Family drinks

What do we really drink on Thanksgiving (2021). All the featured products of wine lovers Getty are independently selected by our editorial team or contributors. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment for any product reviews, but we may earn commissions for purchases made through links on this website. Prices are accurate at the time of publication.

Thanksgiving traditions vary, from a large gathering of turkey and accessories to a separate fried chicken feast. No matter what the meal requires, you want to leave something unforgettable in your cup. Here, 12 members of the Wine Enthusiast team shared their plans to pour wine on important days.

For Thanksgiving, my mother-in-law prepared Finnish-style turkey: stuffed with orange slices, rosemary sprigs and spices. Because I am the only person in the family who drinks rosé wine...I like to pair my meals with the red wine Grenache rosé. The crisp and juicy aroma of red fruit perfectly matches the Nordic-style turkey, and balances the flavors of various sweet and savory side dishes. — Jaime Brown, Digital Editor Assistant

I have been preparing sparkling rosé wines for large family gatherings. My parents started drinking white wine before everyone came, which meant that the rest of us had to find something else to drink while setting the table. I chose the pink bubbles because I am sure they go well with any appetizers we choose when placing cutlery and silverware. -Marco Bruno, Social Media Coordinator

This year we will be a very small group-our family has more than 30 strong people on Thanksgiving-so I am very happy to share a few special bottles, and I know that every bite will be truly and thoroughly enjoyed. We will start with Ca' del Bosco Dosage Zéro Franciacorta with dried fruits, nuts and cheese appetizers, because who doesn't like to start a special day with some bubbles? In the grand feast, I really like the juicy red wine and the crunchy red fruit flavors, which can go with my bird and side dishes, so we will drink a bottle of AA Badenhorst's Ramnasgras Cinsault to keep our palate happy and let Our hearts are relaxed. — Lauren Buzzeo, Editor-in-Chief

Every year I look forward to going to my brother's house for Thanksgiving. Not only is he a seven-minute drive from my house, but my sister-in-law is the best non-professional chef I know. I am looking forward to her delicious roasted Brussels sprouts, sour cranberry sauce and tempting moist roasted turkey. (Even non-turkey lovers at home love this dish.) However, the chef’s kissing experience is Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the few common interests of my brother and me is dry red wine, which can drop smoothly without causing headaches. My only hangover the next day was that there were no leftovers. ——Dara P. Kapoor, Executive Director of Content

We might start with "modern mules" and use our favorite Maid of the Meadow vodka from Beacon's Denning's Point Distillery. Vodka's unique flavor of wild herbs and honey plus a little bit of ginger and lemon should prepare our palate for the impact of side dishes. It is also possible to enter our traditional thermos for a walk before the banquet! —Julia Lea, Digital Creative Director

If I want to host an important day, I will make myself a little more relaxed and pair it with classic T-day wine pairings: aromatic white wines such as jelly syrup and Riesling, and light-bodied red wines such as Gamay and Pinot Noir And (if I feel lively) Cabernet Franc without oak barrels. These are classics for a reason. After a few days of preparation in the kitchen, the last thing I want to worry about is wine. —Alexander Peartree, Director of Wine Tasting

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Beer is always my first choice for holiday meals, but I like to keep it light. As a girl in Massachusetts, I always like Boston beer with Sam Adams on hand. Its crisp, clean taste is perfect for the array of flavors on the Thanksgiving table. I also plan to drink some sports beer for the first time this year. This non-alcoholic beverage is easy to drink, allowing you to enjoy beer silently. —Kristen Richard (Kristen Richard), digital editor

My brother-in-law’s younger brother kindly prepares a delicious pre-dinner cocktail every year. This is an improvisation of the Royal Kiel made with sparkling wine and his homemade Concord glucose syrup. (He lives in Maine and is very resourceful!) Bright and full-bodied, it will arouse your appetite all day long, eat and drink while watching a football game on the TV in the next room. — Emily Saladino, Associate Editor of Digital Edition

My mother-in-law likes bubbles, so this year, I will share Philippe Sohler Brut Rosé, a wine that is more golden than pink, and draws a lot of fresh, refreshing apple and pear flavors from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. It also has an earthy, mushroom-like edge, which matches every element of the meal well. My father asked for Alsace wine so that he can understand the region, which is part of my job. I am very happy that there are not only bubbles, but also Pinot Noir. There are so many great options for under $20 with such a strong cranberry flavor that we might not even need cranberry sauce. I would choose Ruhlmann Cuvée Mosaique, it also has some cedar flavor, which adds a festive feeling. — Layla Schlack, Associate Editor, Printing

Starting Thanksgiving with bubbling notes always makes the holiday full of festive atmosphere. You can find incredible value in sparkling wine, such as Lucien Albrecht NV Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé... Next, ideally, in a perfect world, I drink in the order of weight and body (this does not It doesn't always happen!) I would choose a luxurious Pinot, such as bottled wine from the Sonoma Coast or Willamette Valley. This is a holiday to reward yourself! Hartford Court produces some special, low-volume labels. In the end, I hope to end with something big and bold! Drinking Zinfandel on Thanksgiving is controversial (is it really an "American" grape, and is it even paired with turkey?). The answer to these two questions may be no, but since Thanksgiving food is so rich, I say go. There is a manufacturer called Manzanita Creek, I highly recommend it to make old vine beauties. —Erika Strum Silberstein, President of Wine Enthusiasts Business Department

I like to offer some different bottles during the holidays. I like to start dinners with bubbles, so this year, I started with the fun Austrian Sekt by Christian Madl. I have a bottle of Von Den Weissen 2013 Brut that will stimulate their taste. For appetizers, I will show a bright white wine, such as J Vineyards 2016 Bow Tie Chardonnay. As for the main course, I want to open a special bottle of Emeritus 2017 Pinot Noir. ——Jesse Topps, Assistant Editor

My family celebrates the mix of Mexican, German and American traditions, so our Thanksgiving dinner is very diverse. This year, we decided to do something special because it happened to be my birthday! I will prepare Feuerzangenbowle, which is a traditional German drink, lit by rum-soaked pastries and served with mulled wine. I don’t think there is any need for candles on my birthday cake this year! — Itzel Wittlif, Digital Product and Marketing Manager

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