Spirits 101
Host Guide
Thanksgiving cocktail recipes and food pairings for your table
Put a creative spin on your next Friendsgiving offering with these refreshing-tasting Thanksgiving drinks and delicious food pairings.
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- Sara Pinsonault
The holidays are all about celebrating those we’re most thankful for – including our friends. Thanksgiving’s arguably less formal counterpart, Friendsgiving, is typically observed with festive cocktails and a potluck-style feast enjoyed with the best of company. While it’s expected that holiday staples like turkey and mashed potatoes will make appearances, we suggest putting a creative spin on your next Friendsgiving offering with these Thanksgiving-inspired bites that are riffs on the classics.
Gin & Tonic + Rosemary Garlic Bread & Cranberry Baked Brie
A fizzy and herbaceous G&T is the perfect way to prepare the palate for the rich meal ahead. Serve it alongside a delicious counterpart, like pieces of warm rosemary garlic bread dipped into a perfectly oozy baked brie. The fresh thyme in the cocktail pairs perfectly with heady rosemary, heightened further by the inherent botanical notes of Tanqueray No. Ten, balanced with the tart sweetness of cranberry.
A Little Savory: Martini + Turkey Meatballs & Herbed Gravy
Dip your toes into the savory realm with a simple yet elegant Ketel One martini. It’s perfect for cleansing your palate if you were just enjoying the melty cheese above. Pair this beverage with some turkey meatballs, smothered in an herbed gravy, which will provide a perfect contrast to the bright, chilled cocktail. Notes of cracked black pepper from the martini also complement the meaty dish.
Add Some Spice: Margarita + Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn
A spicy margarita is just the kick your multi-course meal needs to prevent any impending food comas. Pair it with a creative take on traditional creamed corn, which helps to cut through the cocktail’s spice level. The smoky-sweet Hatch green chiles complement the flavors of chipotle chili powder, while the rich Don Julio Añejo Tequila adds further balance.
And for Dessert: Rob Roy + Apple Crumble Pie
This Rob Roy cocktail places the subtly smoky Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky front and center, balanced with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. It’s the perfect sipper for the end of your meal, made even better when paired with a delicious apple pie — thanks to the complementary fruity flavors of baked apple and a buttery crumble topping.