The Lost Thanksgiving Drinks: Colonial Cocktails to Try Today

Unique beverages from history that deserve a comeback at your table.

Thanksgiving isn't just about the feast. It’s also a time to toast to gratitude, laughter, and good company. But did you know that colonial America had its own lineup of unique and flavorful drinks that could give your modern cocktails a run for their money? Let’s dive into some lost Thanksgiving beverages that are not only fun to make but will also add a historical twist to your holiday celebrations. Ready to impress your guests with some colonial charm? Let’s get mixing!

1. Flip: The OG Hot Toddy

Imagine a frothy, warm drink made with beer, molasses, and eggs - yes, eggs! Colonists loved their Flip, especially during chilly celebrations. They’d even heat it with a hot poker straight from the fire for that extra smoky flavor. (Think of it as the campfire s’mores of drinks.)

Basic Recipe:

• 1 cup dark beer (like stout or porter)

• 2 tablespoons molasses

• 1 egg

• A pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof mug, whisk together the beer and molasses until well combined.

2. Crack the egg into the mixture and whisk until frothy.

3. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top.

4. Enjoy warm, just like the colonists did!

2. Applejack: The Harder Cider

Colonists took their apple cider seriously, so seriously that they distilled it into Applejack, a high-proof spirit that packed a punch. Nicknamed “Jersey Lightning,” it was the go-to drink for raising toasts and warming souls.

Basic Recipe:

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1 cup brandy (apple brandy preferred)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the apple cider and honey until warm (do not boil).

2. Remove from heat and stir in the brandy.

3. Pour into glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

4. Sip slowly and enjoy the robust flavors!

3. Shrub: The Sweet-Tart Wonder

No, it’s not a plant. A Shrub is a tangy syrup made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar, mixed with spirits or water. Colonists used it to preserve fruits long before refrigerators existed, resulting in a refreshing and zippy drink.

Basic Recipe:

• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine berries and sugar in a bowl, mashing them slightly.

2. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

3. Strain out the solids and stir in the vinegar.

4. To serve, mix 2 tablespoons of shrub syrup with sparkling water or your favorite spirit.

5. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.

4. Wassail: The Holiday Party in a Mug

Wassail is like mulled cider on steroids. Made with spiced ale, cider, sugar, and roasted apples, it was served warm and shared among guests as a symbol of community and cheer. People would even sing carols while drinking it. (Multitasking at its finest.)

Basic Recipe:

• 4 cups apple cider

• 2 cups spiced ale or dark beer

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 whole cloves

• 1 roasted apple, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, spiced ale, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.

2. Heat gently on the stove until warm, stirring occasionally.

3. Remove from heat and add roasted apple slices.

4. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with an extra cinnamon stick if desired.

5. Rattle-Skull: Colonial Energy Drink

Don’t let the name scare you! This potent mix of rum, beer, and lime was designed to “rattle your skull” in the best way possible. Perfect for those long Thanksgiving dinners when Uncle Bob’s stories won’t end.

Basic Recipe:

• 1 cup light beer

• 1/2 cup white rum

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine the rum, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. Top with the light beer and give it a gentle stir.

3. Serve over ice with a lime wedge garnish.

How to Serve These Drinks Today

Recreating these colonial drinks is easier than you think. Modern ingredients and tools make them quicker to prepare (no hot pokers needed!). Plus, serving a Colonial Flip or Wassail will instantly elevate your Thanksgiving dinner from traditional to unforgettable.

Ready to Raise a Glass?

Which of these The Lost Thanksgiving Drinks are you dying to try? Or does your family have a unique Thanksgiving beverage tradition? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments. We’d love to hear about them! 🍹

Stay tuned for more Thanksgiving surprises in our series, and let’s toast to keeping history delicious! 🥂

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