While wine often takes center stage at Thanksgiving, craft beers and hard ciders offer a unique and flavorful alternative that can elevate your holiday feast.
Why Choose Beer for Thanksgiving
Beer is a versatile beverage that can complement a wide variety of flavors found in a traditional Thanksgiving meal. From the rich and savory flavors of roasted turkey to the sweet and spicy notes of pumpkin pie, there's a beer out there that can enhance each dish.
Additionally, the craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, offering a plethora of unique and seasonal brews that are perfect for the holiday season. Beer also tends to have a lower alcohol content than wine, making it a more sessionable choice for a long day of feasting and socializing.
When it comes to pairing beer with turkey, you'll want to consider beers that can stand up to the rich, savory flavors of the bird without overwhelming it. Belgian Dubbel and Tripel are excellent choices, as their malty sweetness and spicy undertones complement the roasted flavors of the turkey.
For those who prefer something a bit lighter, a Pale Ale or a Helles Lager can provide a nice balance. These beers offer a crisp, clean finish that can cut through the richness of the turkey and gravy, refreshing your palate with each sip.
Side dishes and appetizers offer a range of flavors and textures, from creamy mashed potatoes to tart cranberry sauce. A versatile beer like a Saison or a Farmhouse Ale can pair well with many different sides, thanks to their complex flavor profiles that include fruity, spicy, and earthy notes.
For cheese and charcuterie boards, consider a Belgian Witbier or a Gose. These beers are light and refreshing, with a hint of acidity that pairs wonderfully with rich, salty cheeses and cured meats. For heavier sides like stuffing or sweet potatoes, a Brown Ale or a Bock can provide a nice malty counterpoint.
As your Thanksgiving meal winds down, it's time to think about dessert. Dessert beers are typically richer and sweeter, making them a perfect complement to pies, cakes, and other sweet treats.
A classic choice is a Milk Stout or a Chocolate Stout, which offer flavors of roasted malt, chocolate, and coffee that pair beautifully with chocolate or pecan pie.
For something a bit more festive, consider a Pumpkin Ale or a Winter Warmer. These beers often feature spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, echoing the flavors of pumpkin pie and other holiday desserts.
One important tip to consider when serving beer is the temperature. While many people enjoy their beer ice-cold, some styles are best served at a slightly warmer temperature to fully appreciate their complex flavors.
Another tip is to offer a variety of beers to suit different tastes and pairings. Providing a selection of light, medium, and dark beers can ensure that there's something for everyone. Finally, don't forget the glassware. Serving beer in the appropriate glass can enhance the drinking experience, allowing the beer's aromas and flavors to shine.

Why Choose Hard Cider for Thanksgiving
Hard cider can complement a wide variety of dishes and like beer it is often lower in alcohol than wine, making it a more sessionable option for a long meal.
With its crisp, refreshing taste and variety of flavor profiles, hard cider can add a unique touch to your Thanksgiving feast. Plus, it's a great way to introduce your guests to something new and exciting.
Hard cider comes in many different styles, each with its own unique flavor profile. There are sweet ciders, which can be reminiscent of apple pie, and dry ciders that offer a more subtle, refined taste. Some ciders are infused with spices, fruits, or even hops, creating complex and intriguing flavors.
Understanding these flavor profiles can help you choose the right cider for your Thanksgiving meal. For instance, a dry cider can act as a palate cleanser between rich dishes, while a spiced cider can enhance the flavors of your holiday desserts.
When it comes to pairing hard cider with your main Thanksgiving dishes, the possibilities are endless. A classic roast turkey pairs beautifully with a semi-dry cider, which balances the bird's savory flavors. If you're serving ham, consider a sweeter cider to complement its saltiness.
For those who prefer beef or lamb, a bold, tannic cider can stand up to the rich, hearty flavors of the meat. Vegetarian main courses, such as stuffed squash or mushroom risotto, also pair well with a variety of ciders, from dry to semi-sweet.
Side dishes and desserts offer even more opportunities for cider pairings. A dry cider pairs well with savory sides like stuffing, green bean casserole, and roasted vegetables.
For mashed potatoes and gravy, a semi-dry cider can cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast.
When it comes to desserts, the right cider can elevate your sweet treats to new heights. A spiced cider pairs wonderfully with pumpkin pie, while a fruity cider complements apple pie and other fruit-based desserts.
For chocolate desserts, consider a cider with a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness.
To make the most of your hard cider pairings, consider serving it in appropriate glassware. A wine glass or tulip-shaped glass can help concentrate the cider's aromas, enhancing your tasting experience. Be sure to chill your cider to the right temperature; most ciders are best served between 45-55°F.
Additionally, offering a variety of ciders can cater to different tastes and preferences. Set up a cider tasting station with an assortment of styles, allowing guests to sample and find their favorites.
This can add an interactive and fun element to your Thanksgiving celebration.