Thanksgiving Dinner and Drink Pairings

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and indulging in a delicious feast. While the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the perfect drink can elevate your dining experience. 

Whether you're serving wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options, it's important to do so safely. For hosts who want to keep things both fun and responsible, completing a TIPS training course can be a great way to brush up on best practices ahead of the holiday.

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of drink options to complement your Thanksgiving menu, from the appetizer to the dessert. 

Quick Pairing Guide: What to Serve with Each Course

If you’re eager to know all the pairings without the details, here’s a helpful chart to save you time:  

Course	Dish	Drink
Appetizers	Charcuterie Board	Prosecco, Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel, Syrah
	Bruschetta or Crostini	Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rosé
	Pumpkin Soup	Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay
Salads	Green Salad with Vinaigrette	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rosé
	Cranberry Salad	Prosecco, Champagne
	Waldorf Salad	Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay
Main Course	Turkey	Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
	Ham	Prosecco, Champagne, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
	Stuffing	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
	Mashed Potatoes	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling
	Green Bean Casserole	Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco
Dessert	Pumpkin Pie	Sweet Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauternes, Late-Harvest Riesling
	Apple Pie	Ice Wine, Calvados (Apple Brandy)
	Pecan Pie	Sauternes, Tokaji Aszú, Port Wine

1. Appetizers: Setting the Stage

While many might choose to wait for the main event, Thanksgiving often begins with appetizers. 

Here are some drink pairings to enhance your pre-dinner appetite: 

Charcuterie Board 

A classic charcuterie board offers a diverse range of flavors. A crisp, dry sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Champagne, can cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses. 

Alternatively, a light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can complement the palate-cleansing elements. For a bolder choice, consider a full-bodied red like Zinfandel or Syrah. 

Bruschetta or Crostini 

These savory bites pair well with a variety of beverages. A light and fruity white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Riesling, pairs well with fresh tomatoes and herbs. For a stronger option, a glass of chilled Rosé offers a balance of fruitiness and acidity. 

Pumpkin Soup 

The creamy and comforting flavors of pumpkin soup call for a warming beverage. A glass of Gewürztraminer, with its spicy and floral notes, complements the soup's sweetness. Alternatively, a smooth and creamy Chardonnay can enhance the richness of the dish. 

2. Salads: A Fresh Counterpoint

Thanksgiving is often associated with rich dishes, but salads can offer a refreshing counterpoint. 

Here are some drink pairings to complement your Thanksgiving salad: 

Green Salad With Vinaigrette 

A crisp green salad with a classic vinaigrette pair well with a light and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the acidity of the vinaigrette. For a bolder flavor, a glass of Rosé can offer a fruity and refreshing contrast. 

Cranberry Salad 

The sweet-tart flavors of cranberry salad can be enhanced by a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne. The bubbles can cut through the sweetness of the cranberries, while the wine's acidity complements the tartness.

Waldorf Salad 

The combination of apples, grapes, and walnuts in a Waldorf salad pairs well with sweet and acidic wine. A Riesling or Gewürztraminer can complement the fruit flavors, while a glass of Chardonnay can enhance the richness of the salad. 

3. The Main Event: Turkey and Sides

Finally, to what we’ve all been waiting for. The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the turkey, surrounded by classic side dishes. 

Here are some drink pairings for turkey and ham and your side dishes:

Turkey 

Pinot Noir is often the classic Thanksgiving wine due to its ability to complement the turkey's savory flavors. However, other options include Chardonnay, which can highlight the turkey's white meat, or a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon for a richer experience.

Ham 

Ham's salty-sweet profile offers versatility in drink pairings. A crisp and dry sparkling wine, like Prosecco or Champagne, can cut through the richness. For a white wine option, Riesling's sweetness and acidity balance the ham's flavors beautifully. 

If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a fruity Zinfandel can complement the ham's savory notes. 

Stuffing 

Different drinks can enhance the complex flavors of stuffing. For example, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness, while a Pinot Noir can complement the savory elements. For a bolder choice, consider a glass of Syrah or Zinfandel. 

