Uh, it’s almost Thanksgiving! This month is almost over–and it’s a complete blur. The month started with a work trip and ends with a fun trip to spend time with our close friends, with the shock of the election in between. Everything else is a bit fuzzy and happened quickly. I haven’t posted much this month and my ‘Cookbook Sunday Dinner’ just went right out the window since I’ve been traveling or had other plans–like attending a party to celebrate the opening of a lovely new restaurant in Seattle owned by two of the nicest guys around. Tonight is the only Sunday I’m home, with only spending time with Skip and (eventually) actual work work to do. It’s a rainy, almost winter day, and being home is a wonderful place to be!

But, guys, it’s Thanksgiving week! We’ll be traveling on the actual turkey day, down to Oklahoma City for a much overdue visit with our friends, Justin and Ruth. We’ll have our Thanksgiving dinner on Friday–then, have pie for days. Seriously, we’ll be making at least 3 pies for 4 people–so, PIE! And, we get to meet their little boy! And, we get to see Ozzie, their pup we’ve known since he was a much smaller dog and we used to puppy-sit. So, it’s a super win all-around and the best way to wrap up this stressful month.

Looking for a cocktail for your family holiday celebrations? A cocktail that will go down easier than the election? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Now, I can’t take credit for this–my friend, Heather, came up with the drink and I made a very slight addition (orange!). Honestly, this cocktail is perfect for Thanksgiving; it has turkey (of the Wild & rye variety), apples, and spice. What else do you really need? Maybe some cornbread stuffing and pie, but then you’re set! Like Thanksgiving, this drink will require a little prep before you make it, you’ll need to make cider molasses. You should make this anyway and put it on buttered toast, biscuits, pound cake, waffles, on a spoon in your mouth. It’s delicious. Make it. Then, make the cocktail and enjoy!

Wherever you are and whatever your doing for Thanksgiving, I hope you are fortunate enough to be with people you love–Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!

A Turkey in an Apple Orchard
Tools & Extras: Cocktail shaker, coupe glass

2 oz. Wild Turkey 101 rye
3/4 oz. Cider molasses
1/2 oz. Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz. St. Elizabeth’s allspice dram (make your own)
2-3 dashes Orange bitters
Orange peel & thinly cut apple slice

Details:
* Add the first five ingredients to a cocktail shaker; fill with ice and shake for 30 seconds.
* Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Twist or press the orange peel over the cocktail to express the oil from the peel on the drink. Add the peel to the drink and garnish with the apple slice.