnish: Cocoa powder and a ladyfinger biscuit
Instructions:
Combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, mascarpone cream, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously to ensure the mascarpone fully integrates and creates a luscious texture.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder and perch a ladyfinger biscuit on the rim to compliment the classic tiramisu dessert.
Wine Pairing:
Late Harvest Riesling (Mosel, Germany) – Sweet and aromatic, with notes of honey and apricot, it’s the ultimate match for sweet potato, pumpkin, or pecan pie.
Bonus Dessert Sip:
Port (Douro Valley, Portugal) – Rich, luscious, and perfect for that sliver of pecan pie you swore you wouldn’t have.
Final Sip
Thanksgiving is all about indulgence, and your drinks should be no exception. Whether you’re clinking glasses with family or sneaking a cocktail break in the kitchen (no judgment), this guide ensures you’ll sip and savor your way through every bite.
Now raise a glass to good food, great wine, and surviving yet another year of awkward family questions. Cheers to making your Thanksgiving as delicious and buzzworthy as possible! 🦃🍸🍷✨