Talking Turkey
For the Grown-Ups
Let’s kick things off with some festive Wild Turkey cocktails! We’ve got a little twist on a classic, a perfect holiday pairing, and a dessert treat that won’t be allowed at the kids’ table!
Wild Turkey Bourbon Smash
The Boulevardier – a twist on the Negroni that’s perfect for cooler weather
Thanksgiving Punch – turkey and cranberry, the natural combination
Frozen Butterball – a boozy milkshake for grownups
Fun Facts About Wild Turkey Bourbon
Wild Turkey’s roots trace to 1855, when Austin Nichols & Co., a wholesale grocer, set up shop in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. That company eventually took over what would become Wild Turkey Bourbon, now one of the country’s top-selling whiskey brands.
Wild Turkey
According to company lore, Wild Turkey name sprang from a hunting expedition. A distillery executive named Thomas McCarthy brought some whiskey samples from then-owner Austin Nichols & Co. on a wild turkey hunt. According to The Guardian, his companions “liked it so much that the next year they asked him to bring some of that ‘Wild Turkey’ bourbon and the nickname soon became a famous brand.”
It’s “alright, alright, alright.” Actor Matthew McConaughey has been Wild Turkey’s creative director since 2016. The brand reportedly approached McConaughey to be a spokesperson to help them attract more female consumers and international audiences. However, the actor had bigger ideas and wanted to be more than just the face; in fact, the relationship blossomed, and he has really become more part of the Russell family of distillers. In 2018, McConaughey launched Longbranch Bourbon, a perfect pairing of Texas and Kentucky, in partnership with Wild Turkey.
Cute for Kids
Fun charcuterie boards and veggie platters that are made to look like turkeys are something the kids love to gobble. If you need inspiration, the internet has them in every size and shape and with flavors to please every palate. The cute Tommy Turkey Cheese Ball and super-kid friendly Gala Gobbler are a couple of that appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
Tommy Turkey Cheese Ball
It's a Wing Thing
Southern Smothered Turkey Wings - Juicy turkey wings get the spotlight in this traditional soul food dish. Serve with cornbread and collards for the true taste of the South.
Roasted Turkey Legs
Shake a Leg
Flavorful smoked or roasted turkey legs are always popular at state fairs and festivals. Blue Ribbon Roasted Turkey Legs - these “caveman pops” can be eaten plain or with your favorite barbeque sauce or blue cheese dressing as a dipping sauce. Or go another direction with Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Turkey Legs and slow cook some legs in sweet honey and garlic to make pull-apart meat for sandwiches or to top a side dish.
Embracing Other Cultures
Because America is a melting pot, an ideal which reminds us who we are and where we came from, we thought we’d add some dishes inspired by other cultures. These are tasty alternatives to the usual pot pie and casseroles to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Post-Turkey Day Pierogi
Just Desserts
Drumstick cone
When it comes to Thanksgiving traditions, there are some that just can’t be ignored: breaking the wishbone for good luck and dessert! Our simple recipe for Candy Wishbones makes sure EVERYONE gets to share the good luck. Still channeling our turkey inspiration and with a nod to the popular peanutty ice cream treat, we’re offering up a pair of drumstick dessert options to suit your needs for either a small family feast at home with the Drumstick Ice Cream Pie or to take on the road for a potluck dinner with the Easy Potluck Drumstick Dessert.
