Thanksgiving Pairings: Make it a Spritz and Turkey
Marcos Salazar of ANBA's favorite non-alcoholic Thanksgiving pairing is easy to make and pairs well with a crispy bird.
Spritzes are purportedly summer’s drink, but that holds up about as much as the old custom of not wearing white after Labor Day. If you like a spritz to compliment the cascading stream of colorful leaves and crisp autumnal weather, who am I to stop you? Pour it and sip as you slip on your white shoes, don a scarf, and live your best life. I know Marcos Salazar, the CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), will.
Although I didn’t ask Salazar if he wears white after Labor Day, I did ask for his favorite non-alcoholic Thanksgiving pairing and he offered a simple, fall-inspired version of the Ventian spritz. But, instead of of sparkling wine, he subbed one of my favorite sparkling wine alternatives, TÖST.
“I love juicy turkey with extra crispy skin and I would pair it with my new favorite drink,” says Salazar, “an NA spritz of TÖST mixed with Ritual Zero Proof's Aperitif.”
For Salazar, “The bold bittersweet flavor of Ritual mixes great with the white cranberry and ginger flavors in TÖST and would pair perfectly with the saltiness of the turkey skin.”
He’s absolutely right and this could be the pairing of the season. Ginger and white cranberry are just two of the flavors from TÖST that compliment a perfectly roasted bird. The white tea and citrus also pair with the stuffing very nicely and the bitterness of Ritual Zero proof Aperitif can hold up to the fresh herbs and celery. Also, try it with a snack platter of nuts, olives, and cheeses before the main event.
I realize this time of year is ultimately about tradition but traditions change, too. Try this beautiful combo any time of the year, whether with a turkey sandwich or turkey dinner. But it’s Thanksgiving where this this purportedly warm-weather drink really shines.
Salazar’s Spritz
1.5 oz Ritual Zero Proof Aperitif
2.5 oz TÖST Sparkling Tea
Add ingredients into a wine glass with ice and gently stir. Garnish with an orange slice.
NEW COCKTAIL CLASS: Holidays without the Hangover
If you’re interested in non-alcoholic holiday drinks for yourself or entertaining others, please check out my new course with Atlas Obscura. In three classes, I’ll cover just about everything you need to know to buy, make, and share the very best non-alcoholic beers, wines, and cocktails.
Syllabus below:
Session 1 (Wednesday, 11/15, 7:30–9 PM EST) | An Introduction to Mindful Drinking and Thanksgiving Pairings
Drinks covered: A selection of non-alcoholic wines, beers, and cider pairings
Session 2 (Wednesday, 11/29, 7:30–9 PM EST) | Winter Holiday Drinks
Drinks covered: Satin Ribbon, Glögg, and Gingerbread Old Fashioned
Session 3 (Wednesday, 12/6, 7:30–9 PM EST) | Cheering in the New Year
Drinks covered: Champagne Punch, French 75, and Airmail
Derek Brown is an author, award-winning bartender, NASM-certified wellness coach, and founder of Positive Damage, Inc.
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Looking forward to trying these out next week!