Mashed Potatoes 

The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with a smooth and buttery Chardonnay or a rich and full-bodied Pinot Noir. For a lighter option, a glass of Riesling can offer a refreshing contrast.

Green Bean Casserole 

This classic side dish goes well with an acidic wine to cut through the creaminess. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices. Alternatively, a light and bubbly Prosecco can add a festive touch. 

4. Dessert: A Sweet Finish

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without dessert. After all, there’s always room for dessert! 

Here are some drink pairings to complement traditional Thanksgiving sweet treats:

Pumpkin Pie 

What wine goes with pumpkin pie? Pumpkin pie pairs beautifully with a glass of sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines complement the pie's spice and sweetness. For a richer option, a glass of Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling can offer a luxurious experience.

Apple Pie 

The warm and comforting flavors of apple pie pair well with a variety of beverages. A classic choice is a glass of ice wine, which offers a concentrated sweetness and acidity. Alternatively, a glass of Calvados, an apple brandy, can offer a sophisticated twist.

Pecan Pie 

The rich and buttery flavors of pecan pie call for a dessert wine with similar characteristics. A glass of Sauternes or Tokaji Aszú can complement the pie's sweetness and nuttiness. For a bolder choice, a glass of port wine can offer a complex and satisfying finish. 

Beyond Wine: Other Beverage Options

While we’ve looked at the best wines to pair with Thanksgiving dinner, many other beverages can also enhance your dining experience, such as: 

Beer

Great news for the beer fans: Many beers also complement Thanksgiving dishes! For appetizers, a light and refreshing pilsner or wheat beer can work well. With the main course, a malty amber ale or brown ale can complement the savory flavors. 

Cocktails
Create festive and flavorful cocktails to enhance your Thanksgiving celebration. Consider cranberry-infused vodka martinis, apple cider mimosas, or bourbon-based warmers. 

Mocktails 

Don’t forget the guests who prefer to abstain from alcohol! Offer non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving dinner, like sparkling apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale. These options can be combined to create delicious and refreshing mocktails. 

Vegetarian and Vegan Pairings 

And don’t forget the plan-based guests! Plant-based dishes deserve thoughtful drink pairings, too. 

Here are some great options:

• Stuffed Acorn Squash: A dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet elements of roasted squash and grains. 
• Vegan Mushroom Wellington: Earthy mushrooms pair best with medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or a rustic Grenache. 
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Their caramelized sweetness is enhanced by a slightly chilled Gamay or a spicy Syrah. 
• Lentil Loaf or Vegan Meat Alternatives: Malbec or Merlot brings out the depth of plant-based proteins without overpowering. 

Temperature and Serving Tips 

Beverage Type	Ideal Serving Temperature	Tips
White Wines	50–53.6°F	Chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Red Wines	60.8–64.4°F (Room Temp)	Leave it at room temperature before serving.
Sparkling Wines	46.4–50°F	Serve very cold for optimal bubbles. Chill well in advance.
Rosé	50°F	Serve well-chilled for maximum freshness and crisp flavor.
Beer	44.6–50°F	Lighter beers should be colder; darker ales can be slightly warmer.
Cocktails	Varies by recipe	Serve over fresh ice or pre-chill glasses for a polished presentation.
Mocktails	Cold	Chill sparkling juices and sodas to keep them fizzy and refreshing.

Serve Responsibly With TIPS 

Pairing the right drinks with your Thanksgiving feast can take your dining experience to a whole new level. Carefully planning the flavors of your appetizers, main course, and desserts creates a harmonious and memorable meal. 

We hope this Thanksgiving wine pairing guide helps you host a celebration that’s both delicious and memorable. As you gather with loved ones to enjoy this special occasion, remember to consume alcohol responsibly. 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone, consider enrolling in an online alcohol safety training program like TIPS. By understanding the importance of responsible alcohol service, you can help create a positive and memorable Thanksgiving for all. We also offer bulk options for businesses looking to train their staff.

Head to our website to enroll today!