Happy Drinksgiving
When it comes to Thanksgiving, your first thought probably includes family, friends, good food and, of course, sharing what you’re thankful for. But, like any good holiday, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without a delicious cocktail in hand, and for many, it’s the perfect occasion to celebrate with loved ones. Many of us are familiar with the tale of the first Thanksgiving that took place back in 1621, but how many of us know when the booze first came into play? So, let’s dive into how Thanksgiving became one of the liveliest holidays of the year.
The Beginning
While many may head straight for the wine aisle come the holiday season, it is believed that during the first Thanksgiving, the Plymouth Colonists and the Wampanoag Tribe shared an autumn harvest feast alongside an abundance of fermented apple cider. Because apple seeds and cider presses were brought over on the Mayflower in 1620, it’s no surprise that cider was the drink of choice for pilgrims, colonists, farmers, homesteaders and pioneers and, of course, made its debut at the first Thanksgiving. Following tradition, apple cider was consumed more than any other beverage in North America for the first couple hundred Thanksgivings and is still found on our tables today.
Prohibition’s Role
The Prohibition Era was getting started in 1919, which surprisingly led to the creation of many delicious cocktails. Drinks like Highballs, Sidecars, Boulevardiers and French 75s were sipped on in secret back then, but are now enjoyed for various occasions, including Thanksgiving. Fast-forward 100 years, and you can now find everything at the Thanksgiving table from Hard Apple Cider, Manhattan’s, Hot Toddy’s, Mulled Wine and more.
Black(out) Wednesday
Black Wednesday is a celebration that has been around for decades, gaining popularity in 2006, when the catchy term “Black(out) Wednesday” was first coined. As the name implies, the booze-filled party takes place the night before Thanksgiving and is known nationwide as one of the most popular drinking days of the year. Thanks to many Americans coming home for the holidays, as well as being off work for Thanksgiving Day, Black Wednesday often surpasses New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo in drink sales for many restaurants and bars throughout the country. Of course, the unofficial holiday is most popular among college students and young adults as the perfect occasion to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends over a craft cocktail or cold pint. Still, it is celebrated around the country by many with special deals, events and more.
Cause for Celebration
Today, Thanksgiving has evolved from a gracious feast to a joyous occasion spent with loved ones in more ways than one. This holiday certainly calls for celebration with an array of holiday-themed festivities, including Turkey Trots, football games, the Thanksgiving Day parade, Friendsgiving and more. And no matter what your holiday plans call for, we can all agree that Thanksgiving is best spent alongside family and friends enjoying a homecooked meal and, of course, a delicious cocktail (or two).
The Conversation Starter Recipe
Get mingling with this tasty after-dinner cocktail crafted with Northside bourbon, coffee and sweet pecan liqueur.
Ingredients:
1 oz. Northside Bourbon
1 oz. pecan liqueur
Coffee
Garnish: Whipped Cream
Instructions: Pour the Northside Bourbon and pecan liqueur into a mug. Top with freshly-brewed coffee. Serve with your favorite after-dinner cookies or top with whipped cream.
