The Ultimate Food and Drink Pairings for this Holiday Season!
The holiday season brings loved ones together around flavorful meals, and finding the right drink pairings can make these moments even more memorable. Here’s a helpful guide to pairing the best drinks with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s meals—and remember, Boone’s has everything you need to make your holiday gatherings unforgettable!
Thanksgiving Pairings
Thanksgiving meals are a blend of savory, sweet, and tart flavors that call for well-matched drinks:
Turkey and Stuffing: A lightly oaked Chardonnay works beautifully with turkey and stuffing, adding creamy, buttery notes that enhance both the meat and the herbaceous stuffing. If red wine is more your style, try a Pinot Noir, which has earthy, fruit-forward notes that balance the richness of Thanksgiving sides.
Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce: Sweet sides go well with a spiced rum that highlights cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg notes, perfectly matching the sweetness of the potatoes and the tangy flavor of cranberry sauce. Consider serving spiced rum with ginger ale and a cinnamon stick for a warm, seasonal cocktail.
Pumpkin Pie: Bourbon with caramel and vanilla undertones pairs excellently with pumpkin pie, bringing out the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in each bite. For a unique experience, try serving a small-batch bourbon to add a cozy, full-flavored finish to the holiday meal.
Christmas Feast Pairings
Christmas dinner tends to feature hearty proteins, rich sides, and decadent desserts. Here’s what to try:
Roast Beef or Prime Rib: A Cabernet Sauvignon with strong tannins and dark fruit flavors is a classic match for red meat, cutting through the fat and balancing the richness of roast beef or prime rib. For a unique twist, a smoky Scotch whisky can provide a warm, earthy flavor that pairs excellently with the richness of roast meats.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy call for a crisp, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc. Its acidity refreshes the palate, balancing the creaminess of the potatoes. For a cocktail option, an herb-infused gin and tonic with a hint of lime can provide a fresh, light contrast to this classic side.
Yule Log Cake: A chocolatey stout or porter is a deliciously rich pairing for a Yule log cake, bringing out the sweetness and creaminess of this holiday dessert. Another option is a spiced Irish cream liqueur over ice for a smooth, festive finish to Christmas dinner.
New Year’s Pairings
New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating with bubbly drinks and a little sparkle.
Appetizers: Champagne or sparkling wine is the ideal start to a New Year’s gathering. Its light, crisp bubbles pair beautifully with appetizers from cheese platters to shrimp cocktails. A sparkling rosé can add a slightly fruity, unique twist to these bites, elevating the flavor experience.
Midnight Toast: For the countdown toast, keep the Champagne going, or switch to Prosecco for a slightly sweeter choice. Its bright flavor makes it a perfect crowd-pleaser for ringing in the new year. For something special, a French 75—a blend of gin, Champagne, and lemon juice—adds a refreshing touch to a celebratory toast.
Boone’s has everything you need to make each holiday meal unforgettable, with an excellent range of wines, spirits, and liqueurs. Stop by to explore the perfect drink pairings that will make your holiday gatherings memorable!
