The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Beverages

As the beloved holiday of Thanksgiving approaches, many find themselves pondering the age-old question: what should we drink? The answer is refreshingly simple—choose whatever pleases your palate! While wine is traditionally the go-to beverage, there are countless delightful alternatives to consider. Whether it’s a crisp cider, a refreshing beer, or even a comforting iced tea, your options are plentiful. You might even consider a wonderful blend of cider and wine, or simply stick with good old-fashioned water.

On a day filled with culinary delights and family gatherings, your beverage choices should be the least of your concerns. Thanksgiving is not about scrutinizing the perfect wine pairings; rather, it’s a time for loved ones to come together, indulge in sumptuous food, and savor whatever is in their glasses. After all, it’s a celebration, not an examination! The beverages should enhance the experience, not complicate it.

Over the past two decades, I have annually explored what to drink with the Thanksgiving feast. Based on my experience, you can’t go wrong as long as you follow a few guiding principles. Consider these tips for navigating your beverage selections:

• Provide Alternatives: Ensure you have options for guests who may not wish to drink wine. Consider having some craft beers, sparkling ciders, and plenty of nonalcoholic beverages available.

• Embrace Variety: Offer both white and red wines to cater to all tastes. It’s wise to choose familiar varieties—think of a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a light Beaujolais over more adventurous choices like a tannic orange wine.

• Plan for Everyone: A good rule of thumb is to estimate one bottle of wine for each drinking guest. While you may not finish every bottle, running dry is a surefire way to dampen the festivities.

• Mind the Alcohol Content: Opt for wines with an alcohol percentage of under 14%. Steer clear of overly tannic, sweet, or oaky options; instead, choose wines that refresh rather than overwhelm your senses.

Many wines fit these criteria beautifully, particularly in the $15 to $25 price range—a sweet spot for excellent value. Here, I’ve curated a selection of 12 wines, comprising six whites and six reds. If you can’t find these specific bottles, don’t hesitate to consult a knowledgeable wine merchant for similar recommendations or revisit past Thanksgiving suggestions.

Ciders, too, are an exceptional choice—lower in alcohol than most wines and a fantastic complement to Thanksgiving fare. They evoke a sense of the season, even if the bottles you purchase are from earlier harvests. You might also explore cider-and-wine blends or craft nonalcoholic cocktails for a refreshing twist.

Remember, the key to a successful Thanksgiving is to relax and enjoy the moment. Amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing the feast, selecting what to drink should be the easiest part of your day.