Thanksgiving Recipe Riffs + Cocktail Pairings for Your Friendsgiving Table [INFOGRAPHIC]

The holidays are all about celebrating those we’re most thankful for , including our friends. Thanksgiving’s arguably less formal counterpart, Friendsgiving, is typically observed with festive cocktails and a potluck-style feast enjoyed with the best of company. While it’s expected that holiday staples like turkey and mashed potatoes will make appearances, we suggest putting a creative spin on your next Friendsgiving offering with these Thanksgiving-inspired bites that are riffs on the classics.

Instead of opting for a few bottles of wine for your celebration, mix it up with spirits. The versatility of cocktails allows for hand-picking the flavors you want to stand out in your feast. We are giving thanks with a few crowd-pleasing pairings that mix libations with these delicious dishes. They’re sure to become the stars of your Friendsgiving table.

Cleanse the Palate: Grapefruit & Thyme G & T + Rosemary Garlic Bread & Cranberry Baked Brie

A fizzy and herbaceous G & T is the perfect way to prepare the palate for the rich meal ahead. Serve it alongside a delicious counterpart, like pieces of warm rosemary garlic bread dipped into a perfectly oozy baked Brie. The fresh thyme in the cocktail pairs perfectly with heady rosemary, heightened further by the inherent botanical notes of Tanqueray No. Ten, balanced with the tart sweetness of cranberry.

Ingredients

• 1.75 ounces Tanqueray No. Ten
• Tonic water, to top
• Grapefruit twist
• Grapefruit wheel garnish
• Thyme sprig garnish

Instructions

1. Pour Tanqueray No. Ten Gin into a goblet or wine glass over ice and top with tonic water.
2. Express grapefruit twist over the glass and stir well.
3. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of thyme. Serves 1.

A Little Savory: Martini + Turkey Meatballs & Herbed Gravy

Dip your toes into the savory realm with a simple yet elegant Ketel One Martini. It’s perfect for cleansing your palate if you were just enjoying the melty cheese above. Pair this beverage with some turkey meatballs, smothered in an herbed gravy, which will provide a perfect contrast to the bright, chilled cocktail. Notes of cracked black pepper from the Martini also complement the meaty dish.

Ingredients

• 1.25 ounces Ketel One Vodka
• 0.25 ounce dry vermouth
• Lemon twist garnish

Instructions

1. Stir Ketel One Vodka in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist. Serves 1.

Add Some Spice: Spicy Añejo Margarita + Hatch Green Chile Creamed Corn

A spicy Margarita is just the kick your Friendsgiving needs to prevent any impending food comas. Pair it with a creative take on traditional creamed corn, which helps to cut through the cocktail’s spice level. The smoky-sweet Hatch green chiles complement the flavors of chipotle chili powder, while the rich Don Julio Añejo Tequila adds further balance.

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces Don Julio Añejo Tequila
• 0.25 ounce orange liqueur
• 0.5 ounce lime juice
• 0.25 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• Lime wedge garnish

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge and a salt or sugar rim (optional). Serves 1.

And for Dessert: Rob Roy + Apple Crumble Pie

This Rob Roy cocktail places the subtly smoky Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky front and center, balanced with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. It’s the perfect sipper for the end of your Friendsgiving meal, made even better when paired with a delicious apple pie — thanks to the complementary fruity flavors of baked apple and a buttery crumble topping.

Ingredients

• 1.5 ounces Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Orange peel twist
• Brandied cherry garnish

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Stir and strain into a coupe glass and twist a piece of orange peel over the glass to release the aromatic oils.
3. Garnish with a brandied cherry. Serves 1.

This infographic is sponsored by The Bar.