With less than a week away from Thanksgiving, I'm sure many of you (or your wives) are in a flat out panic. Whether you are expecting company or not, there's still a rather large meal to plan, prep and cook. There are groceries to buy and a house to clean. Not to mention the headache of figuring out the evenings food & wine pairings and what to serve during appetizers. What, you forgot about the aperitif or just planned on serving wine? I think we can do better than that.
Today I offer you the perfect aperitif; a gin and champagne cocktail. Served to help stimulate your appetite for a meal, these cocktails are light and refreshing. Plus, if one of your guest isn't a fan of gin, then they can always be served a glass of champagne. But don't feel like you have to buy "champagne." Any sparkling wine will do, though I would personally shy away from prosecco.
Just a note, the recent vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau was officially released yesterday. And yes, you can serve it at the Thanksgiving table (for the holiday, I personally prefer a Cru Beaujolais). Beaujolais Nouveau is a very young, fruity red wine from France. It's inexpensive (under $15) and it's what I'll be using to make mulled wine later in December. Most grocery stores or big box liquor stores should have it in stock if you want to pick up a bottle in advance. Now, on to the cocktails.
His Ingredients - Mig Royale
1 oz Plymouth Gin
3/4 oz Orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
1/2 oz Luxardo liqueur
1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
Champagne
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients except the champagne. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and top off with champagne.
Her Ingredients - Elder Fashion Royale
1 1/2 oz Plymouth Gin
1/2 oz St. Germain
1 dash orange bitters
Splash lemon juice
Champagne
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients except the champagne. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a flute glass and top off with champagne.
Happy drinking!