This series is still in its infancy, but when we saw all of the great Turkey Day-themed cocktails that bartenders and mixologists across the country were creating, we knew we wanted to share more than just one. So, pleas accept this plentiful bounty of Thanksgiving Day-themed cocktails as our gift to you.
First up is Washington, D.C.’s Hank’s Cocktail Bar and their Hold The Fluff. Jessica Weinstein, Beverage Director of Jamie Leeds Restaurant Group which includes Hank’s, was inspired by the signature dishes served on the glutinous holiday.
Hold The Fluff
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz Angels Envy Bourbon
- .5oz lemon juice
- .5oz Sweet Potato Syrup
- .5oz Red wine
Instructions:
Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and sweet potato syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cover, and shake until outside of shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into a double rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Gently pour 1/2 ounce red wine over the back of a spoon held just above the drink’s surface so wine floats on top.
Next, the folks at Duke Bourbon sent us the aptly named Gunsmoke. Duke was crafted utilizing John Wayne’s love of a bold, smooth, full-bodied bourbon from a recipe created from his handwritten notes. All eyes will be on you as you assemble this mesmerizing cocktail using your smoking gun (because everyone owns one, right?).
Gunsmoke
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Duke Bourbon
- .75 oz Fresh Bayleaf Syrup
- .75 oz Yuzu Lemon Blend
- 2 Dashes Elemakule Tiki Bitters
Instructions:
Dry shake all ingredients, add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a small coupe. Place the cocktail under a glass cloche and fill the cloche with cherrywood smoke from a smoking gun. Let sit for 30 seconds then enjoy!
Our third cocktail is also from Hank’s Cocktail Bar because… Well, because we couldn’t decide which one to feature as they both sound amazing.
Who You Callin’ A Turkey?
Ingredients:
- 2oz Fat Washed Wild Turkey
- 1 tsp Sarsaparilla Syrup
- 2 angostura bitters
- Flamed orange peel
Instructions:
Fill Single Rocks Glass with ice and pour ingredients over. Stir until chilled. Twist and squeeze orange peel over a lit match or lighter. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop the twist into the drink.
Finally, this sweet treat from Co-Owner and Mixologist Johnny Swet and the team over at JIMMY at The James is the perfect palette cleanser, in our opinion.
Walnut Sazerac
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Ragtime Rye Whiskey
- 1 ounce Vicario Walnut Liquor
- 4 dashes absinthe
- 3 dashes Peychud’s Bitters
- Lemon twist
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, add the rye whiskey, walnut liquor, absinthe, and Peychud’s Bitters. Add ice, then stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass, then twist the lemon peel over the drink to release the oils. Garnish the glass with a slice of lemon peel.
Let us know if you have a cocktail recipe you love or if there’s a recipe that you want us to break down on social media with the hashtag, #TWLcocktail. Happy Thanksgiving! Please drink responsibly.
