Our Ultimate Thanksgiving Beverage Guide

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without the perfect beverage pairings, we are celebrating after all! Be thankful for all of the phenomenal options produced in the great state of Wisconsin, and raise a glass to all you are grateful for. Cheers! 

For the Liquor Lover

As hors d'oeuvres are passed and the mingling hour commences, offer an Aperitif: a beverage designed to wet the palate and prepare for digestion. With a dry profile, this pre-feast drink gears up stomachs for the richness ahead without bogging you down with sugar or a high alcohol content. Aperitifs can be served straight, like Vermouth or Sherry, or can be made into a refreshing cocktail, like Campari and Soda or the ever-popular Aperol Spritz. Wollersheim Distillery’s Vermouth is a local aperitif that is best served chilled with the cutest decorative glasses in your arsenal.

After guests are more stuffed than the turkey, wind down with a Digestif. Many of us are familiar with dessert drinks, but a digestif throws the sugar out the window to calm bloated stomachs and give the perfect closing note to the feast. Serve glasses of scotch or brandy, or spice it up with amaro or limoncello to offer a pleasing end to the meal. Great Lakes Distillery’s Aged Apple Brandy from their Artisan Series is perfectly paired with a comforting fall dessert. 

Beer Please! 

This is Wisconsin, so we are required to talk beer. This is the perfect opportunity for you to showcase seasonal options that will pair well with Thanksgiving staples, like Milwaukee Brewing Company’s “Sasquash,” a sweet potato porter made with roasted pumpkin, sweet potato and squash or Lakefront Brewery’s “My Turn Ted,” a light apple ale with easy drinkability. Beer, however, is classically a filling beverage, so if you’re choosing to have suds with your stuffing, remember to save room for pie.

Wine for the Soul

Wine is a staple at any dinner party, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Be sure to have a wine that speaks to everyone’s tastes by offering a variety of styles. The Blind Horse Winery’s Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for white-wine drinkers, and the acidity cuts through the richness of a heavy meal. Those who prefer red wines will enjoy Von Stiehl Winery’s Columbia Gorge Pinot Noir, offering the boldness of spice and tannins. A seasonal crowd-pleaser, Cedar Creek Winery’s Cranberry Blush is perfect for those in the middle ground who appreciate a sweeter fruit wine, featuring fresh Wisconsin cranberry juice. 

Non-Alcoholic Staples

It’s still a holiday, so treat all designated drivers and youngsters to a celebratory non-alcoholic beverage as well. Top Note Tonic’s Sparkling Grapefruit Soda lies in the middle of sweet and tart, and brightens the meal with wintery acidity. Looking for lighter fare? Wisco Pop! Ginger Sparkle (now available in cans!) is a bubbly delight for those who enjoy a touch of comforting ginger to compliment the classic seasonal flavors of a Thanksgiving meal.

Pro Tip: Don’t Forget the Coffee!

We collected necessary coffee tips from Edible Milwaukee’s good friend, Cody Kinart, one of Colectivo’s coffee geniuses. Fight the tryptophan snoozes with a cup of local joe, but done the right way with his advice: 

1. Bigger is better. Opt for the French Press or borrow the old Percolator from your church's basement. A real coffee pro can make great coffee on any ol' maker—just remember your coffee to water ratio:

60 grams of coffee to 1 liter of water

or

8 coffee scoops per 8 cups of water

or 

2 Tbsp per 1 cup of water 

2. Lose the ego and let the machines do the work. Properly and freshly ground coffee through Mr. Coffee will still taste better than some pre-ground big brand coffee that was roasted who knows when. Maybe just take this opportunity to invest in the Bonavita 8-cup Brewer. Even coffee pros use it at home. 

3. Compliment or Contrast? High acidity coffees will contrast the high-fat, ultra-salty meal your guests just consumed. Light roasts like Colectivo’s Guatemala Mountain of Flowers will have a nice acidity and likely a cherry, berry, or fruity flavor profile that will clean that palette. However, the complementary medium to dark roast like Colectivo’s Black and Tan is sure to be a safe bet if you just want something smoky alongside your pile of Cool Whip with a side of pumpkin pie. 

4. Think ahead. Thanksgiving doesn't jump around. It's the last Thursday in November every single year. Coffee is best 48 hours after roasting and up to 3 weeks later. Get that bag of beans the weekend before!