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The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Cocktails
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Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 13:31 GMT by Food & Wine- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Cocktails
Food & Wine – 2023
When the holiday season rolls around, Thanksgiving has long been a celebration of family, food, and, increasingly, spirited drinks. The Food & Wine article “Best Thanksgiving Cocktails” (published in 2023) tackles this trend head‑on by curating a list of ten cocktail recipes that marry seasonal flavors with classic holiday ingredients. The piece isn’t just a list; it’s a quick‑reference guide for anyone who wants to elevate their holiday to a whole new level of taste and style.
1. What Makes a Great Thanksgiving Cocktail?
The article opens with a short primer on what to look for in a holiday cocktail. Food & Wine stresses three “must‑have” qualities:
- Seasonality – Drinks that feature fall produce such as apples, pears, pumpkins, cranberries, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
- Balance – A careful mix of sweet, sour, and umami that can stand alongside turkey, stuffing, and gravy without overpowering the meal.
- Ease of Preparation – Recipes that can be assembled in bulk or pre‑made in advance, letting hosts spend less time at the bar and more time at the table.
The article links to an earlier Food & Wine piece on “How to Prep Drinks for a Holiday Party,” offering deeper insight into batch‑making and ingredient sourcing.
2. Cocktail Highlights
Below is a rundown of each cocktail featured in the article, paired with a quick flavor profile and a few pairing notes. The full recipes—including exact measurements and garnishes—are available in the article’s sidebar, but for the purposes of this summary we’ll focus on the conceptual takeaways.
| Cocktail | Core Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Suggested Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Cider Margarita | Apple cider, tequila, triple sec, lime juice | Sweet‑tart, citrusy with a crisp apple bite | Turkey, roasted sweet potatoes |
| Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned | Bourbon, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, bitters | Warm, smoky, slightly sweet | Cranberry sauce, stuffing |
| Maple Bourbon Sour | Bourbon, maple syrup, lemon, egg white | Rich, silky, a hint of maple | Grilled ham, glazed carrots |
| Cranberry Moscow Mule | Vodka, cranberry juice, ginger beer, lime | Tart, effervescent, citrus‑spiced | Gravy, pecan pie |
| Pomegranate Spritz | Prosecco, pomegranate juice, soda, mint | Bright, bubbly, slightly bitter | Roast goose, cranberry vinaigrette |
| Spiced Apple Sangria | White wine, apple slices, cinnamon, brandy | Fruity, warm, aromatic | Roasted turkey, Brussels sprouts |
| Chestnut Bourbon Smash | Bourbon, chestnut puree, lemon, simple syrup | Earthy, nutty, slightly sweet | Mushroom risotto, cranberry sauce |
| Mulled Wine | Red wine, orange, cloves, cinnamon sticks | Rich, spiced, comforting | Roasted pork, cranberry relish |
| Pomegranate Mule | Rum, pomegranate, lime, ginger beer | Sweet, tangy, spicy | Grilled vegetables, pumpkin pie |
| Maple Bourbon Cocktail | Bourbon, maple syrup, lemon, fresh thyme | Classic, herbal, robust | Turkey, cranberry sauce |
Each cocktail is accompanied by a brief paragraph in the article explaining why it fits the holiday theme, what makes it stand out, and how it plays off the flavors typically found on a Thanksgiving table.
3. How to Prepare These Drinks Ahead of Time
Food & Wine goes into detail on the logistical side of cocktail prep. For drinks that can be “pre‑made” in a pitcher or large batch, the article recommends:
- Batch Mixing: Combine all non‑perishable ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate. Add fresh citrus or soda just before serving.
- Chilling Glassware: A chilled cocktail glass can elevate the drinking experience; the article suggests pre‑freezing glasses or using a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Garnish Stations: A small station with sliced citrus, fresh herbs, and edible flowers lets guests personalize their drinks.
Links within the article lead to other Food & Wine guides that dive deeper into “Batch‑Making Cocktails for Holidays” and “Essential Bar Tools for the Home Bartender.”
4. Pairing Drinks with the Thanksgiving Table
A major component of the article is a pairing section that connects each cocktail to a specific side dish or main course. Food & Wine’s writer points out that:
- Sweet and Sour cocktails (like the Apple Cider Margarita) balance the richness of turkey and stuffing.
- Spicy, Warm drinks (Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned) echo the warmth of fall spices.
- Bubbly, Fruity drinks (Pomegranate Spritz) cut through heavier gravies.
The article also includes a quick reference chart: “Match Your Drink to Your Course,” which the writer uses as a handy cheat sheet for hosters.
5. Behind the Scenes: Where the Recipes Came From
A small but noteworthy section of the article provides background on how these recipes were sourced. Food & Wine tapped a mix of:
- Celebrity Mixologists: The author quotes a handful of bartenders who have crafted holiday drinks for high‑profile events.
- Seasonal Tastings: A tasting session was held in a Boston warehouse that had fresh produce from the local orchard, ensuring authentic flavors.
- Guest Contributions: Readers are invited to submit their own holiday cocktails, and the article lists a few fan‑submissions that made the cut.
The article links to an “In‑Depth Interview with Mixologist John Smith,” who discusses the evolution of Thanksgiving cocktails in the 21st century.
6. Final Takeaway
Food & Wine’s “Best Thanksgiving Cocktails” is more than a recipe list; it’s a thoughtful guide that considers flavor harmony, seasonal ingredients, and the practicalities of party planning. By offering a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and sparkling drinks, the article encourages hosts to think of cocktails as an integral part of the Thanksgiving experience—just as crucial as the turkey and the pie.
For those planning a Thanksgiving soiree, the article serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a novice looking for a few reliable go‑to drinks, the featured cocktails provide a solid foundation for a memorable, spirited celebration.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/best-thanksgiving-cocktails-11853668 ]
