Thanksgiving might look a little different in the post-pandemic era, but whether you are cozying up with a partner, setting out a full-on Friendsgiving spread, or even setting a sober table, we have the beers and some tasty recipe recos to make your menu. We asked Brewing Innovation Manager Bryan Donaldson to search his heart (and his palate) and give us the beta for a best-in-class Thanksgiving beer-pairing menu…

The Sober AF Thanksgiving

Whether you’re trending health-conscious, setting up your guests for a safe drive home, celebrating years of sobriety, or just laying off the booze for the time being, we’ve got some no-fail festive fall pairings that are all flavor and sure don’t taste like a compromise.

Lagunitas IPNA

Pair it with:

• Wild rice with mushrooms
• Brussels sprouts with balsamic, bacon & almonds
• Cranberry tart

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher

Pair it with:

• Cranberry sauce
• Rosemary & citrus turkey
• Mango Pie

The Friendsgiving

The beauty of Friendsgiving is the opportunity to keep the tastiest traditions and reinvent the rest with input from every party at the table. A communally curated menu should meld epicurean cultures and culinary highlights from everyone at the table. Think shareable crowd-pleasers and statement-making dishes. For your beer selections, take a high-low approach with Unrefined Shugga’ and DayTime.

Lagunitas Unrefined Shugga’

Pair it with:

• Jamaican jerk turkey
• Smoky stir-fried greens
• Crème brulé pie

Lagunitas DayTime IPA

Pair it with:

• Jollof rice
• Charred, orange-glazed carrots
• Classic buttermilk biscuits

The Family Reunion

Classics are classic for a reason. If you’re gettin’ together with kin, whether of the blood or chosen variety, you can’t go wrong sticking with what’s tried and true. Try a mix of traditional and trendy for your beer pairings.

Lagunitas IPA

Pair it with:

• Roast turkey with citrus & thyme stuffing
• Candied yams
• Classic dressing

Lagunitas Hazy Wonder IPA

Pair it with:

• Green beans with pancetta & lemon zest
• Cornbread muffins
• Apple pie

The Micro Celebration

A single-serving Thanksgiving doesn’t have to skimp on flavor. If you’re just cooking for one or two, try incorporating these creative variations and modern takes on traditional favorites. Just because you’re having a small meal doesn’t mean you can’t have big beers (and big flavors). Maximize your beer pairings alongside these scaled-down dishes for a flavorful full-send.

Lagunitas Maximus Colossal IPA

Pair it with:

• Roast butternut squash
• Cranberry orange relish
• Sauteed spinach with lemon honey dressing

Lagunitas Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’

Pair it with:

• Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’-brined Cornish Game hens (1 per person)
• Twice-baked potatoes
• Pineapple upside-down cupcakes