The Thanksgiving long weekend has arrived and, with it, the beautiful colours of changing leaves, overcooked turkey, and protracted arguments with your conspiracy theorist uncle. I’ve crafted this Sage Apple Spritz to help you savour the cherished moments taking in the autumnal splendour and overcome the trying conversations with your extended family.
This dangerously easy-drinking combination is a kind of hybrid between an Aperol spritz and a Boulevardier. Like an Aperol Spritz, this drink employs a pleasantly bitter amaro, Amaro Nonino, and a few ounces of dry sparkling wine. Like the Boulevardier, this drink combines whisky and amaro in equal parts.
I’ve added a few other ingredients to give this a seasonal twist: apple cider, allspice dram (this can be hard to find in Canada unless you’re making your own, consider this an optional addition), Angostura bitters for that baking spice flavour, lemon, and fresh sage for garnish.
This year we’re keeping our celebration small. Michael and I will be hosting my parents and his five-year-old daughter. Since a whole turkey would be wasted on 4 adults and a picky eater, we’ve decided to prepare a Southwestern-inspired menu comprised of:
- Cornbread Stuffing with Country Sausage (made with gluten free flour)
- Cranberry Compote
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
- Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
- Well Steamed Green Beans
- Turkey Legs with Cider & Apples
- Carrot & Ginger Pots de Crème
I know what you’re thinking, “Didn’t she say she was only hosting four adults and one child?” Yes, I did. But here’s the thing about me, I pride myself on being the hostess with the mostess and I believe, if you’re volunteering to host, your table should be as bountiful as your love and gratitude for the guests in attendance.
Having recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, I also feel more comfortable playing master chef because I know I won’t be exposed to any gluten or cross-contamination thereof.
If you’re hosting this weekend, or simply volunteered to contribute a dish, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on the pages of this blog. I even put together posts curating some of my Favourite Fall Recipes and a Master Plan: Fall Dinner Party which could be good starting points.
For more apple cider cocktails to put that 4-litre jug you picked up to good use, check out some of these recipes from the Taste & Tipple archives:
Whatever you end up sipping and savouring this Thanksgiving, I hope you do it in good company, good taste, accompanies by a great playlist. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sage Apple Spritz
This is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail but can be enjoyed throughout the fall and winter.
- 1½ oz apple cider
- 1 oz rye
- 1 oz Amaro Nonino
- 1/4 oz allspice dram (optional)
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz rich demerara syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 3 oz dry sparkling wine like Cava or Prosecco
- 1 sprig fresh sage for garnish
- 2 cups demerara sugar
- 1 cup water
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Add all ingredients, except sparkling wine and sage, to a cocktail shaker. Add ice.
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Shake until well-chilled.
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Strain into an ice-filled wine glass. Top with sparkling wine and stir to combine.
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Garnish with a sprig of fresh sage.
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Add demerara sugar and water to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat.
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Stir regularly until sugar is dissolved – about 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
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Strain into an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Wow, this looks and sounds delicious. Can’t wait to be on the tasting end of this magnificent Thanksgiving meal that you are creating! xoxo