Thanksgiving cocktails that give back

Thanksgiving is that time of year that we look forward to getting together with family and friends to celebrate, give thanks and it’s the kick-off to the holiday season. This year will be different for us all. Celebrating Thanksgiving safe at home, smaller portions and Zoom calls to connect. If you’ll be doing your Thanksgiving toast virtually this year, why not celebrate with a cocktail that gives back! We’ve found three spirits companies that are doing their part and giving back this season…from saving the environment to supporting firefighters and first responders, to helping those restaurant workers who have been laid off due to COVID-19. Enjoy one or all of the Thanksgiving cocktails that give back! 

Apple Cider Mule

Recipe by Humboldt Distillery 

1.5 oz Humboldt Vodka
2 oz apple cider
1 oz fresh lime juice
.5 oz ginger syrup (recipe follows)
Splash of seltzer

Build all ingredients over ice in a copper mug. Stir well, and garnish with lime or apple wedges.
For the ginger syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and a 2-inch knob of ginger, peeled and roughly chopped. Stir over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the ginger to steep for at least one hour. Strain and refrigerate

Humboldt Distillery’s Organic Vodka is made from an organic sugarcane base, without glycerin, sweeteners or other additives. The vodka is dry with a super clean finish and has a neutral character- perfect for cocktails! Available at RRP $21.99 in brick-and-mortar stores in more than a dozen states in the U.S., including BevMo, Albertsons and Whole Foods, as well as online via Drizly, Hi-Time Wine Cellars and Total Wine & More.

Distilled amongst the redwoods, Humboldt Organic Vodka, is a consciously crafted spirit working alongside the California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA)  to protect and preserve California’s waterways. When purchased via Drizly with the code TOAST2COAST a portion of the sale goes directly to CCKA to aid in the fight for swimmable, drinkable, fishable waterways in California.

Blackberry Negroni

Recipe by Gray Whale Gin

1 part Gray Whale Gin
1 part Campari
1 part Sweet Vermouth
6 fresh Blackberries

In a cocktail glass, muddle four blackberries. In a mixing glass, combine the Gray Whale Gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the glass with muddled blackberries. Garnish with two fresh blackberries.

Gray Whale Gin – it is a small batch, craft spirit inspired by the migratory path of the Gray Whale. Each of the gin’s botanicals are hand harvested, wild foraged or organically farmed along the majestic creatures’ 10,000 mile journey from Baja all the way to the Arctic. The gluten free-corn base provides a clean canvas for the botanicals to shine- Gray Whale Gin is truly California in a glass. 

A portion of all sales benefits Oceana  to protect and restore the world’s oceans- home of the beautiful Gray Whale. Gray Whale Gin is available in brick and mortar stores in more than 20 states and via Reserve Bar, Caskers and Drizzly. 

Gray Whale Gin upcycles as many empty Gray Whale Gin bottles as possible into candles scented with the gin’s botanicals. The candles are sold via Gray Whale Gin’s website for $40. 100% of the sales of the candles benefit Oceana.

Apple Pie Spritz  

Recipe by Matt Klette, Redemption Whiskey Ambassador

1 part Redemption Rye
2 parts apple cider
1 dash angostura bitters
Fill flute with Josh Prosecco
Garnish with lemon twist

Add ingredients other than prosecco to flute and lightly stir to mix ingredients. Top with prosecco and garnish with expressed lemon peel.

The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the US.  The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for a little added fizz.

The Apple Pie Spritz is a great cocktail as we approach peak apple picking season here in the U.S. The spicy notes from the Redemption rye mixed with the fresh apple cider create the ultimate mix of fall flavors topped off with some Josh Cellars Prosecco for an added fizz.  Tastes like fresh apple pie in drink-form – perfect for Fall! The Prosecco has refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness from the ripe fruit. Available in-stores and online at Drizly, Instacart, Minibar + more  SRP $17

Josh Cellars announced a $100,000 donation to the California Fire Foundation this past September as wildfires raged across the state. The donation will help the foundation provide relief, which offers financial and emotional support to firefighters, their families and communities harmed by fire. The wine label is named after founder Joseph Carr’s late father, who was a volunteer firefighter. Josh Cellars has long supported numerous charitable causes and organizations for first responders. Josh Cellars and Joseph Carr also pledged $100,000 to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundations (RWCF) to benefit the many workers who have been laid off due to COVID-19.

Happy Thanksgiving! Stay safe and please drink responsibly!

 

Feature Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash