The turkey usually gets all the attention, yet choosing the right Thanksgiving drink pairings can make that wonderful meal even more enjoyable.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, especially when it comes to bringing family and friends together around a table full of delicious food. With everything from roasted turkey and Savory Artichoke Turkey Stuffing to Creamy Mashed Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce, finding one drink that complements everything can be a challenge. The good news, though, is you don’t need to be an expert or have a fully stocked bar to make great choices.
A few thoughtfully selected wines, beers, and nonalcoholic drinks can complement just about everything on your Thanksgiving table. Offering a little variety is always a good idea because the right drink really comes down to personal tastes and preferences.
I tend to favor lighter, fruitier wines with good acidity and softer tannins because they pair beautifully with turkey without overpowering the other flavors. For my husband, it’s beer first and wine, well, maybe never.
Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving drink pairings and a few practical tips to help you plan.
Cheers!
Favorite Red Wines for Thanksgiving
If you’re planning to serve red wine, I recommend a Thanksgiving drink pairing of something light to medium-bodied with plenty of fruit and relatively soft tannins.
Pinot Noir. One of my favorite Thanksgiving drink pairings and for good reason. It’s light enough to complement tender white turkey meat yet has enough character to stand up to dark meat, savory stuffing, and gravy.
Beaujolais. Made primarily from Gamay grapes, Beaujolais is another excellent choice. It’s generally light, fruity, and refreshing, with soft tannins that won’t overwhelm the turkey. This red wine is especially nice when your Thanksgiving menu includes a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Zinfandel. For those who enjoy something a little bolder, Zinfandel can be a wonderful Thanksgiving choice. Its ripe berry flavors and hints of spice pair particularly well with richly seasoned turkey, savory stuffing, and roasted meats. I prefer a fruit-forward style that isn’t overly heavy or high in alcohol.
Syrah. This is an especially good choice with smoked turkey or stuffing made with sausage and earthy vegetables. Its darker fruit flavors, along with peppery, savory notes, complement herb-seasoned and roasted meats.
Favorite White Wines for Thanksgiving
White wines are wonderful Thanksgiving drink pairings for dinner, particularly when you’re serving lighter turkey meat alongside rich, buttery side dishes.
Riesling. This is one of the most versatile Thanksgiving wines. Its bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it a natural partner for a variety of holiday foods. A dry Riesling works beautifully with roasted turkey, while a Riesling with a touch of sweetness is especially good alongside sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and spiced dishes.
Chardonnay. Chardonnay is another classic choice, especially if you enjoy a fuller-bodied white wine. A lightly oaked Chardonnay has enough richness to complement creamy mashed potatoes, buttery vegetables, and turkey gravy without overwhelming the meat.
Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer something crisp and refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc is a great option. Its lively acidity and citrus or herbal notes provide a refreshing contrast to rich Thanksgiving foods. I find that it pairs well with turkey seasoned with fresh herbs, green beans, and fresh salads.
Sparkling Wines. Thanksgiving is certainly a celebration, so why not enjoy a sparkling wine for the occasion? Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are all wonderful choices for welcoming guests or serving alongside the meal. Their refreshing bubbles help balance rich foods and cleanse the palate between bites. I prefer a dry style, particularly when serving sparkling wine with dinner.
Favorite Beers for Thanksgiving
Wine isn’t the only drink that belongs on the table. Thanksgiving drink pairings with beer offers plenty of delicious possibilities, especially with turkey, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
Amber Ale. A good choice for its wonderful balance of toasted malt flavors and moderate bitterness. Its subtle caramel notes complement the browned skin of roasted turkey and the savory flavors of traditional stuffing.
Brown Ale. Brown ales offer nutty, toasted, and sometimes chocolate-like malt flavors that pair well with dark turkey meat, mushroom flavors, and roasted vegetables.
Wheat Beer. Wheat beers tend to be light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy with food. I favor their softer flavors and subtle citrus notes, which pair nicely with roasted turkey, lighter side dishes, and vegetables.
Pilsner or Lager. According to many in my family, a crisp, cold beer is exactly what you want with a big Thanksgiving dinner. Pilsners and lighter lagers are refreshing, approachable, and particularly nice alongside turkey and rich side dishes.
