The time is almost here for us Americans to gorge ourselves on a feast of food, take long naps, and watch the national embarrassment that is the Detroit Lions lose yet again on national television. And so in lieu of the traditional beer, wine, and spirits sure to be served, we offer up these recipes as an alternative which may simultaneously spruce up your family gathering and potentially start an argument with a curmudgeonous relative demanding to know why there’s no Lowenbrau in the fridge.

Salted Karamel Martini
(courtesy of Caterina Miltenberger)
1 ¼ oz. Sobieski Karamel vodka
¾ oz. coffee-flavored tequila
2 oz. half & half
½ oz. simple syrup
1 oz. caramel syrup (set aside 1/2 for topping/garnish)
Garnish: 1 dash of kosher salt
Garnish: Whipped cream

Add ingredients in a mixing glass with fresh ice. Shake vigorously & strain into a martini glass. Garnish with whipped cream, followed by a drizzle of caramel and kosher salt.

Maple Bacon Manhattan
2 parts Jim Beam Maple
1/2 part Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Bitters
bacon strips (NOTE: for vegetarians, MorningStar Farms bacon does NOT, repeat, NOT work)

Build ingredients in mixing glass with ice and stir together. Pour over ice into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a bacon strip.

Turning Leaves
(courtesy of Jim Beam)
1 1/2 parts Jim Beam Black bourbon
1/2 part DeKuyper Orange curacao
2 parts fresh lemon sour
1 part Funkin Pear (note: entirely optional)
1/2 part DeKuyper Pomegranate

Shake all but the pomegranate with ice and strain over fresh ice in a hurricane style glass. Slowly pour the pomegranate so that it flows through the drink. Garnish with a pear slice on the rim.

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