5 Thanksgiving Drink Pairings for Your Holiday Table

by Marcos Espinoza on Nov 25, 2014 in Culture
5 Thanksgiving Drink Pairings for Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is almost here, and no one is allowed to show up to this year’s feast empty handed. We’ve all thought long and hard about what side dish pairs best with turkey, but have you thought about what pairs well with those pairings? We’re talking, of course, about the drink choices. Here’s what we’ll have around our Thanksgiving table.

Turkey
End the red wine/white wine debate once and for all with Barleywine. Weyerbacher’s Blithering Idiot is an English Style barleywine with the sweetness of dark fruits that will enhance the turkey-cranberry combo. It’ll also do a much better job of preparing you for that inevitable (and glorious) couch nap that you’ve earned for carving the turkey than wine will.

Stuffing
In the great Thanksgiving side dish debate, stuffing always reigns supreme. How can you argue with a savory sponge cake loaded with sausage, oysters, and aromatic herbs? We like to pair this with an Imperial Stout that errs on the sweet side to balance out all of that savory with a hint of hops. Oskar Blues’ Ten Fidy fits this description nicely, as does Victory’s Storm King.

Green Bean Casserole
Add another canned good to this recipe with a tall boy of Narragansett Lager. This easy drinking beer is as basic as the dish itself, and the high carbonation of this American lager makes this rib-sticking Turkey Day dish a little less heavy.

Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to mashed potatoes, spuds, salt, and sticks upon sticks of butter come together to create a richness much greater than the parts. Balance it out with the elevated IBUs of an IPA. If you’re treating the day as a sprint and not a marathon, Founders All Day IPA provides enough hop bitterness to cut through all that butter, but without the high ABV punch. If you’ve decided to really commit to drinking (and you happen to be off on Black Friday), Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale is a fizzy, festive, fresh hop IPA that looks and tastes great next to a pile of mashed potatoes. Whether you’re a sprinter or a marathoner, try to avoid boozier IPAs that tend to be syrupy.

Pumpkin Pie
At this point in the dinner, you’re most likely stuffed to the gills, but you’re willing to make holiday sacrifices in the name of dessert. Enjoy your pie efficiently by spiking your coffee with a jigger of Irish Whiskey, or take it on the rocks while you take in the other Thanksgiving traditions of football and family awkwardness.

Cheers!

Photos via Flickr: Top, Turkey, Ten Fidy by Paul TalbotGreen Bean Casserole, Celebration Ale, Pumpkin Pie


Tags: Beer, Dinner, Holiday
Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close