The Hill team thoroughly enjoys the luscious indulgences of Thanksgiving Day. A year ago there were no cocktails or even a taste of turkey for the Tandem Tasters. We were honored to be conch judges on the beautiful Turks and Caico islands. Somehow Norm manged to discover and enjoy a few bites of the American bird.

This year we plan to make up for our conch indulgence with a traditional turkey dinner. Maralyn and Norm will be with family. I will be sharing my meal with a group of friends from New England and China. Since I am in charge of the cocktails, I want something American and light. There will be wines with dinner.


Pom Champagne Sparkler,Cape Codder, and a Madras

Our usual choice is to begin with a chilled glass of California sparkling wine. If you add a few dashes of pomegranate juice, you will have a sparkling crimson colored Thanksgiving or Christmas drink.

I will also offer a Cape Codder Cocktail, in honor of New England.

Ingredients – for four

8 oz vodka
16 oz cranberry juice

Method

Pour into a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake very gently.

Or pour into a pitcher and stir.

Strain into chilled martini glasses.

Garnish with a few whole cranberries.

Tip:  If you freeze them first, cranberries make delightful little ice cubes.

Another drink I enjoy with all of the tangy flavors of the Thanksgiving feast is a Madras. It is like a Cape Codder, only add half cranberry and half orange juice to the vodka. Sometimes I substitute a light rum for the vodka. The colors resemble an autumn sunset.

Cheers!

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where And What in the World

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.