NYC’s Signature Spirits for Your Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and delicious indulgence. Why not celebrate with cocktails that showcase New York City's vibrant distilling scene? From locally crafted vodkas to robust whiskeys, NYC's artisanal spirits offer a unique way to elevate your Thanksgiving festivities while supporting local businesses.
Here’s a guide to some standout NYC-made spirits and how to use them to craft Thanksgiving-worthy cocktails.
1. New York Distilling Company: Dorothy Parker Gin
What It Is: Named after the legendary NYC wit and writer, this gin is as bold and complex as its namesake, featuring botanicals like elderberries, cinnamon, and hibiscus.
Perfect Cocktail: The Autumnal G&T
2 oz Dorothy Parker Gin
4 oz tonic water
Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick for a seasonal twist.
Why It Works: The bright botanicals complement Thanksgiving appetizers like cheese plates or roasted vegetables.
2. Kings County Distillery: Straight Bourbon
What It Is: Crafted in Brooklyn, this small-batch bourbon is rich with caramel and vanilla notes, making it ideal for cocktails or sipping neat.
Perfect Cocktail: Spiced Bourbon Cider
2 oz Kings County Bourbon
4 oz warm apple cider
Dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
Garnish with an orange slice and star anise.
Why It Works: This comforting cocktail pairs beautifully with turkey and stuffing, evoking the cozy flavors of fall.
3. Brooklyn Gin
What It Is: Handcrafted in small batches, Brooklyn Gin uses fresh citrus peels and juniper berries for a crisp, zesty profile.
Perfect Cocktail: Cranberry Gin Fizz
2 oz Brooklyn Gin
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz lime juice
Top with soda water and garnish with fresh cranberries.
Why It Works: This refreshing cocktail is a great palate cleanser between rich Thanksgiving courses.
4. Van Brunt Stillhouse: Rye Whiskey
What It Is: Made in Red Hook, Brooklyn, this rye whiskey is spicy and robust, with hints of pepper and caramel that add depth to any drink.
Perfect Cocktail: Maple Rye Manhattan
2 oz Van Brunt Rye Whiskey
1 oz sweet vermouth
0.5 oz maple syrup
Dash of Angostura bitters
Garnish with a cherry.
Why It Works: This sophisticated cocktail adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table and pairs perfectly with dessert.
5. Greenhook Ginsmiths: Beach Plum Gin Liqueur
What It Is: A creative take on sloe gin, this liqueur uses locally sourced beach plums for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Perfect Cocktail: Plum Harvest Spritz
1.5 oz Beach Plum Gin Liqueur
3 oz prosecco
Top with club soda
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Why It Works: This light and festive drink is ideal for toasting with friends and family before dinner.
6. Industry City Distillery: Vodka
What It Is: Produced in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, this vodka is clean and smooth, perfect as a base for creative cocktails.
Perfect Cocktail: Pumpkin Spice White Russian
1.5 oz Industry City Vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz pumpkin spice creamer
Serve over ice and garnish with grated nutmeg.
Why It Works: This dessert-inspired drink is a delightful way to finish the Thanksgiving meal.
Supporting Local Distilleries
By incorporating NYC-made spirits into your Thanksgiving celebrations, you’re not only enhancing your menu but also supporting local businesses that embody the city’s creativity and craftsmanship.
Toast to Thanksgiving with Art of the Cocktail
Want to elevate your Thanksgiving even further? Let Art of the Cocktail mixologists create custom cocktails using NYC’s finest spirits for your holiday event. Whether it’s a Friendsgiving gathering or a formal dinner, our experts will craft drinks that leave your guests raving.
