For Thanksgiving, the general notion is it is okay to pair traditional wines with holiday feasts. But, Thanksgiving cocktails fast scaling the heights of popularity in this regard – Cider wines are refreshing and flavourful.
Why cider wines are the premium option for Thanksgiving?
The taste of cider wines varies from bright to crisp. Their taste profile is indeed unique and they add more glory to all meals served on the Thanksgiving table. Meals consumed at Thanksgiving are diverse and rich. In this article, we will understand how cider wines complement them perfectly as Thanksgiving cocktails!
1. Ciders are ideally suited for Thanksgiving dishes for being versatile
It is only right to expect a medley of flavors when you go for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey and stuffing share their savoury notes but yams and cranberries are associated with sweetness.
The range of flavors is awesome when we take ciders into consideration. They range from sweet pear to tart apple, while gentle hints of spices, herbs, and honey make a part and parcel of the package. So, the flavors of meals are contrasted beautifully, or they can be mirrored.
Let us understand the concept better by taking an example. Buttery mashed potatoes are associated with richness. They are contrasted perfectly by consuming rich and dry Thanksgiving cocktails. The same goes for a creamy green bean casserole. However, if you are serving pecan pie or roasted vegetables, you may want to serve spiced or sweeter ciders.
Pairing Tip:
With roasted turkey, you may want to serve a dry tart apple cider as with its acidity, the meat’s flavor will be enhanced while still not overwhelming. On the contrary, a sweeter cider works best for roasted or caramelized dishes such as glazed carrots and sweet potatoes.
2. Ciders are light and naturally refreshing
Thanksgiving meals are always filling and hearty. Perfectly complimenting them are ciders, well recognized for their refreshing and light nature when used as Thanksgiving cocktails. So, consuming ciders with these meals offers crisp breaks in between the bites as the richness of the meals is balanced.
Ciders are reasonably different from heavier wines as they have a lower alcohol content and a lighter body. So, you may want to sip ciders while you have an elongated meal and there will be no reason to feel weighed down.
Pairing Tip:
If you serve appetizers like creamy dips, charcuterie, or cheese boards, they’ll go best with effervescent and bubbly ciders. So, as the rich flavors are lifted, all bites will be as fresh as the first one was.
3. The natural acidity of ciders is the perfect match for Thanksgiving spices and herbs.
The natural acidity of ciders brings out the best in spices and herbs used for Thanksgiving, like cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, and sage. With this acidity, depth is added to savory dishes even as traditional Thanksgiving ingredients’ earthy flavors keep alive.
Pairing Tip:
To serve with mushroom dishes, herb-roast Turkey, or stuffing, you may want to go for ciders with spice or herbal undertones. The acidity of ciders makes these flavors brighter, making the taste experience harmonious.
4. The ideal Thanksgiving cocktails for traditional Thanksgiving desserts
In terms of desserts, apple crisp, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie are the staples for Thanksgiving. Within them are warming spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. So, cider wines compliment them perfectly as Thanksgiving cocktails. You may want to go for alternatives that feature spiced notes or residual sweetness.
Ciders have natural fruit flavors that perfectly resonate with desserts that are spiced or fruit-based. The finish of your meal will be complementary and smooth.
Pairing Tip:
When serving pumpkin pie, it is best to go for a barrel-aged or spiced cider. Cozy flavors associated with the fall are beautifully complimented this way with Thanksgiving cocktails. However, rich desserts like pecan pie, ice, or sweet cider work the best.
5. Ciders are reminiscent of Thanksgiving traditions
You may feel like ciders are a new trend but they are very much a part and parcel of American history. For centuries at a stretch, America has cultivated apples. For early colonists, cider was the much-preferred drink. So, when you bring cider to the Thanksgiving table, it is very much a part of harvest-time beverages – your holiday is enriched with a touch of history.
Cider has to be a part of your Thanksgiving table
Ciders are versatile while being refreshingly acidic. A wide range of flavors are available and for your Thanksgiving meal, they surely add an exciting new dimension. The best part is that you can comfortably serve ciders alongside multi-course meals – irrespective of whether they are dry or sweet. With ciders, the odds that your guests discover a new favorite pairing are high.
