You know what would really make this a Thanksgiving for the books? What if instead of serving up a traditional turkey feast, you could take your bird to the next level with the help of some booze?
It turns out that it’s possible to infuse your turkey with vodka and I’m wondering where this recipe has been all my life. Gravy shots, anyone?
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It’s true that Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones over a special meal, but let’s be real — this day can be really stressful.
Besides preparing a meal for everyone and their second cousin, it’s not uncommon to see personalities clash over dinner.
It’s not even Thanksgiving yet and I already need a drink just thinking about it.
Maybe this 100-proof, vodka-infused turkey is what we all need.
In 2010, over 100 pubs and restaurants served up a boozy bird to patrons across New York. Five different flavored vodkas were used to soak the turkeys and apparently, the idea came from an old family recipe.
The Irish mother of one of the pub owners suggested putting vodka in the turkey at Christmas one year.
It wasn’t long before the recipe started popping up at pubs in honor of Thanksgiving. If you have yet to see this tipsy turkey being offered at a restaurant near you, it’s an easy recipe to make at home.
Here’s the recipe from Paul Loftus, Executive Chef of PD O’Hurley’s in New York.
Via The Gothamist :
14 lb turkey
2 bunch thyme
2 bunch oregano
2 bunch sage
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 onion, peeled and diced
2 stems celery, diced
6 oz olive oil
8 oz fresh cranberries
4 oz Georgi Vodka each in the following flavors: peach, apple, cherry, orange and lemon
8 oz Georgi Blue Vodka (100 proof)
Put turkey breast-down the night before with the diced vegetables, one bunch each of fresh herbs, cranberries and 4 oz of each flavored vodka. Refrigerate to marinate. On the morning of Thanksgiving, turn the turkey breast-up and cover with herbs and vegetables. Roast in oven at 375 degrees for three hours.
Blend the remaining fresh herbs, olive oil and Georgi Vodka Blue and inject into turkey.
So there you have it, a tipsy turkey that’s sure to please everyone at Thanksgiving this year.
I guess the only question is, is it proper to say “Cheers” before taking a bite?
