Local Spirits and Liqueurs to Sip After Thanksgiving
By AJ Rathbun November 23, 2016
One of the best days of the year, Thanksgiving delivers a big, bountiful meal. It’s a meal where almost everyone overindulges (it’s so hard not to with all the good food). But don’t just sit around feeling overfull, sip on one of the local digestifs below and help aid your digestion. Or, if you’re feeling more in the mood for a mixed drink, check out our suggested cocktails at the end of the list.
broVo Amaro #1: The full list of broVo bartender-created amari (amari being a traditional Italian after dinner drink, of which there are many) is full of good choices at the end of a hearty meal. But I think my favorite is still the first, created in conjunction with Seattle bartender and Monsoon manager John Ueding. Clove, cinnamon, orange, lemon, pepper and other herby goodness are all in play here.
Bete, Sidetrack Distillery: An award-wining spirit distilled from beets (one of the only such anywhere in the world), this has a wonderful, earthy, savory aroma and flavor that’s an ideal match for following up the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It’s good just sipped solo, but if you’re still feeling you need a little pick-you-up the morning after the holiday, it also makes a swell Bloody Mary.
Salish Sea Ginger Liqueur: Ginger is a great stomach aid, and Salish Sea’s Ginger Liqueur is the most ginger-rific version I’ve had. Delicious, rich, with a friendly and memorable kick of ginger, it’s good on its own, but also with soda or in cocktails. If you’re not feeling ginger-y, there are a few other Salish Sea options, like Sage, Fennel, or Thyme-Coriander liqueurs, that would also be fine post-dinner choices.
It’s 5 Grappa: The usually strong spirit grappa is an institution in Italy, had sometimes in the morning with espresso, but usually after the evening meal, and its ability to reduce that overfull feeling is legendary. It’s 5 grappa is made from the pomace of local wines (or the solid remains of Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes). Have it neat, and then get ready for eating leftovers.
Click here for Cocktails to Help You Feel Less Full
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