Thanksgiving is the biggest time of year for anyone who appreciates cooking or eating. But it’s also a rather perfect time to appreciate a festive cocktail.
We love our turkey and trimmings, but these seasonal cocktails are the perfect way to set the mood on Thanksgiving.
An Affair to Remember
An Affair to Remember at Cathédrale at the Moxy East Village in New York City.
Created by Nikki McCutcheon, Senior Director of Beverage for Cathédrale at the Moxy East Village in New York City, part of Tao Group Hospitality, this is a Dirty Martini perfect for the season. “An Affair to Remember is the perfect cocktail for entertaining during the holiday season; a dirty martini poured over a large clear ice cube, topped with a gilded caviar oyster and a deconstructed Castelvetrano olive. Paring a favorite classic cocktail with a timeless small bite garnish to create a decadent showpiece that’s sure to take your cocktail hour to the next level. The salinity of the dirty martini highlight the savory briny notes of the oyster and caviar. The touch of gold leaf covering the caviar is the perfect finish giving festive holiday flair!” said McCutcheon.
Brown Butter Washed Old Fashioned
Brown Butter Washed Old Fashioned at Americana Kitchen + Bar at Loews Coral Gables Hotel.
At Americana Kitchen + Bar at Loews Coral Gables Hotel , a blend of Maker’s Mark bourbon, house made brown butter wash and cherry oleo saccharum, which is a citrus sugar syrup. “A classic cocktail for a classic holiday, we brown butter wash our Old Fashioned for an extra layer of rich holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving appetizers, entrees and desserts. The citrus sugar syrup adds a tart yet sweet note, rounding out a delicious seasonal sip,” said Tareq Shaban, Director of Food & Beverage for Loews Coral Gables Hotel.
Gobble ‘Til You Wobble
Gobble ‘Til You Wobble at GRANA at The Langham in Boston.
At GRANA at The Langham in Boston, this cocktail is made with bourbon, apricot, lemon and vanilla. ”Bourbon has baking season notes that pair well with dried apricot and vanilla, balanced with lemon for a little acidity,” Paige McGroarty, Bar Manager at The Fed and Cocktail Connoisseur at The Langham, Boston.
Smokey Mapled Mark
Smokey Mapled Mark at Tavern House Kitchen & Bar in Newport Beach, California.
At Tavern House Kitchen & Bar in Newport Beach, California, this seasonal cocktail is made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Grand Marnier, real maple syrup, and orange bitters. The cocktail is garnished with a thick orange slice studded with cloves. “The Smokey Mapled Mark is more than a seasonal riff on an old fashioned, it’s a soul-warming, multi-sensory experience that plays up the flavors of fall through notes of cinnamon, maple, and clove,” said chef/owner David Wilhelm.
Say Grace
Say Grace, available at all Neighborhood Projects locations in New York City.
Available at all Neighborhood Projects locations in New York City, which includes Tiny's & The Bar Upstairs, Yves, and Smith & Mills , this cocktail is made with Gosling Spiced Rum, persimmon, sage, lemon, garnished with crispy sage leaf. "The say grace is the perfect thanksgiving cocktail because of the cozy marriage of persimmon and sage. The warmth of the rum reminds you of a hug from mom and it is all tied together with a delicate foam that allows this cocktail to sip like a plate from the dinner table,” said Sue Flores, head bartender of Neighborhood Projects.
The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree at 1 Kitchen at 1 Hotel Nashville.
At 1 Kitchen at 1 Hotel Nashville, this cocktail is made with Mezcal infused with cacao nibs and roasted coconut. "This festive drink puts a twist on the classic chocolate negroni, infusing mezcal with cacao nibs and roasted coconut. Honing in on 1 Hotels' sustainability ethos, the cacao nibs used in the mezcal's chocolate infusion are given a second-life, as they are used in additional drinks on the cocktail menu. No ingredient goes to waste in the creation of the libation,” said Harrison Deakin, lead bartender.
Get Sauced, Give Thanks
Get Sauced, Give Thanks at Bistronomy by Nico in Charleston.
At Bistronomy by Nico in Charleston, Bar Director Kristin Wenzinger created the Get Sauced, Give Thanks to toast Thanksgiving. Made with Bombay Gin, honey thyme infused fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and cranberry bitters, it's served chilled in a martini glass with a sprig of fresh thyme for aromatics. The name is a playful reference to cranberry sauce and the cranberry bitters that balances the drink. "We wanted to create a drink that embraced all of the ingredients, flavors and smells of the season without being overly heavy, so it doesn't interfere with the meal. This cocktail is perfectly balanced and the perfect cocktail for Thanksgiving gatherings,” said Kristin Wenzinger.
Previously, On Lost
Previously, On Lost In Asheville, North Carolina at Table and Right There Bar.
In Asheville, North Carolina at Table and Right There Bar, this drink is made with dark rum, Applejack, pisco, carrot-ginger honey, orgeat, orange, and lime. "For this spin on a Fogcutter, the traditional gin and cognac were swapped for bonded applejack and Peruvian pisco. Topped with sake sweet vermouth, this Long Island Iced Tea of tiki drinks is tall, juicy and boozy,” said Malcolm Knighten, Bar Director at Table & Right There Bar.
Thank Me Later
Thank Me Later at Boston-based Pazza on Porter.
At Boston-based Pazza on Porter, this cocktail is made with Velo Vodka, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, agave syrup, coconut cream syrup, lime juice and topped with mango foam. “I wanted to create something fun and delicious yet a bit different than the expected fall flavors. Thank Me Later is a sweet surprise that is perfect to enjoy with dessert and it is gives our guests a reason to celebrate all season long. People should enjoy “Thank Me Later” with their friends and family especially on a special occasion like Thanksgiving,” said Josue Castillo, Beverage Director.
