Thanksgiving Libations

We've collected an assortment of creative cocktail recipes, tasting notes and food pairing ideas that are perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining.

The cocktails include traditional seasonal flavors like pomegranate, apple, ginger, orange, tarragon and lemon ~ all of which pair beautifully with classic Thanksgiving fare like roast turkey, pork or ham.

We want to thank the spirits purveyors who shared this info with us. Be sure to look for these great brands in your local stores.

Sapphire Pomegranate Collins

1-1/2 ounces Bombay Sapphire Gin
1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
30 pomegranate seeds
1 large strawberry
3 ounces club soda

Lightly muddle fruit and simple syrup. Shake all ingredients, except club soda, and pour into ice-filled highball glass. Top with club soda. Garnish 3 seeds and lemon wedge.

Tarragon Buck

1-1/2 ounces Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka
1 ounce dry vermouth
Juice of 1 half organic lemon
3 ounce organic ginger beer
1 large, fresh organic tarragon sprig

Place tarragon in the palm of one hand and slap it hard with the other (want to hear a good clap). Take the bruised herb and rub it all along the inside rim of a bucket glass. Fill the glass with ice, build the drink and stir in the tarragon.

Patrón Holiday Margarita

2 ounces fresh cherry juice
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce Citrónge
1-1/2 ounce Patrón Silver
Lime wedge for garnish

Combine all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Caramel Appel Martini

1-1/2 ounces apple cider
1-1/2 ounces Van Gogh Wild Appel Vodka
1/2 ounce Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
1/2 ounce Apple Schnapps

Glaze the inside of a chilled martini glass with caramel syrup and place glass in the refrigerator until ready to use. Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.

Strain into chilled glass glazed with caramel syrup. Float a thinly sliced apple round (seeds removed) on top.

Autumn Side Car [ wine tail ]

1-1/2 ounce [ yellow tail ] Chardonnay
1/2 ounce brandy
Splash of agave nectar
2 slices of orange
2 fresh basil leaves
Float of Grand Marnier
Garnish with an orange twist

In the bottom of a mixing glass, add the orange slices, agave nectar, and basil leaves then muddle well. Add ice, [ yellow tail ] chardonnay and brandy. Shake well then double strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed in sugar.

Magners Irish Cider

Magners Irish Cider is a lightly carbonated, traditional Irish cider made from a blend of 17 different apple varieties. Traditionally served in a chilled glass over ice, Magners makes a wonderful beverage to pair with a variety of foods.

For a first course, serve Magners with mild or sharp cheddar, smoked gouda or blue cheeses. Pair with entrees like turkey, chicken, pork, salmon or spicy Asian dishes, or a dessert platter featuring fresh fruits and cheeses. It also makes a flavorful addition to sauces and glazes for a variety of roasted meats.

Warsteiner Premium Verum

Warsteiner Premium Verum is a slightly pale German-style pilsner brewed in Warstein, Germany.

Made from naturally soft spring water from the Amsberger Forest and German hop varieties, the beer has a smooth taste and a creamy head.

It's particularly good served with mild, white cheeses like havarti and monterey jack and a nice complement for entrees of poultry, shellfish and spicy foods.

Thanks to the all fine spirits brands that contributed recipes and photos to this feature