Well, here we are again—the week of Thanksgiving 2025. The air is thick with the scent of impending deadlines, last-minute grocery dashes, and that special brand of gentle, family-coordinating frenzy we all know and love. If you're reading this while simultaneously checking your oven timer and responding to a group text about who's bringing the cranberry sauce, just know the Serious Eats crew is right there with you in the trenches. We're all running around, juggling family, friends, and more dishes than our ovens can handle. This year's Mise en Place is short, sweet, and hopefully a comforting virtual hug—because we're all in this beautiful, chaotic mess together. And honestly, after the year we've had, we're more than ready to dive headfirst into Thursday's feast.

Last week, we gave you a peek at our dream Thanksgiving tablescapes. This week, we're getting real about the real MVP of the holiday: the liquid courage. You know, the drinks that get us through ten-step recipes, awkward dinner table pauses about "the state of things," and the gentle interrogation from relatives about our life choices. So, pull up a chair (or a barstool) and check out what the team will be pouring to smooth the edges of this wonderful, stressful day. And hey, I gotta say it—even though earnestness isn't really my style—we're all incredibly grateful for another year with the Serious Eats community. You guys are a wild bunch, but you're our wild bunch. Cheers to that!

The Team's 2025 Thanksgiving Drink Lineup

Let's get into the good stuff. Here’s what’s filling our glasses this holiday season.

Daniel Gritzer, Senior Culinary Director

"Big-batch NOLA-origin cocktails. Probably Sazerac, maaaaaybe Hurricane—and no, I have not yet figured out how to batch the recipes yet...maybe I'll slack our friends at Liquor.com for a last-minute Hail Mary."

Grace Kelly, Associate Commerce Editor

"My batch whiskey sour is infamous (let's just say everyone was feeling, erm, lots of things the day after my backyard wedding last year) so of course I’ll be making that. But also this low-ABV recipe I can't get enough of—it's basically a sherry- and amaro-based cocktail with cider, lime juice, and pear shrub. It's so good!"

Speaking of whiskey sours, let's talk about the classic. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser and stress-reliever.

Jesse Raub, Commerce Writer

"This Nero d’Avola from Martha Stoumen. It's my go-to for cutting through the richness of everything on the table."

Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm, Senior Commerce Editor

"WINE. Lots of it." (We feel you, Riddley. No further explanation needed.)

Leah Colins, Senior Culinary Editor

"My mother makes a fabulous porto tonico. I have big plans to sip one on a quiet beach stroll. People usually think of it as a summer cocktail, but with fresh orange and fresh sage? Oh-my-festive-holiday-goodness! It's a total game-changer."

Yasmine Maggio, Associate Editor

"Lots of Martinelli's sparkling apple cider for my Muslim family!! Halal wine, as we like to call it. It's the fizzy, sweet centerpiece of our celebration."

Why Our Drink Choices Matter This Year 🍹

In 2025, our drink menus are more than just refreshments; they're lifelines and love letters. They represent:

• Tradition Meets Innovation: From Daniel's big-batch NOLA classics to Grace's modern low-ABV creation, we're honoring the past while sipping on the future.

• Inclusivity: Yasmine's mention of "Halal wine" for her family is a beautiful reminder that the holiday table—and the drinks on it—should have a place for everyone.

• The Great Escape: Whether it's Leah's beach-walk porto tonico fantasy or just the simple act of clinking glasses, these drinks are a mini-vacation from the holiday hustle.

Let's be real, the post-dinner vibe is just as important as the meal itself. Once the turkey is but a memory and the pie plates are cleared, a new marathon begins: the online shopping spree. Fear not! Our all-star Commerce Team has got your back.

They're taking over our social channels all through the post-Turkey Day weekend—that's Friday, Saturday, and Monday—to bring you the most killer, hand-picked deals on the internet. Think of it as your personal shopping concierge for decking out your kitchen with everything you didn't know you needed. So, between naps and leftovers, be sure to keep an eye on our Instagram stories. We're talking the best discounts on cookware, quirky gadgets, and pantry staples to set you up for a fabulous 2025. Trust me, you don't want to miss it.

So, from our chaotic, food-filled kitchens to yours: have a fantastic Thanksgiving. May your gravy be lump-free, your turkey moist, and your glass forever full of whatever brings you joy and gets you through the heck through the day. We're grateful for you, and we'll see you on the other side of the food coma. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a whiskey sour to attend to. Bottoms up!