Elevate the moments that bookend your feast with craft cocktails and small-batch spirits from New York State
Thanksgiving may revolve around the turkey and stuffing, but the drinks you pour before and after the meal can set the tone—and become just as memorable. A thoughtful aperitif welcomes guests with warmth and intention, while a cozy digestif wraps up the evening on a flavorful, lingering note.
Whether you're hosting a big family dinner in Brooklyn or a quiet countryside meal in the Catskills, the right spirits and cocktails add meaning to the gathering. Here’s how to build a Thanksgiving drinks menu with Pollinator’s artisanal spirits, made in the heart of New York with sustainability and flavor at the forefront.
Before Dinner: Welcoming Guests with Aperitifs
The door opens. Coats come off. Conversations begin. Now is the time for something bright, crisp, and aromatic—designed to awaken the palate and ease guests into the flavors of the meal.
Botanical Gin Cocktails
A floral-forward gin, like our Bespoke Gin infused with botanicals and a hint of honey, pairs beautifully with citrus and herbs. Try this:
Pollinator Gin Spritz
- 2 oz Bespoke Gin
- ½ oz honey syrup
- ½ oz grapefruit juice
- Top with tonic or sparkling water
- Garnish: rosemary sprig or grapefruit wedge
It’s herbaceous, lightly sweet, and refreshing—perfect with cheese boards or savory canapés.
Vodka Done Right
Smooth and clean, our Pollinator Vodka is made from NY-grown corn and distilled in small batches for a velvety finish.
Cranberry Sparkler
- 1.5 oz Pollinator Vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- Top with sparkling water
- Garnish: fresh cranberries or mint
This cocktail adds a festive pop of color and flavor—ideal for Thanksgiving day sipping.
Crimson Amaro Aperitif
Want something unexpected? Our Crimson Amaro, a bittersweet spirit infused with 19 botanicals, makes a show-stopping pre-dinner pour.
Crimson Spritz
- 1.5 oz Crimson Amaro
- 2 oz sparkling wine
- Splash of soda water
- Garnish: orange peel
Pairs beautifully with olives, roasted nuts, or lighter appetizers. The herbal edge stimulates the appetite and adds depth to your cocktail spread.
After Dinner: Slow Sips and Storytelling
After the plates are cleared and the pies are served, it’s time to slow down. This is where the warm, complex character of Pollinator Rye and Bourbon shines.
Bonfire Rye Neat or on the Rocks
With notes of smoke, spice, and honey, our Bonfire Rye is perfect for sipping fireside. Serve it in a rocks glass with a single cube—or neat to enjoy its full depth.
Pairs with:
- Pecan pie
- Dark chocolate
- Roasted chestnuts
Maple Old Fashioned
Crafted with our Pollinator Bourbon, this cocktail brings fall flavors to your glass.
- 2 oz Pollinator Bourbon
- ½ tsp maple syrup
- 2 dashes bitters
- Garnish: orange twist
Rich and comforting, this is a quintessential holiday sipper.
After-Dinner Manhattan
- 2 oz Pollinator Rye Wiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes bitters
- Garnish: orange peel
Smooth and structured, this classic cocktail keeps guests lingering at the table. For a more robust take, use Bonfire Rye for added smokiness.
Digestif: Amaro on the Rocks
End the night with Crimson Amaro served neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda. Its botanical complexity and bittersweet finish help settle the stomach and wind down the evening.
Make It a Tradition with Pollinator Spirits
What you serve matters—not just for flavor, but for the story behind it.
Pollinator Spirits is a woman- and queer-owned distillery based in the Catskills of New York, committed to sustainable production, non-GMO ingredients, and supporting pollinator conservation.
Our lineup of gin, vodka, bourbon, rye, and amaro is crafted in small batches with care and purpose. When you choose Pollinator, you’re choosing spirits that bring meaning to every moment.
Holiday Gifting & Entertaining Ideas
Looking for thoughtful gifts or hosting upgrades?
- Shop our Negroni Kit for easy holiday entertaining
- Try a Spirits Flight to sample bourbon, rye, and Bonfire side-by-side
- Send a gift card for artisanal spirits that give back
Make this Thanksgiving more intentional with spirits that reflect your values and elevate your table.
Wrap-Up: What You Pour Is Part of the Experience
Thanksgiving is about connection, gratitude, and tradition. Whether you’re starting the meal with a citrusy gin cocktail or closing the night with a warming rye, the drinks you serve shape the mood and memory of the day.
With Pollinator Spirits, you’re not just pouring a drink—you’re pouring a story. Make your holiday meaningful, one glass at a time.
