We are certainly running close to the deadline for pumpkin-flavored anything, but I have to pass along a revelation I had today on this flavor front. To my surprise a package appeared at my door today containing bottles of Modern Spirits Pumpkin Pie Vodka - yes, a pumpkin infused vodka - and, though I'm not a fan of the pie, I am infatuated with the vodka.

It is a spirit that has been in need for far too long because, as I've said recently, everyone seems to want to turn the pumpkin into a cocktail every fall. This particular vodka turns everything we know about pumpkin alcohol on its head because it is not only very true to the flavor via Modern Spirits' artisnal techniques, but is a truly quality spirit - not filled with all of those artificial ingredients that lead to a bad morning after or a sour after taste. Refreshing to see, delicious to taste, if you can find this vodka this season I highly recommend snatching it up. There are a few online liquor stores that sell it, with HiTimeWine.net being one of them.

More Pumpkin Cocktails...

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Did you know that whiskey is actually a very good pairing for your Thanksgiving dinner? It is and for his debut as a Contibuting Writer on About.com Lance Mayhew has some tasty recommendations for pairing whiskey with tomorrow's meal.

Whiskey over Japanese Ice Ball
Photo Credit: © Shannon Graham

It is true that whiskey in any of its many forms is ideal for this time of year because we tend to gravitate toward dark spirits as the temperatures cool down and the warmth of whiskey has all of those comforting and warming aspects that are innate for our tastebuds during this season. It is also a spirit that is more versatile than many would think and works well in cocktails that contain those autumnal flavors. To show off its potential, Mayhew has included two cocktails, the Stone Fence and Cranberry Spritzer, which include two of those favorite fall flavors - apple and cranberry respectively - that are both simple and very complimentary to the cornucopia of food many will be eating. Also, you will find some recommended whiskies of all varieties that are ideal for pairings.

Read the article Whiskey Pairings for Thanksgiving for the full story...

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The aperitif, the before dinner drink that stimulates ones appetite and prepares the stomach for the delicious meal to follow. And what better timing than the week of one of the biggest meals of the year to talk about one of the great aperitifs, the Negroni?

Negroni
Photo Courtesy of: © Campari USA

This 1920's cocktail is made with elements that individually make the best aperitifs so the combination of the three has to equal the ultimate of this class of cocktails. Despite the ingredients being equal in the Negroni, the Campari comes to the front and this can be an issue for some tastes because it is an extremely unique bitter liqueur. However, of all the Campari cocktails the Negroni is one that tames the bitter, mostly thanks to the sweetness of the vermouth but also with help from a London dry gin's aromatics. This makes it a nice introduction to Campari and a delightful, semi-dry cocktail that is ideal before any meal, especially those during which you may over indulge just a little bit such as Thanksgiving dinner.

Negroni cocktail recipe...

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There is a fruit other than the cranberry that is in season right now, the pomegranate, and it happens to be National Pomegranate Month. That may seem a little odd to some considering that it is November, but fall and winter happen to be when pomegranates are at their peak in the Northern Hemisphere.

PAMA Ginger-tini
Photo Courtesy of: © PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

Because pomegranates are perfect this time of year, that also makes it a perfect fruit to don holiday dinner tables and with Thanksgiving this week, it's a great time to introduce it to the season. When it comes to food you have your pick of pomegranate recipes and the list of pomegranate drinks is constantly growing so there are plenty of options available. Of course, when it comes to drinks we don't have to stick with fresh pomegranate but can use some of the great pomegranate-flavored vodkas and liqueurs instead.

Here are some pomegranate inspirations that stand out...

• Thanksgiving Turkey-Pomegranate Salad - A great use for leftovers.
• Pomegranate Cake - Bring the fruit into dessert.
• Buttermilk-Banana Pancakes with Pomegranate Syrup - A great way to start the day with the pomegranate coming from PAMA liqueur.
• Peach Pomegranate Holiday Martini - Seasoned up to perfection.
• Mrs. Claus' Wildside Punch - It's never too early for this tequila punch.
• Mulled Pomegranate Warmer - A twist on Mulled Wine.

More Pomegranate Cocktails...

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