Thanksgiving dinner is a time-honored tradition in many American households, bringing together family and friends to share a delicious meal and express gratitude. While the centerpiece of the celebration is undoubtedly the food, the drinks served alongside can elevate the experience and add to the festive atmosphere. In this article, we’ll explore the best drinks to serve with Thanksgiving dinner, from classic cocktails to wine and non-alcoholic options.
Traditional Thanksgiving Drinks
When it comes to traditional Thanksgiving drinks, there are a few options that stand out as timeless favorites.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is a classic fall drink that pairs perfectly with the warm, spicy flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. You can serve it hot or cold, sweetened with cinnamon and sugar or unsweetened for a tangier taste. For a more adult twist, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to create a delicious apple cider cocktail.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
The pumpkin spice latte (PSL) has become a staple of fall, and its warm, spicy flavors make it a great match for Thanksgiving dinner. You can make your own PSL at home using pumpkin puree, espresso, and a blend of spices, or pick one up at your local coffee shop.
Sparkling Cider
For a more celebratory drink, consider serving sparkling cider alongside your Thanksgiving dinner. This fizzy, slightly sweet drink is perfect for toasting the holiday and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Cocktails for Thanksgiving
If you’re looking to serve something a bit more sophisticated with your Thanksgiving dinner, consider one of these delicious cocktails.
The Pilgrim
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes cinnamon bitters
- Ice
- Apple slice or cinnamon stick for garnish
Combine bourbon, apple cider, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add a dash of cinnamon bitters and shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
The Mayflower
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Splash of sparkling water
- Lime wheel for garnish
Combine gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water and garnish with a lime wheel.
The Turkey Trot
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz pumpkin puree
- 1/2 oz cream
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Combine whiskey, pumpkin puree, cream, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving
Wine can be a great match for Thanksgiving dinner, especially if you’re serving a more traditional menu. Here are a few wine pairing suggestions to consider.
White Wine
- Chardonnay: This buttery, oaky wine pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes.
- Pinot Grigio: This crisp, citrusy wine is a great match for lighter Thanksgiving dishes like green beans and cranberry sauce.
- Riesling: This sweet, fruity wine pairs well with the spicy flavors of pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes.
Red Wine
- Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine is a great match for the earthy flavors of roasted vegetables and stuffing.
- Merlot: This smooth, fruity wine pairs well with the rich flavors of roasted turkey and gravy.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine is a great match for the bold flavors of roasted meats and dark chocolate.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic drink to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner, consider one of these delicious options.
Infused Water
Infused water is a refreshing and flavorful drink that’s perfect for the holiday. Try adding slices of apple, orange, or lemon to a pitcher of water for a light and refreshing flavor.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a soothing and comforting drink that’s perfect for the fall season. Try serving a warm cup of apple cinnamon or pumpkin spice tea alongside your Thanksgiving dinner.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a rich and decadent drink that’s perfect for the holiday. Try serving a warm cup of hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and topped with whipped cream.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving dinner is a time to come together with family and friends and enjoy a delicious meal. The drinks you serve can add to the festive atmosphere and elevate the experience. Whether you choose a classic cocktail, a glass of wine, or a non-alcoholic drink, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember.
| Drink | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Apple Cider | Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte | Pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce |
| Sparkling Cider | Turkey, roasted vegetables, green beans |
| The Pilgrim | Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes |
| The Mayflower | Cranberry sauce, green beans, roasted vegetables |
| The Turkey Trot | Pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, whipped cream |
| Chardonnay | Turkey, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables |
| Pinot Grigio | Green beans, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables |
| Riesling | Pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, whipped cream |
| Pinot Noir | Turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing |
| Merlot | Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Roasted meats, dark chocolate, whipped cream |
In conclusion, the drink you choose to serve with your Thanksgiving dinner can add to the festive atmosphere and elevate the experience. Whether you choose a classic cocktail, a glass of wine, or a non-alcoholic drink, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember.
What are some classic drink pairings for Thanksgiving dinner?
When it comes to classic drink pairings for Thanksgiving dinner, there are several options that are sure to please. One popular choice is a dry Riesling, which pairs well with the rich flavors of roasted turkey and savory stuffing. Another option is a Pinot Noir, which complements the earthy flavors of mashed potatoes and green beans. For those who prefer a non-wine option, a sparkling apple cider can add a festive touch to the meal.
