Happy Thanksgiving from Buy-Rite Liquors!

Thanksgiving is a very special holiday. We all know the story...in 1621, the Pilgrims, who had arrived at Plymouth only a year before, created a feast for the Native Americans who taught them how to farm, and how to survive, in America. Their gratitude brought together two communities who learned to live together and support each other. The repast lasted for 3 days! 

While our holiday is celebrated for only one day, the Thanksgiving table is typically laden with a number of traditional dishes. Of course, beverages that complement the gastronomic delights are an important part of the party. In the Sammy's Selections email sent yesterday, we offer up several excellent wines that pair perfectly with turkey, stuffing, gravy, and roasted veggies.

While I can't be sure, I'm of the mind that pumpkin was a part of the Pilgrims' and the Wampanoags' indulgence. Today I offer up a yummy Pumpkin Martini that would have impressed every one of the original Thanksgiving revelers. Shake up a batch of these to kick off the 'spirit' of the holiday or enjoy it as dessert as you root for your favorite team.

Stop by the store and pick up the delicious fixings for this tasty concoction!

Pumpkin Martini

Yields 1 cocktail. I suggest doubling the recipe!

 

Ingredients

2 oz. Pumpkin Spice Vodka                

1 oz. Dark Rum                                  

1/2 oz. Half & Half                                   

2 tbls. Canned Pumpkin Puree           

1 oz. Maple Syrup

1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract

Ice

Rim

Maple Syrup

1 whole Graham Cracker

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1 TBS Granulated Sugar

Garnish - Nutmeg, Cinnamon Stick

Rim - Crush graham cracker in a Ziploc bag until it's like sand. Stir in the cinnamon and sugar. Pour onto a paper plate. Pour the maple syrup in a small bowl and dip the glass rim. Roll the rim in the graham cracker mixture.

Martini - Combine the ice and cocktail ingredients into a shaker. Shake well until the shaker feels cold. Strain and pour into the martini glass. Add the cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of nutmeg. OR, a swirl of fresh whipped cream works well too (freeze whipped cream swirls on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and they will hold up longer in the drink)!

Alternates - I did not have Pumpkin Spice Vodka at home, so I used Vanilla Vodka and 1 oz. of Pumpkin Spice Cream with 1 oz. of Half & Half. I added more pumpkin puree and eliminated the vanilla extract. This is a fun recipe to play with!

Original recipe from No Spoon Necessary.