Thanksgiving is a lot of things.

It’s a day for gratitude, reflection, and enjoying the bounty of life. And it’s different for each of us.

For some, it’s that all-too-rare opportunity to share a delicious meal with loved ones. For others, it’s a hectic day of cooking, baking, and hosting family, friends, and strangers alike.

Sometimes, it’s a high-stress day spent navigating political, social, and familial landmines. And for many, it's not a day of rest, but another long day at work that probably doesn't feel like a celebration at all (until you clock out).

However how you spend the last Thursday in November, we're here to help you choose the right drink to unwind and honor the occasion - no matter what’s on your itinerary.

Cocktails for All Occasions 

If you’re: UP AT DAWN TO GET THE 20lb TURKEY INTO THE OVEN 

Honestly, you deserve a medal.

You’re the wizard behind the curtain. You’re the glue to this whole operation. You’re the one who makes it all happen. And...you’ve got a long day ahead of you.

So while you’re getting that pot of coffee going for your in-laws who are still snoozing in the guest bedroom, make yourself an Irish coffee to get your day started.

Your guests are (hopefully) bringing the fancy wines and the boozy punches later; for now, you just need to get your day started on the right foot.

Irish Coffee Recipe

1.5oz Irish Whiskey (or whatever whiskey you have around the house)

1-2 tsp Maple Syrup

¾ cup hot coffee

Whipped cream, for topping

If you’ve: BEEN TASKED WITH BRINGING A PRE-DINNER DRINK FOR THE WHOLE PARTY

Yeah, you’re going to want to make a punch here.

The best thing about a punch is that you can make it as light (or as boozy) as you want, and all you need is just a little bit of prep time to look like a star.

Strong, weak, bitter, sour, sweet: These are the key elements of any good punch.

Our favorite, from Chicago’s Punch House, looks like this:

Fun Punch Recipe

750ml bottle Reposado tequila

2 cups sparkling white wine

1 cup Luxardo bitters

2.5 cups black peppercorn tea

6oz sugar

2 grapefruits

3 lemons

3 limes

Preparation:

• The night before serving, peel the skins off 1 grapefruit and 2 lemons, avoiding the white pith. Add to a punch bowl and muddle with 6oz sugar.
• Brew 2 tbsp black peppercorns in 2.5 cups water for 10 minutes. Strain.
• Juice 2 grapefruits, 3 lemons, and 3 limes into the same bowl as the rinds and sugar.
• Add hot peppercorn tea to the bowl containing the sugar and citrus.
• Add the bottle of tequila. Refrigerate.
• When ready to serve, add the mixture to a punch bowl with ice; strain out the citrus rinds. Just before serving, add 2 cups of sparkling white wine. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

If you’re: WATCHING THE GAME IN THE OTHER ROOM

Your neighbor (or your dad’s friend, or your BFF) probably brought a nice bottle of something: pop that open if you’re settling in by the TV for a bit.

Otherwise, we love to support our local businesses, so if you’ve got some microbrews or a local wine in the fridge, now’s the time.

But, just remember - you’re probably on dish duty later, so don’t get *too* comfy.

If you’re WORKING ALL DAY AND JUST WANT TO KICK YOUR FEET UP

Frankly, you deserve whatever you want.

After a long day on our feet, we like something simple. The basics. Rye whiskey on the rocks. A tall glass of that nice red wine we’ve been saving. A Miller High Life.

Whatever it is, you’ve earned it.

No matter how you spend your day, we are grateful for you, and we’re happy you’re a part of our family. Cheers!