Notes from our bar ·
Start with the people. Then choose the drinks.
Pumpkin Noir has earned its place. Now I’m choosing what goes alongside it.
Thanksgiving gives you more than one occasion to make drinks for friends and family. There’s the first arrival, the gathering before dinner, and perhaps a quieter evening together over the long weekend.
So I’m starting with a question: what would everyone actually enjoy?
ONE DRINK HAS EARNED ITS PLACE
Pumpkin Noir earned its place on my Halloween menu, and after trying it, I knew I wanted it on the Thanksgiving menu too. The name may change; the silky pumpkin texture, seasonal spice and complex bitters finish are staying.
I expected to enjoy the bourbon. What surprised me was the texture: the homemade pumpkin purée gave it a silky feel, the pumpkin spice brought a seasonal aroma, and the Angostura bitters added a more complex finish.
BUILDING THE CHOICE AROUND IT
I’m working towards a menu of around seven to ten drinks, with enough choice for different tastes and different moments across the weekend.
On my working list are a Maple Old Fashioned, a Cranberry Bourbon Sour and a Pear & Sage Collins. There might also be room for something richer, such as a Pumpkin Spice White Russian.
Alcohol-free cocktails deserve just as much thought. I’m exploring an Orchard Fizz with apple and ginger; Cranberry Sparkle with orange and rosemary; and a Pear & Rosemary Cooler with lemon. A warm Fireside Apple with cinnamon and orange could suit a quieter evening, too.
These are ideas I’m still working through. I’ll try the combinations, swap a few and look for a lower-alcohol option before deciding what stays.
The aim is a menu shaped around the friends and family joining us, with choices they’ll enjoy throughout the holiday. That’s the heart of TwentyTwo-2: the occasion.
MAKING AN OCCASION OF IT
I’m also developing the Thanksgiving doors that will introduce the drinks in the app. Next week, I’ll share three designs and how I’m choosing the look for the occasion.
For now, I’m starting with the people, then choosing the drinks.
Would you keep the name Pumpkin Noir, or give it a new name for Thanksgiving? Reply and let me know.
It’s all about the occasion.
Planning your own occasion? Discover how TwentyTwo-2 helps you bring the drinks, the menu and the guest experience together.
Toby
Originally sent on 7 November 2026. Seasonal references and offers reflect that edition.