Thanksgiving Brunch: Coffee Recipes and Pairings

Thanksgiving Brunch: Coffee Recipes and Pairings

Thanksgiving is all about the bonds we forge with each other, gathering with people we love to celebrate and reflect on the changes that we’ve gone through over the course of a year, how we can focus on being better humans to each other and to slow down and consider something much more significant than ourselves. Also, Thanksgiving is about indulging and revelry, which is why Friendsgivings are becoming an increasingly important staple for family members who live far away from each other, non-traditional families, and folks with smaller circles. Brunch and coffee are the perfect pairing for the non-traditional Thanksgiving. Here are a few easy drink and food combinations to elevate Thanksgiving brunch without filling up too much, so we don’t miss out on grandma’s turkey and your uncle’s famous pecan pie. We’ll throw in some delicious coffee pairings as well to combat your tryptophan intake later that day. Whether you’re spending the holidays with your family or your chosen family, you’ll find that warm and fuzzy fall feeling with our brunch and drink recipes below. 

Turmeric (Golden Milk) Latte

Suggested pairing: Hearty ham and delicata squash frittata 

Start your Thanksgiving morning off with something light but still filling. Turmeric lattes are warm and can easily be made without espresso. Here’s a simple recipe that can be made with any espresso machine.  

What you’ll need: 
  • 350ml Milk—whole milk is our choice, but whole can be substituted with any milk alternative. We prefer oat or almond milk sans whole because of its neutral flavor. Coconut milk is also good, but it will add a coconut flavor to the Golden Milk.
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon 
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger (opt for fresh ginger here for more of a kick if you have any in the pantry)
  • A dash of ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract 
  • 1 tsp maple syrup OR 1 tsp honey 
  • 1 shot of espresso (decaf or no espresso at all)

Create the Golden Milk Latte (serves 1-2)

  1. Put all the ingredients into a larger 20oz steaming pitcher and steam until the ingredients are fully incorporated and hot. Alternatively, add all ingredients into a saucepan and whisk constantly over low heat.  
  2. Put a shot of espresso into your favorite mug.
  3. Pour the Golden Milk over the espresso 
  4. Sprinkle a little more ground cinnamon on top
  5. Enjoy

Coffee Negroni

Suggested pairing: Rich sweet potato hash

The Coffee Negroni is a twist on an Italian classic. Reputations have been built and destroyed over the perfect Negroni, so follow this recipe closely. While not traditionally a brunch beverage, this pairs well with something more decadent, like eggs, bacon, caramelized onion, and sweet potato. Enjoy responsibly. 

What you’ll need: 

  • 1-ounce gin (we prefer Aviation or Sipsmith Gin)
  • 1-ounce sweet vermouth (we prefer Martini & Rossi) 
  • 1-ounce Campari 
  • Microplane 
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer 
  • 1 orange for orange peel 
  • Ice cubes 
  • 3 Old Fashioned or rocks glasses 
  • 1 shot of espresso 

Create the Coffee Negroni 

  1. Pull a shot of espresso and let it cool. 
  2. Skim off the espresso crema with a spoon and dispose
  3. Fill two glasses with ice
  4. In one glass, mix equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari with a bar spoon.
  5. In the second glass, pour one shot of espresso over ice. Stir to chill; place in the freezer for three minutes.
  6. Strain liquor into your third, empty glass. Add strained, chilled espresso to taste.
  7. Using a microplane, grate the orange peel over the Coffee Negroni
  8. Garnish with an orange peel 

Mistobox Coffee: Fall Favorites

klatch coffee with a croissant

 Temple Coffee's Riqueza Dark Blend 

This medium-dark seasonal Latin American blend from Temple is an easy sipper. It goes down quickly and pairs well with milk when making milk-based drinks. The cocoa and baking spices flavor profile is reminiscent of freshly baked cookies cooling on the windowsill. 

Alma Coffee's Otoño Fall Roast

Alma Coffee’s Otoño blend will help you sink right into the Fall season with its lively and warm medium roast. Enjoy tart blackberry tasting notes, a delicate bergamot effervescence, and a warm cinnamon finish. 

Thanksgiving Brunch

Need an espresso setup to make fall beverages? 

Mechanika VI Slim & Mahlkonig X54 Allround Home Grinder

These two are the perfect pairing if you have a small footprint but do not want to compromise shot or grind quality. The Mechanika VI Slim, with its romantic Italian aesthetic and German engineering, can make lattes for days. The Mahlkonig X54 will help you dial in your shots to perfection and allow you to switch between brew methods intuitively. 

Profitec Pro 600 espresso machine and Mahlkonig X54 Allround Grinder

Profitec Pro 600 & Eureka ORO XL Grinder 

This machine and grinder combination is sure to make any coffee enthusiast envious. The Pro 600 with quick steam is a Clive Coffee exclusive in the US market and is the top-performing E61 grouphead machine that is reservoir only. It packs a 2-bar steam pressure punch and can be customized with wood accents. The Eureka ORO XL is the best espresso-focused grinder under 1k and will last you for many years and many delicious shots of espresso.  

Go forth and be merry 

Now that you have everything you need to wow your friends at Thanksgiving brunch, don't forget to give, to be mindful of the things you and your loved ones need, and to most importantly, have some fun. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Love, 

Clive Coffee