4 Festive Fall Sips To Serve This Thanksgiving

The leaves are beginning to turn, the air is getting crisp, and the season of all things cozy in Canada has begun. With the season comes Thanksgiving, a time when Canadians gather around a table to break bread with friends, family and loved ones while bringing new and time-honored traditions to mark the occasion of gratitude with loved ones. 

For those hosting celebrations, the preparation for the holiday begins, as hosts scour the internet for ideas on tablescapes, appetizers, wine and the latest trend in making a memorable occasion for guests. This Thanksgiving, Canadian hosts enjoy a variety of seasonal sips that pair perfectly with Thanksgiving feasts and inspired by our favourite fall flavours. —Vita Daily

GRANT’S SMOKY MAPLE SOUR 

Grant’s Whisky believes in the power of tradition with a twist, and what better way to welcome Thanksgiving tradition than with The Smoky Maple Sour, a modern take on a classic whisky cocktail? This cocktail’s smoky, sweet profile makes it the perfect partner for herb-crusted roast turkey, with the maple-glazed vegetables elevating the flavours of your meal. Every sip of the Smoky Maple Sour is a toast to the day that brings people closer each year. 

Ingredients: 

• 60 ml Grant’s Triple Wood 12 
• 25 ml Fresh lemon juice 
• 15 ml Maple syrup 
• Orange twist for garnish 

How to make: 

1. Shake 60 ml Grant’s Triple Wood 12, 25 ml fresh lemon juice, and 15 ml maple syrup with ice, and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.  
2. Garnish with an orange twist. 

GIBSON’S APPLE PIE OLD FASHIONED 

Gibson’s Finest is all about celebrating life’s finer moments. The Apple Pie Old Fashioned cocktail is known for creating an inviting spirit for reminiscing your finest moments with loved ones. Combining the smooth, full-bodied taste of Gibson’s Finest Rare 12-Year-Old with the crisp sweetness of pure apple, this cocktail pairs excellently with apple-cider brined pork loin and spiced apple chutney for a meal that’s as warm and welcoming as your favorite fall memories.  

Ingredients: 

• 2oz Gibson’s Finest Rare 12-Year-Old 
• 1oz Pure Apple Cider 
• 0.5oz Simple Syrup 
• 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters 
• Pinch of Apple Pie Spice (I Used Clubhouse)  
• 2 Apple Slices  
• Glass: rocks 

How to make: 

1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker over ice and stir well. Pour out over ice (a king cube would be awesome).  
2. Garnish with apple slices.  

SAILOR FRIENDSGIVING RUM PUNCH 

Sailor Friendsgiving Rum Punch is a bold, flavorful concoction that brings together the spiced kick of Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum with the festive tang of ginger beer, apple cider, and cranberry juice. Sailor Jerry knows how to keep the party going! Serve it alongside a cranberry-glazed ham and spiced sweet potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a Thanksgiving feast that’s as lively and colorful as your crew.  

Ingredients: 

• 3 Cups (24 oz.) Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum 
• 2 (12 oz.) Bottles Ginger Beer, cooled 
• 1/3 Cup Honey 
• 12 Whole Cloves 
• 8 Cups Apple Cider, divided 
• 4 Cups Cranberry Juice, chilled 
• Sliced Green Apples, Oranges, or Lemons for Garnish 
• Rosemary Sprig, for Garnish 

How to make: 

1. Combine honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of cider in a small saucepan over medium. Cook, stirring often, until honey is dissolved, and mixture is fragrant with spices, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat; cool and steep 15 minutes. Discard spices. 
2. Combine spiced cider mixture, cranberry juice, spiced rum, ginger beer, and remaining 6 cups apple cider in a large punch bowl.  
3. Garnish with sliced citrus and apples. Serve over ice.