Hey, do you hear that? It sounds like the busiest bar day of the year is speeding towards us like a rogue rafter of turkeys! Yes, that’s right – a group of turkeys is referred to as a rafter, not a flock or a “gobble.” Don’t say we’ve never taught you anything about birds…
Black Wednesday is just a week away, so you and your staff had better be on top of things. People are going to be flocking (raftering?) to your bar in search of a cocktail while visiting their families…because they’re visiting their families. Friends and family only seen during major holidays will be reuniting, coworkers who actually like one another will be gathering for a beverage before hanging out with family, and Thanksgiving orphans will be looking for a place to grab a pint, cocktail, or glass of wine.
So, to help you prepare and get in the mood for Black Wednesday, here are 9 great cocktails and 3 shareable bar snacks sure to imbue your guests with the strength to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal and brave their relatives.
Cheers, turkeys!
Don’t put your activated charcoal away just yet! Black cocktails aren’t just for Halloween anymore, they’re also perfect for Black Wednesday, as evidenced by the Black Mamba Margarita from Adam Teolis at The Carbon Bar in Toronto.
Death Before Dinner may sound a bit macabre for a Thanksgiving cocktail but it’s just right for Black Wednesday, created by Matt Allred for Zentan in Washington DC.
A bit of a misnomer, Black Sangria gets darker the longer you let it sit in a refrigerator.
Wild Turkey Spiced, Wild Turkey 101 and absinthe combine to create More Than a Barrel Full O’ Turkeys.
Put your guests in the mood for pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day with the Pumpkin Spiced Lebowski on Black Wednesday.
Pumpkin will run its course once winter arrives so take advantage of the craze that surrounds this flavor during the fall with the Pump-kick Mule.
If there’s one flavor that gives pumpkin a run for its orange money during the fall months, it’s cranberry. The Cranberry Margarita will certainly put your guests in the Thanksgiving mood.
Holiday “Sauce” is an elegant cocktail made with Hennessy VS, Fee Brothers Cranberry Bitters, and a spoonful of actual cranberry sauce.
Of course, maple is also another fantastic fall flavor, so the Maple Old Fashioned is great for those seeking a rye cocktail.
Speaking of maple, Maple-Glazed Peanuts & Bacon will appeal to those looking for a crunchy, salty, sweet and savory snack.
Of course, they’ll also enjoy Maple-Nut Popcorn.
Black Wednesday is all about friends and family members hanging out, enjoying cocktails and sharing a snack, like Bacon Caramel Popcorn.