In a world of non-alcoholic options, Thanksgiving no longer has to be synonymous with getting toasted. But, there’s so many things to toast and give thanks for. As the NA community continues to flourish, incorporating non-alcoholic options has become a pillar of any good party, shared meal, or celebration.
For some guests, imbibing in alcohol simply isn’t an option on Thanksgiving. Some may be pregnant. A few have early wake-ups for Black Friday sales. Others prefer to indulge in all of the food—leaving no room for booze bloat. And, as is the trend with an evolving shift around the culture of alcohol, many simply want to connect and cherish one of the most beloved holidays in America—with no hangover receipts.
Our Thanksgiving Celebration Wine Gift Sets have the total package for hosting in style this holiday season. Don't miss them!
Non-Alcoholic Hosting Tips
Make a Menu
If you’re really looking to wow your non-alcoholic enthusiastic guests, having a special drinks menu is a thoughtful way to make them feel cared for.
It can be as simple as your handwriting and a doodle on household stationery, or get lost in a full-blown arts and crafts project if creative inspiration hits. Menus can be a perfect way to elevate or complete a beautiful tablescape, too.
Listing out the NA options on-hand will open the room with an air of inclusivity and delight—because no one really wants to simply sip on water or seltzer on Thanksgiving.
One for One—Non-Alcoholic Options
Speaking of options, there are so many. To keep it simple, you might try to keep a 1:1 ratio of alcoholic to non-alcoholic drinks. A red, white, and pink wine option are great places to start. We’d also recommend having one to two NA cocktails available; guests can spike their own drinks, too! Last but not least, it never hurts to keep a classic champagne alternative on hand for any spontaneous moments that simply call for some bubbly.
Without further ado, the Thanksgiving Sips:
Wine Essentials:
White:
The beauty of this wine is the way it lends itself to food. Designed specifically for enjoyment with food and fine stemware, Giesen makes the perfect companion to holiday feasts. This best-selling white expression, Giesen Sauvignon Blanc in our Thanksgiving White Wine Bundle, mixes stone fruit, citrus, and a bit of chili spice on the finish. This one is a perfect companion to soft cheeses and charcuterie.
Red:
For this year’s classic table red (a must-have for the holidays), we’re loving the Kolonne Null Rouge No.2 in our 6pack Thanksgiving Red bundle. Alongside the Noughty Rouge & Lautus Savvy Red (two other iconic reds,) this red is beautifully aromatic and layered with dark red fruits, subtle spice, and fine tannins. It’s delicious with any tomato-based dishes or meat. In this case…turkey.
Spirits & Cocktails
Early Evening Cocktail:
For a soft and delicious cocktail, we recommend Almave Ambar in a spicy-marg cocktail or simple zesty tonic.
Nightcap:
When bellies are full, the fire’s going, and guests are savoring a Thanksgiving well spent, some may opt for a drink with a bit of spice and warmth to it. For that, we have CleanCo G Gin. It’s Like gin—minus the alcohol, plus a festive kick. Clean G can easily be enjoyed in a simple non-alcoholic gin & tonic, but it’s the holidays—and we feel like mixing.
Spiced Clean Gin Sling Cocktail
Apple, cinnamon, and bitters come together in this aromatic, sweet, and spicy drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz CleanCo G
- 2 wedges squeezed lime
- 1-3 dashes Angostura bitters
We love All The Bitter Alcohol-Free Bitters
- 4 oz sparkling water
- Cubed ice
- Sliced apple garnish
How to Sip:
- Pour Clean V into a highball glass
- Squeeze the juice of 2 limes over Clean G & top with sparkling water
- Add ice to the glass
- Add Angostura bitters to taste—a bit goes a long way!
- And for the apple delight at the end—arrange a fan of thinly cut apple slices for a garnish. Or just one—whatever suits you.
Bubbly
The FinaleTo top it all off, keep a bottle (or a few) of the ever-luxurious French Bloom Sparkling Wine—Le Blanc on hand. It’s perfectly suited for those idyllic holiday moments that pass all too quickly—and call for bubbles.
Sip, Enjoy, & Toast
In the spirit of the holiday, non-alcoholic alternatives for wines, spirits, cocktails and more are abundant than they’ve ever been.
As a host, spending extra time to keep each guest’s glass half-full (and then some) is a tried-and-true way to create an inviting, warm experience for everyone. Treat and toast to yourself, too! Cheers.