by Laura McManus, President of Mackenzie Limited and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes & More

Raise Your Glass to the Feast

Thanksgiving is about more than the plate, it’s about the pause, the gathering, the “cheers” around the table. Whether you’re carving the bird, ladling the sides and gravy, or grabbing that last slice of pie, the right beverage transforms each moment. Here’s our curated pairing guide to ensure every sip matches the magic of your meal.

Perfect Wine Pairings for Every Course

Begin with a Bubbly Welcome
Kick off the celebration with a dry Prosecco, a Cava, or crisp non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Ideal alongside appetizers like a warming soup or elegant hors d’oeuvres, the sparkle refreshes the palate and elevates the mood. For an elegant twist, try a California Brut Sparkling Wine, or stay traditional with French Champagne like Veuve Clicquot. You can have fun here, let your personality and preferences shine.  Also, if you have trouble picking, your local wine merchant is usually an excellent resource.

Appetizers to Desserts: Signature Cocktails & Mocktails

Cranberry Thyme Spritz Mocktail
Sparkling wine, a splash of cranberry juice, and a sprig of fresh thyme bring a festive and herbaceous accent to your starters. You can also freeze fresh cranberries in your ice cubes for added flavor and color, or add directly into the beverage.

 

 

Maple Bour­bon Old Fashioned
Swap the sugar cube for pure maple syrup, this drink brings in caramelized depth and pairs effortlessly with rich mains or roasted vegetables.

Spiced Pear Martini
Pear nectar, vodka, and a whisper of cinnamon make this cocktail elegant and lightly sweet—perfect either pre-dinner or as an after-dinner toast.

Apple Cider Mule
Fill a copper mug with ice and add 2 oz. vodka or bourbon, 3 oz. fresh apple cider, and 2 oz. ginger beer. Squeeze in a wedge of lime and stir gently. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.

Vanilla Chai Latte Mocktail
Brew 6 oz. of chai tea and steam or heat gently with 2 oz. milk. Stir in 0.5 oz vanilla syrup and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon. Serve warm in a mug. 

Espresso Martini
Shake together 1.5 oz. vodka, 1 oz. coffee liqueur, 1 oz. freshly brewed espresso, and 0.5 oz simple syrup with ice until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a few coffee beans on top.

The Turkey & Main Event: Perfect Wine Pairings

Pinot Noir, with its medium body, delicate tannins, and bright red-fruit notes, pairs beautifully with both white and dark turkey meat. Its subtle earthiness and gentle acidity also complement savory sides like herbed stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and mushroom-based dishes, creating a harmonious balance across the plate. This is my wine of choice for Thanksgiving dinner, I look forward to it all year.

If you prefer a white wine, a rich, buttery Chardonnay enhances creamy dishes such as gratin potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or roasted squash, bringing a roundness and warmth that ties together richer elements of the meal. If you want a second option for your guests, a dry Rosé offers bright berry flavors and crisp acidity, making it versatile enough to pair with turkey, cranberry sauce, and lighter vegetable side dishes.

Alternatively, a medium-bodied Zinfandel, with its ripe fruit and subtle spice, works wonderfully alongside spiced or smoked sides, particularly if your Thanksgiving table features sweet potatoes or glazed carrots.

In short, this meal has great flexibility with your wine choices. Don’t stress too much, and if you’re like me I offer a variety as my guests all have varied tastes and I want each one to feel special.

A Sweet Finish

For the dessert course, you have varied options to go alongside your pumpkin pie, apple pie, or pecan pie. I absolutely love a late-harvest Riesling, and each holiday I also look forward to my uncle Tom who brings a special bottle of aged Ruby Port, and we all savor it drop by precious drop. Alternatively, a spiced dessert wine offers warmth, gentle sweetness and a lingering finish that mirrors the moment. This recipe was passed down from my grandmother and usually makes an appearance at one of my holiday parties.

Mulled Wine
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine (a light Cabernet works well) with 1/4 cup brandy, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, the zest of one orange, and 1 sliced orange. Add warming spices such as 3 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 3 star anise, and a few crushed cardamom pods. Heat very gently over low heat for 15-20 minutes, making certain it never comes to a boil, so the flavors meld without evaporating the alcohol. Strain into heatproof mugs or glasses and garnish with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick. You can also make this in a crock pot to keep warm over a longer period of time, if desired.

Pro Tips for Effortless Entertaining

•    Offer both red and white wine—it ensures every guest finds their match.
•    Batch cocktails in advance: mix, chill, and serve in one go to stay present with friends.  For ease, focus on one or two signature cocktails to keep it stress free, consider having  them pre-made and ready for when guests arrive.
•    Garnish & presentation: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or citrus peels instantly elevate presentation. Also festive glasses and napkins help set the tone.
•    Pair with purpose: choose drinks that refresh the palate, not overpower the plate.

Elevate Every Pour

With the right drinks in hand, whether wine or crafted cocktail, your Thanksgiving becomes not just a meal, but a memorable, festive event. Make it easy on yourself by blend seasonal flavor, simple elegance and gourmet preparation thoughtfully curated gourmet foods (shop Mackenzie Limited for an amazing selection delivered right to your door!), and the result will be a celebration worth remembering. Raise your glass. Here’s to you!

 

Up Next: Entertaining Essentials: Set a Stunning Thanksgiving Table