Advertisement

Best drinks to serve for Thanksgiving? A mixologist weighs in

Some tips for perfecting the boozy vibe.
 
Try a holiday punch with prosecco.
Try a holiday punch with prosecco. [ Courtesy of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits ]
Published Nov. 20, 2019

We asked Mary Small, a mixologist at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, about one of Thanksgiving’s most crucial components: the drinks. If you’re going the boozy route, here are some tips for doing it right.

If you’re a guest at someone else’s Thanksgiving, what’s a good libation to bring?

Bringing a bottle of wine for the host is always appropriate. They can choose to serve it during the feast or save it later to celebrate their event’s success. We suggest something like Vignobles Bulliat Morgon Colombier. Its jammy, ripe flavor complements a Thanksgiving meal well and it is light in body, so you can save room for the pie.

If wine isn’t their flavor, a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream is a great option, so they can enjoy it in a cup of coffee postdessert.

What’s the ideal amount of alcohol per person to have on hand if you’re hosting?

Generally, wine and beer are the most popular drink choices at any given party. The rule of thumb is 50 percent of your guests will prefer wine, 30 percent will prefer beer and 20 percent will prefer spirits. An average person will consume two drinks within the first hour of the event and one drink every hour thereafter. Of course, this fluctuates depending on what family members decide to attend the dinner.

When in doubt, our team of experts are on hand at your local store and can guide you in the right direction. Don’t be shy. They are there to help you with recommendations and how much you will need for the number of guests you expect.

What are some fun Thanksgiving cocktails that won’t upstage the meal?

If you are looking to serve a crowd, serve an easy batch cocktail. You will be busy preparing the meal; you shouldn’t have to play bartender, too. Build the cocktail in a large punch bowl and have your guests serve themselves.

When the recipe calls for a bubbly ingredient, put that ingredient aside and let guests add it on their own. Mix all flat ingredients into a punch bowl. Guest can fill their cups three-quarters of the way with the punch and top it off with soda water or sparkling wine. This way, the punch doesn’t fizz out or go flat the longer it sits out.

If you prefer to single-serve, light cocktails are key. You spent so much time basting the turkey and mashing the potatoes, you don’t want guests to fill up on their beverages. Keep it simple with something like 1 ½ ounces vodka topped with 3 ounces soda water. Something like Ketel One Botanical has no sugar, artificial sweeteners or carbs, but still has a refreshing flavor that will complement your meal.

Here’s a good batch cocktail recipe.

Holiday Cranberry Punch

2 parts cranberry juice

1 part vodka

1 part prosecco

Pour cranberry juice and vodka over ice into pitcher. Top with prosecco. Serve in Champagne flute with a sprig of rosemary.

Serves 1.

Dig in to Tampa Bay’s food and drink scenes

Subscribe to our free Taste newsletter

Get the restaurant and bar news, insights and reviews you crave from food and dining critic Helen Freund every Thursday.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

What are some drink options that go well with heavy desserts like pie?

If you are looking for something to drink while eating pie, pair it with a light sparkling wine like Dominio de la Peseta Cava Demi Sec. If you are looking to end the night after your final bite, sip on a digestif, cognac or single malt scotch.