This Thanksgiving, we are practically jumping out of our seats at the thought of finally being back together with family and friends as we celebrate the season of giving — and we took all necessary measures to make sure it would be our best one yet, responsibly of course!

That is why we met with Matt Klette, skilled bartender and National Brand Ambassador of Redemption Whiskey, so he could teach us everything we need to know about cocktail making and party-hosting to ensure we would have the best Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving dinners to date — so that in return, you could too!

Redemption Whiskey is unique from other brands in their market because they focus all of their products on rye, giving their spirits those “nice big baking spices”, as Klette explains, which is why they put rye in almost every single spirit they make.

With fall in full force, Klette recommends learning to make the Far From the Tree cocktail — a rye whiskey, apple cider blend — to take advantage of all the fall flavors we all know and love. This drink is the perfect introduction for anyone just getting into whiskey, and will become a new favorite for any current whiskey connoisseurs.

Thanksgiving Cocktails
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Redemption Whiskey

FAR FROM THE TREE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1.5 parts Redemption Rye
  • 2 parts apple cider
  • 2 parts Josh prosecco
  • 1 Barspoon honey (option to use cardamom or cinnamon honey for an added festive twist)
  • ½ part lemon

HOW TO MAKE:

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice, except the prosecco.
  2. Pour into a champagne flute.
  3. Top with prosecco.
Thanksgiving Cocktails
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Redemption Whiskey

Of course, as Redemption Whiskey‘s National Brand Ambassador, Matt also gave us a full run-down on the best bottles to buy as gifts for our dinner parties — if we are not hosting them ourselves this year. For Thanksgiving, he recommends any of “The Classics” — Redemption Rye, Bourbon and High Rye Bourbon.

As we head into the winter holidays, such as Christmas and New Years, Matt loves to switch his cocktails to those that are a little more “spicy” and will make you “feel warm in your chest” — such as a Manhattan.

Thanksgiving Cocktails
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Redemption Whiskey

According to the whiskey expert, anytime you bring whiskey to a holiday party it’s going to be a crowd pleaser! His recommendation for the perfect holiday gift this year is Redemption Whiskey’s newest Cognac Cask Finish, which is wonderful for the winter months.

Be sure to check out our exclusive video interview with Matt Klette at the top of this article, and head to Redemption Whiskey to find all of the National Brand Ambassador’s tips, tricks and recommendations for your upcoming holiday parties. Happy Thanksgiving and cocktail making!