Thanksgiving marks the beginning of endless holiday celebrations. Sure you have a fantastic dinner planned but what about beverages? It is a time to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the year, and an adult beverage is the best way to do so. Take your taste buds over the top with a libation that not only puts your in a festive mood, but complements your meal, be it wine, beer or a cocktail. Here is our list of suggested Thanksgiving beverage pairings.
Wines
Thanksgiving Dinner: The overall best wine options for your Thanksgiving dinner are Dry Riesling and Pinot Grigio as they are wonderful with all things salty, sweet and spicy.
Turkey: The following options will satisfy both white and red wine lovers and enhance the flavors of your Thanksgiving bird, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc.
Ham: A Thanksgiving staple, Pinot Noir, is just as great with ham. Shiraz’s peppery notes pair well with ham.
Mashed potatoes: The citrus flavors of this white wine, Sauvignon Blanc, pair well with everyone’s favorite side dish.
Stuffing: The earthy flavors of Pinot Noir will enhance to flavors of stuffing.
Dessert: Sweet and festive, who doesn’t want to end a meal with a sparkling wine or a sweet late harvest wine?
Beer
Dinner: Belgian Ale, and Pale Ale, these easy to drink beers pair well with veggies, dessert and turkey or ham.
Turkey: An Amber Ale will complement the rich flavors of turkey.
Ham: A Weizen provides a great contrast to the flavors of traditional ham flavors.
Pumpkin Pie: A rich spiced ale or stout, plus a slice pie is the perfect end to a meal.
Cocktails: Keep the celebration going, well after dinner, with the following mixed drinks.
Ginger’s Lost Island: see ingredients above.
Lightly crush your cardamom in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and remaining ingredients, except the apple slice garnish, and shake well. Pour through a strainer into an ice-filled cocktail glass. Garnish with apples and enjoy.
Pear and Rosemary: see ingredients above.
You’ll begin by making pear juice. Peel the pears, remove the seeds and slice. Add slices to a pot and fill with 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook pairs over medium heat until a fork can pass through pear slices. Pour contents into a bowl and mash them with a potato masher. Once mashed, strain juice into a cocktail shaker, add the remaining ingredients, plus ice, shake and pour into a martini glass.
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dinner beverage?
-Amy N, JustFab intern