Thanksgiving Drink Pairings at a Glance
Here’s a simple guide to help you match drinks with some of my traditional Thanksgiving favorites.
THANKSGIVING DISH
WINE CHOICES
BEER OPTIONS
Roasted turkey
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Amber Ale, Lager
Smoked turkey
Zinfandel, Syrah
Brown Ale
Savory stuffing
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Amber Ale
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Chardonnay, dry sparkling wine
Pilsner
Sweet potato casserole
Off-dry Riesling
Brown Ale
Green bean casserole
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Wheat Beer
Cranberry sauce
Beaujolais, off-dry Riesling
Wheat Beer
Glazed ham
Riesling, Pinot Noir
Amber Ale
Pumpkin pie
Late-harvest Riesling
Pumpkin Ale
Pecan pie
Tawny Port
Brown Ale
These aren’t strict rules, of course. They’re simply starting points to help you find combinations you’ll enjoy. And if you’re serving guests who prefer nonalcoholic drinks, sparkling apple cider, cranberry spritzers, and citrus-infused sparkling water are easy additions to the table.
Nonalcoholic Thanksgiving Drink Pairings
Not everyone wants wine or beer with Thanksgiving dinner, and there are plenty of festive alternatives that complement the meal just as nicely.
Sparkling Apple Cider. Crisp, refreshing, and a natural match for roasted turkey, stuffing, and savory side dishes. It’s also a festive option for welcoming guests, and the kids especially love feeling all grown up as they sip on their cider.
Cranberry Spritzer. A combination of cranberry juice and sparkling water offers a tart, refreshing contrast to rich Thanksgiving foods. Add a slice of orange or a few fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Sparkling Water with Citrus. Sometimes the simplest option is the most refreshing. Add fresh orange, lemon, or lime slices for a little extra flavor. It’s especially nice when your Thanksgiving plate includes a little bit of everything.
Serving Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Choosing the drinks is only part of the fun. A little planning can make serving them just as easy.
Keep your wine selection simple. You don’t need six different bottles on the table. A Pinot Noir, a Riesling or Chardonnay, and a dry sparkling wine will give your guests plenty of variety.
Offer a couple of beer styles. I like having a lighter beer and a maltier option, such as lager and amber ale. That gives beer drinkers a choice without filling the refrigerator with too many varieties.
Serve wine at the right temperature. Light reds, including Pinot Noir and Beaujolais, are often best served slightly cool, around 55–60°F. Chill white wines to approximately 45–55°F and sparkling wines a little colder. You’ll want to avoid serving fuller-bodied whites so cold that their flavors disappear.
Keep beer at a comfortable serving temperature. Lighter lagers and wheat beers are especially refreshing when served cold, while amber and brown ales can benefit from being served slightly warmer to bring out their malt flavors.
Use the right glassware. Wine glasses with a suitable bowl help showcase a wine’s aromas, while beer glasses can enhance different beer styles. You don’t need an extensive collection, but choosing appropriate glassware can make the occasion feel a little more special.
Plan ahead. Chill drinks the day before, prepare cocktail garnishes in advance, and set out glasses before guests arrive. It’s one less thing to worry about when the kitchen gets busy.
Don’t forget water. Keep chilled water readily available throughout the meal, particularly when serving wine, beer, or cocktails.
The best tip I can give if you’re responsible for getting Thanksgiving dinner on the table, you might want to save that second glass until everything is out of the oven. I’m speaking from experience, so trust me on this one!
My Favorite Thanksgiving Drink Pairings
When it comes to Thanksgiving, my favorite drink pairings are the ones that make you and your guests happy while complementing the food you’ve worked so hard to prepare.
If I had to narrow my wine selections to just a few, I’d choose Pinot Noir for red wine lovers, Riesling for those who enjoy white wine, and a dry sparkling wine for a festive touch. For beer lovers, a cold amber ale and a crisp lager provide a nice balance of flavor and refreshment. And for guests who prefer something nonalcoholic, sparkling apple cider is always a festive choice.
Try not to get so caught up in finding the perfect pairing that you forget what Thanksgiving is all about. The best part of the holiday is gathering around the table, sharing a delicious meal, and making memories with family and friends.
From my kitchen to yours, cheers to good food, good company, and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
