The usual focus of the holiday sequel is the food, but if the drink selection is poor or even non-existent then people will remember that. "Hey Bob, how was Thanksgiving 2.4 this year? I sure wish I could have gone." "Well Jimmy, the food was great as always, but they ran out of soda and there wasn't any beer or juice!". And that is what Bob will remember, and what Jimmy would think coming into 2.5. . . No juice or beer or soda. I am ever striving to come up with a unique selection of drinks on top of what is brought. This year will be no different.
I will have the staples of any gathering: filtered water, regular soda, and diet soda (for the carb impaired). The real fun will be in decided what else to include. I think I will have a few kinds of juice this year. I think I have been a little lax in the non-alcoholic drink area. Apple cider, and for the brave pumpkin juice (from Harry Potter of course). I really like sweetened iced tea, but if I were to serve it, I think I would have to either have an unsweetened jug and a sweet jug or give people the choice of what to sweeten it with. I like Starbucks as much as the next person, but I don't really have this kind of room in the house, or even outside. However, I wonder if I could come up with some sort of portable bar . ? . . ? I will forgo the iced tea issue until I find out about the bar idea. The juices will bring me to 5 non-alcoholic drinks. I think that is enough for now.
Every year so far a few guests have brought drinks with them to share. --I comment about the sharing only because I have been to a few parties where some guests have brought nothing to share. They brought drinks for them and them only. I find this a little rude. I suppose there are some parties where this is the norm, but I have never been to one, ever. the only concession I give to people who do this are people with special dietary needs. The last time I checked Corona is not made for diabetics or the lactose intolerant-- On the invite I specifically ask for what people are bringing. This is purely so there is no overlap in brought items. If someone brings Samuel Smiths variety pack of beer then everyone should know who brought it. This knowledge allows me to go off the normal grid of drinks to prepare and buy. This year I am going to get two of my favorite beers to share with everyone. I am getting Malheur 10 and Backwoods Bastard. Malheur 10 is a Belgian strong ale and Backwoods Bastard is an ale that is aged in bourbon barrels. I was flirting with the idea of getting a case of Iron City Beer also. Iron City is an American style pilsner and the official beer of the Pittsburgh Nation! Miller lite will make an appearance and a few variety packs (Sam Adams, Sly Fox, Saranac, etc). If my friend has any interest I'd like to get or if someone is nice enough, have a couple bottles of Lindeman's Lambic beers. It is the only beer he actively likes. I think beer will be well covered this year. Hopefully I am able to introduce a few people to a couple of my favorites at the same time.
Wine will definitely be present at Thanksgiving 2.4. My wife and I will be picking up a few of our favorites from the PA Ren Faire when we go on the last day. A couple bottles of mead, Maiden's Blush, Knight's Reward, and hopefully some of the spiced apple served warm. I have no doubt a few leftover bottles of wine from our wedding will be served, and if like last year some people are generous there will be several more bottles. I'm hoping for some sweeter one's, but I'll take whatever comes.
Hard liquor at a party like this can go a couple ways. If it's very freely available and you will hear the words "SHOTS, SHOTS! On the other hand it can be mildly available and just add to the social lubrication. I am absolutely in the second boat. I will have some Butter Beer (from Harry Potter again!) and a very small selection of hard liquors for mixing: flavored rum, spiced rum, vodkas and maybe a scotch or two. This is not meant to be Rumspringa with turkey and fixin's. It hasn't been like that yet, so lets keep the fingers crossed.
My porch will be covered in a huge assortment of drinks, with and without alcohol, and I hope it is more than enough to satisfy the thirsty gathering goer this year. I will take suggestions of course in the comments.