Other classic pairings include a rich, full-bodied Merlot, which pairs well with the bold flavors of roasted vegetables, and a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay, which complements the delicate flavors of cranberry sauce. Ultimately, the choice of drink will depend on personal preference, but these classic pairings are a great place to start.
What are some seasonal drinks that are perfect for Thanksgiving?
Seasonal drinks can add a festive touch to Thanksgiving dinner, and there are many options to choose from. One popular choice is a warm apple cider, which is perfect for the fall season. Another option is a spiced cranberry spritzer, which combines the flavors of cranberry and orange with a hint of spice. For those who prefer a cocktail, a seasonal option like a pumpkin spice martini or a maple bourbon sour can add a fun and festive touch to the meal.
Other seasonal drinks that are perfect for Thanksgiving include a pear and ginger mule, which combines the flavors of pear and ginger with a hint of spice, and a cranberry and orange mimosa, which is a twist on the classic cocktail. These drinks are sure to add a festive touch to the meal and can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
What are some drink pairing options for a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving dinner?
For a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving dinner, there are many drink pairing options to choose from. One popular choice is a dry Rosé, which pairs well with the rich flavors of roasted vegetables. Another option is a sparkling juice, such as a cranberry or apple juice, which can add a festive touch to the meal. For those who prefer a non-wine option, a flavorful tea, such as a spiced apple or pear tea, can complement the delicate flavors of vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Other drink pairing options for a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving dinner include a rich, full-bodied Pinot Noir, which pairs well with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and lentils, and a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the bright, citrusy flavors of many vegetarian and vegan dishes. Ultimately, the choice of drink will depend on personal preference, but these options are a great place to start.
What are some drink pairing options for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey?
For a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, there are many drink pairing options to choose from. One popular choice is a dry Riesling, which pairs well with the rich flavors of roasted turkey and savory stuffing. Another option is a Pinot Noir, which complements the earthy flavors of mashed potatoes and green beans. For those who prefer a non-wine option, a sparkling apple cider can add a festive touch to the meal.
Other drink pairing options for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with turkey include a rich, full-bodied Merlot, which pairs well with the bold flavors of roasted vegetables, and a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay, which complements the delicate flavors of cranberry sauce. Ultimately, the choice of drink will depend on personal preference, but these options are a great place to start.
Can I serve a signature cocktail at my Thanksgiving dinner?
Serving a signature cocktail at your Thanksgiving dinner can be a fun and festive way to add a personal touch to the meal. There are many options to choose from, depending on your personal preferences and the flavors of your meal. One popular choice is a seasonal cocktail, such as a pumpkin spice martini or a maple bourbon sour, which can add a fun and festive touch to the meal.
Other options for a signature cocktail include a classic cocktail, such as a Manhattan or a Negroni, which can be made with seasonal flavors and ingredients, or a creative cocktail, such as a cranberry and orange spritzer or a pear and ginger mule. Ultimately, the choice of cocktail will depend on your personal preferences and the flavors of your meal, but serving a signature cocktail can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holiday.
What are some drink pairing options for a small, intimate Thanksgiving dinner?
For a small, intimate Thanksgiving dinner, there are many drink pairing options to choose from. One popular choice is a dry Riesling, which pairs well with the rich flavors of roasted turkey and savory stuffing. Another option is a Pinot Noir, which complements the earthy flavors of mashed potatoes and green beans. For those who prefer a non-wine option, a sparkling apple cider can add a festive touch to the meal.
Other drink pairing options for a small, intimate Thanksgiving dinner include a rich, full-bodied Merlot, which pairs well with the bold flavors of roasted vegetables, and a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay, which complements the delicate flavors of cranberry sauce. Ultimately, the choice of drink will depend on personal preference, but these options are a great place to start.
Can I serve a variety of drinks at my Thanksgiving dinner?
Serving a variety of drinks at your Thanksgiving dinner can be a great way to offer something for everyone and add a festive touch to the meal. There are many options to choose from, depending on your personal preferences and the flavors of your meal. One popular choice is to offer a selection of wine, including a dry Riesling, a Pinot Noir, and a rich, full-bodied Merlot.
Other options for serving a variety of drinks include offering a selection of seasonal cocktails, such as a pumpkin spice martini or a maple bourbon sour, or a variety of non-wine options, such as sparkling apple cider or flavored tea. Ultimately, the choice of drinks will depend on your personal preferences and the flavors of your meal, but serving a variety of drinks can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the holiday.