Thanksgiving and the Role of Alcohol

Pilgrims and Beer: The Journey That Started It All

In 1620, the Pilgrims set sail for the New World aboard the Mayflower. Among their most critical provisions was beer—a necessity not only for quenching thirst but also for its safety compared to often-contaminated water. By the time the Pilgrims reached Plymouth Rock, dwindling beer supplies influenced their decision to settle. This underscores the essential role alcohol played in colonial survival.
While historical records don’t explicitly mention beer at the first Thanksgiving in 1621, fermented beverages were likely present. Beer, cider, or mead—crafted from local grains, apples, or honey—would have complemented the shared feast with the Wampanoag, marking the beginning of alcohol’s presence at American celebrations.

Colonial Thanksgiving: Hard Cider and Rum at the Table

As the American colonies expanded, so did their production of local alcohol. Apples became a staple crop in New England, and hard cider emerged as a favorite drink for Thanksgiving and beyond. Affordable, easy to make, and enjoyed across social classes, hard cider embodied the resourcefulness of early settlers. By the 18th century, mugs of warm, spiced cider were a comforting addition to Thanksgiving celebrations.
In the southern colonies, rum took center stage. Made from molasses and imported ingredients, rum was a versatile spirit, often served in punches or hot toddies. Together, cider and rum exemplified the ingenuity of early Americans in adapting their drinks to local resources.

The 19th Century: Champagne and Whiskey Elegance

Thanksgiving, as we know it today, was established in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. By this time, imported goods like Champagne had become symbols of affluence and celebration. Its effervescence was seen as the perfect way to toast gratitude and abundance.
Meanwhile, American whiskey and bourbon, tied to frontier culture, gained prominence as essential elements of Thanksgiving tables. These bold spirits often appeared in cocktails, like spiked apple cider, perfectly complementing the rich and hearty flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Prohibition: The Dry Thanksgiving

The Prohibition era (1920–1933)introduced a stark change to Thanksgiving traditions. With alcohol outlawed, official celebrations turned “dry.” Yet Americans found ways to preserve their customs, crafting homemade wine, moonshine, and bootleg spirits. For many, Prohibition Thanksgiving still included a secret toast to gratitude—just out of sight from the authorities.
Despite its challenges, this period reinforced the cultural significance of alcohol in Thanksgiving celebrations. The return of legal alcohol in 1933 saw these traditions revived with even greater enthusiasm.

Modern Thanksgiving: A Revival of Craft and Heritage

Today, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate not only food but also drink, with craft spirits and liqueurs at the forefront. The rise of small-batch distilleries mirrors the ingenuity of early American settlers, bringing a renewed appreciation for quality and locality.
At House Of Applejay, we honor these traditions with fine liqueurs and spirits crafted in the North Georgia mountains. Our flagship Applejay from Ellijay, an apple liqueur, pays tribute to Georgia’s apple-growing heritage and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole, and other holiday staples. For a festive twist, our Cranberry Mountain Liqueur adds tart, seasonal flavor to cocktails, desserts, or sparkling wine—a perfect complement to Thanksgiving classics like cranberry sauce or pecan pie.

Incorporating Liqueurs into Thanksgiving Feasts

Fine liqueurs elevate Thanksgiving meals in countless ways. Here are some ideas to inspire your celebration:

• Cocktails Before Dinner: Start the festivities with a refreshing Hank’s Cosmo, made with House Of Applejay’s Cranberry Mountain Liqueur, two shots of vodka, and splashes of unsweetened lime. This tart, vibrant cocktail sets a festive tone for the evening.
• Enhancing the Meal: Add a splash of Applejay from Ellijay or Cranberry Mountain Liqueur to dry white wine or sparkling wine for a delicious Thanksgiving Mountain Glow Cocktail. The bright notes bring out the sweetness of roasted turkey and balance savory stuffing flavors.
• Dessert Pairings: Enjoy the tart, festive notes of Cranberry Mountain Liqueur alongside classic holiday desserts like pecan pie or warm apple crumble, enhancing their rich flavors with a vibrant contrast. For a savory twist, pair Applejay from Ellijay with a cheese board, letting its smooth apple essence complement creamy and sharp cheeses. For a bold alternative, try a Frozen Apple Cocktail: blend Applejay from Ellijay with a shot of vodka to high-proof the liqueur. This cuts the sweetness while amplifying the complexity of flavors, making it an excellent companion for both desserts and cheeses alike.
• Cocktails After Dinner: Round off the evening with a sophisticated twist on a Southern classic: the Mountain Old Fashioned Cocktail. Replace the traditional sugar cube or simple syrup with House Of Applejay’s Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The liqueur’s rich cherry, and spice-infused complexity pairs perfectly with bourbon, creating a smooth, warming drink that captures the spirit of the Southern Appalachians. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry for a beautiful presentation that’s as comforting as it is elegant. This cocktail is the ideal way to transition from dessert into cozy conversations around the fire, adding a memorable finish to your Thanksgiving celebration.

A Toast to Gratitude and Tradition

Thanksgiving has always been a holiday steeped in gratitude, history, and the joy of sharing. Raising a glass has been part of this tradition for centuries, whether it was the Pilgrims’ beer, the colonists’ cider, the Victorians’ Champagne, or today’s craft liqueurs.
As you gather this Thanksgiving, let your toast reflect the enduring spirit of community and thankfulness that defines the holiday. With Applejay from Ellijay, Cranberry Mountain Liqueur, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur, you can add a modern touch of craft and heritage to your table. Here’s to history, tradition, and the flavors that bring us together.
Cheers!