Thanksgiving Food Pairings: 5 Snacks To Have With Cocktails
Thanksgiving is gratitude holiday which includes family and friends' union. It involves socialising with friends, family and relatives while being thankful, spending the day together with lots of food and drinks. Undoubtedly, this is also the time when several get-togethers, lunches, dinners are planned, and guests are invited for thanksgiving gatherings at home.
At such a gathering, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are prepared either as batch cocktails and mocktails or as customised beverages that guests can sip on through the course of the evening.
From DIY drink stations to large containers holding punch or virgin mojitos, different alternatives are put in place to mark thanksgiving.
Since a variety of food are served at a thanksgiving event, it is only evident that the drink for the evening compliments this diversity. Snack, starters, and bar bites or munchies are also crafted for thanksgiving. They are crispy, gooey and chewy treats which pair well with the drinks on the menu.
Here is a glimpse of some of the foods that can be paired with cocktails during thanksgiving at a gathering:
Chilli Cheese Fries
A simple yet much sought after bar bite or starter, chilli cheese fries are an excellent alternative for a gathering. These can be prepared in sumptuous proportions and served with a simple tomato salsa or a sriracha dip which highlights the cheesy and spicy notes in the munchie.
The fries can be lathered either in cheese sauce or good quality grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan. Spicy chillies can be introduced into the fries with a sprinkling of paprika or even in the form of chopped up peppers.
Maple-Bacon Wrapped Dates
Snacks at a thanksgiving party have to be a combination of sweet, spicy and tangy flavours so that there is something for everyone to enjoy with or without cocktails.
One such alternative at the party is maple-bacon wrapped dates prepared by stuffing pitted dates with goat's cheese or blue cheese that are then coated with crispy bacon. The bites can be finished off with a maple syrup drizzle in a pairing that blends the syrup with crispy, savoury bacon and the sweet and earthy notes of the dried fruit.
Cheese And Onion Tartlets
Another interesting savoury pairing for thanksgiving cocktails is cheese and onion tartlets. These mini tarts can be stuffed with caramelised onions and gruyère along with mushrooms and thyme for bringing out earthy, spicy yet honeyed flavour notes out of the small bites. The tarts would go well with a variety of sweet and sour-forward drinks, making them suitable thanksgiving party. Another way to prepare the tarts is to give them a sweet touch with a pumpkin or apple stuffing seasoned with some cinnamon.
Spinach Artichoke Dip And Pita
Prepare a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip that can go well with lavash or warmed up pita bread. The dip will be the highlight of the dish when it is made well. It can be served with crispy tortilla chips and crostini too.
Such a dish is sure to be a conversation starter at the gathering. It is a suitable alternative for pairing with cocktails like gin and tonic or a classic Moscow mule and mocktails such as a lemonade fizz or an apple and cinnamon spritzer.
Pumpkin Hummus And Crudites
Put an autumnal spin on the classic hummus recipe by infusing it with the flavours of pumpkin puree. The sweet and yellow puree would add more complexity to homemade hummus. Pair this sweet and umami dip with crudites including carrot sticks, cucumber slices and peppers.
Such a platter can also be finished off with pita chips or toasted baguettes. Crudites dipped in pumpkin hummus can be paired with cocktails like rum punch and non-alcoholic mixes like a pumpkin spiced latte.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
