Maui Blanc, Tedeschi Winery
Maui’s only winery produces a lot of light and fruity whites, which serve as a nice complement to all the rich, savory flavors that make up a traditional holiday feast. Then again, in addition to turkey and stuffing you’re also eating yams (possibly containing marshmallows) and cranberry sauce, so you don’t want your wine to be too sweet. That’s why the Maui Blanc’s a safe pick: the pineapple flavor isn’t overpowering. This actually tastes more like wine than fruit punch. Speaking of fruit”¦
White grape juice
For kids, teetotalers or those who are already drunk enough by the time the bird is served, this is a great alternative. It’s got the same pucker factor as a glass of white wine without the kick. There’s one ubiquitous juice company that makes this stuff, but we’re not going to mention their name here (let’s just say it rhymes, fittingly, with “belches.”) If you’re not into the whole feeding the corporate beast thing, a few smaller companies also bottle white grape nectar. I’m not aware of any that are easy to find on Maui, but if they do exist I’m sure I’ll hear about it.
Shirley Temple
Thanksgiving at my grandma’s house was usually marked by two things: somebody having a few too many and making an ill-advised speech with their elbow in the gravy boat and us kids loading up on grenadine and Sprite. So part of this recommendation might be due to fuzzy happy memories. But I swear the combination is dynamite with turkey and fixins. The best part: just when you think you’re too full to eat another bite, you burp out some carbonation and find there’s room for a second slice of pie after all.
Vodka martini
Gin enthusiasts might squeal, but vodka tastes way better with a heavy meal. Two things to keep in mind: go easy on the vermouth (again, the sweetness factor) and don’t do dirty. Your meal is already salty enough without adding a shot of olive brine.
Water
What? Seriously? Yes. Doctors, nutritionists and common sense tell us that your average holiday meal packs loads of dehydrating sodium. Add the fact that you’ve probably been imbibing (which also dehydrates) and that water aids the digestion and it’s clear (pun intended) that nature’s life-giving elixir is the wise, if unsexy choice. MTW
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