Cocktails to Start and End Thanksgiving – Aperitifs and Digestifs
Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses, and while the turkey and trimmings often take center stage, the right cocktails can elevate the experience from start to finish. Beginning your meal with a light aperitif opens the palate and whets the appetite, while ending with a rich, warming digestif ensures your guests leave the table satisfied and cozy. Here’s how to enhance your Thanksgiving gathering with perfectly paired cocktails for both ends of the meal.
And if you’d rather enjoy expertly crafted cocktails alongside an incredible Thanksgiving menu, reserve your table at Sweetbriar, where wood-fired cuisine and seasonal drinks set the stage for an unforgettable holiday.
Aperitifs: Start Light and Stimulating
Aperitifs are designed to awaken the senses and prepare the palate for a hearty meal. These light, citrusy, and slightly bitter drinks are the perfect prelude to Thanksgiving dinner.
1. Autumn Spritz
A seasonal twist on the classic spritz, this cocktail blends fall flavors with effervescence.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz apple cider
1 oz Aperol
3 oz prosecco
1 oz soda water
Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a wine glass with ice. Add apple cider and Aperol, then top with prosecco and soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
This drink’s crisp, fruity flavors and light bubbles are a refreshing way to kick off the meal.
2. Rosemary Gin Fizz
Herbal and slightly citrusy, this cocktail balances gin’s botanicals with a hint of savory rosemary.
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz rosemary simple syrup
2 oz soda water
Rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Shake gin, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup with ice. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, top with soda water, and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
The rosemary complements Thanksgiving herbs like sage and thyme, making it a seamless start to the evening.
Digestifs: End Rich and Warming
After a hearty Thanksgiving meal, a digestif helps aid digestion and offers a comforting close to the evening. These drinks are richer, often featuring warm spices, dark spirits, and indulgent flavors.
1. Spiced Rum Coffee Toddy
This warm cocktail blends the richness of coffee with the sweetness of spiced rum and holiday spices.
Ingredients:
1 oz spiced rum
1 oz coffee liqueur
4 oz hot coffee
1/2 oz simple syrup
Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
Combine rum, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup in a mug. Add hot coffee and stir. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decadent finish.
This toddy is the ideal companion to pumpkin or pecan pie, keeping guests cozy and satisfied.
2. Maple Old Fashioned
This holiday twist on the classic Old Fashioned incorporates maple syrup for a touch of seasonal sweetness.
Ingredients:
2 oz bourbon
1/2 oz maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.
The maple and bourbon pair beautifully with Thanksgiving desserts like apple pie or bread pudding, creating a warm, indulgent conclusion to the meal.
Enjoy Thanksgiving at Sweetbriar
If crafting cocktails at home sounds like a lot to juggle on Thanksgiving, let Sweetbriar take care of the drinks while you focus on spending time with loved ones. Our talented bar team creates seasonal cocktails designed to complement our wood-fired, holiday-inspired menu, ensuring every aspect of your meal is perfect.
From expertly crafted aperitifs to indulgent after-dinner drinks, Sweetbriar offers the full Thanksgiving experience in a welcoming and sophisticated setting. Reserve your table today and celebrate the holiday with us!
