While Halloween is easily one of the most popular holidays in the United States, many still consider Thanksgiving to be the proper kickoff to the holiday season. It’s not difficult to see why; opportunities to dress to the nines, eat delicious foods, and catch up with friends and family you haven’t seen all year are few and far between. Thanksgiving also presents plenty of opportunities to drink; many jobs and employers often give employees time off leading up to and immediately after Thanksgiving, which gives folks a chance to let loose and enjoy themselves. In fact, many have come to call the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Black Wednesday (or Blackout Wednesday) as many enjoy time in hometown bars catching up with old friends.
Of course, there are plenty of reasons to moderate your drinking during Thanksgiving weekend. And just because you aren’t drinking, or are drinking more mindfully doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some seriously tasty cocktails!
In this article, we’ll break down some reasons why it’s okay (and even better) to not consume alcohol in such large quantities, as well as some great drinks you can make that will be a hit with the whole family!
Why it’s okay to stay sober (or sober-ish) over Thanksgiving
There are a variety of reasons why it’s a good call to either stay sober or at the very least not drink quite so much over Thanksgiving weekend. Many of these reasons are practical in nature; you’ll save some money, definitely save some calories, and manage to keep a cooler head when your uncle starts talking politics over dinner.
However, there are a number of more significant reasons, including:
- Safety - Every year, stories like this one serve as an unfortunate reminder of just how many people drink and drive, including driving with a buzz. Staying sober means you’ll be infinitely safer on the road and you’ll reduce your chances of getting a DUI.
- Health - Alcohol has hundreds of calories per drink before sweeteners, mixers, or garnishes come into the mix. Save the calories for some extra turkey this year.
- Stress/Anxiety - Hangover anxiety is a very real thing, and emotions can run high when booze is involved. Save yourself some major Sunday Blues or Sunday Scaries by staying sober this Thanksgiving. Speaking of hangovers…
- Clear mind - You only get to see your family and hometown friends a few times a year. Cherish the weekend with them instead of spending your time hungover on the couch enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner of ibuprofen.
So what do I drink if I’m not drinking booze?
No worries. Just because you might not be drinking (or at least drinking as much) this Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on all the fun. Ritual Zero Proof makes premium spirit alternatives that contain absolutely zero alcohol. These spirit replacements are made with premium botanical ingredients that deliver the same flavors, aromas, and even “bite,” without the negative side effects that come with alcohol. You can use these spirit replacements to make weaker cocktails, or you can enjoy these delicious alternatives on their own!
Let’s take a look at some of the tasty drinks you can make using our whiskey, gin, tequila, or rum alternatives.
Thanksgiving-friendly non-alcoholic cocktails
Pomegranate Ginger Paloma - Enjoy the scents and flavors of fall in a glass. Made with our tequila replacement, this mocktail is perfect for enjoying with your dinner or for a nightcap.
Side Hustle - Best enjoyed after-hours, this mocktail is made with our whiskey alternative. The lemon juice will give you enough kick to keep grinding away even after the clock strikes 5 on Black Wednesday.
Orchard Swizzle - What exactly is a Swizzle, and why is it in an orchard you might ask? It’s your chance to bring the joys of the pumpkin patch in autumn to your dinner table this Thanksgiving. Incorporating our rum alternative, the fresh apple and cinnamon garnish pairs best with an open window and the Detroit Lions game on the living room TV.
Cranberry Gimlet - Personally speaking, we don’t think there’s a single thing wrong with getting into the holiday spirit a little early. Using our gin alternative mixed with some lime and cranberry juice, this refreshing mocktail pairs best with the Michael Bublé Christmas album playing softly in the background. Add some fresh rosemary for a fun holiday-inspired garnish!
Whiskey Bourbon Smash* - Look, sometimes you just need a drink. We get that. This particular cocktail provides a little kick with your favorite Kentucky bourbon while offering a significantly weaker drink than you’d otherwise consume. Made with our whiskey alternative, add in some preserves or jam and an orange garnish to enjoy Thanksgiving in a glass!
*PLEASE NOTE: While most of the drinks in this list are non-alcoholic, this particular drink does contain a small amount of alcohol. While this may not concern some of our customers, those choosing to stay completely sober may want to consider using our whiskey alternative exclusively, without mixing in full-proof bourbon.
Apple Cider Spiced Rum - Fall and apple cider go hand-in-hand. This particular mocktail gives you a little bit of both. Made with our rum alternative, add some locally made apple cider and a cinnamon stick garnish for an olfactory post-dinner delight.
Bloody Maria - This makes for an excellent brunch cocktail the day after Thanksgiving as you prepare for Black Friday shopping or holiday decorating. Made with our tequila alternative, this drink pairs wonderfully with some bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. It also works great for mornings when you’re feeling a little rough from last night’s festivities.
Espresso Martini - Depending on what time you eat dinner, this can be an excellent post-meal pick-me-up. Mix your favorite coffee pour with a splash of our gin alternative and some coffee liqueur* to settle in for the rest of the evening. Don’t forget the three coffee beans!
*PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the liqueur you use, this drink may also contain small amounts of alcohol.
Thanksgiving can be a great holiday to let loose and have some fun towards the end of the year. Whether you’re looking to keep a clear head over Thanksgiving weekend or maybe just want to consume a little less booze, consider adding some Ritual Zero Proof-based drinks to your lineup!
Head on over to our products page to stock up on all your holiday needs this Thanksgiving!
