The turkey is the most iconic meal of this holiday. So, that’s where we will begin. First, prepare your grill for a medium heat. You don’t want to dry this bird out, and this is an important step. Each grill has its own “personality.” You will want to look into your own specific grill’s preparation techniques. Once the grill is prepared, rinse and prepare the turkey with your favorite seasonings.

After your turkey is prepared, place the turkey, breast side up, into a large roasting pan. Transfer the prepared pan onto your grill and let it cook for two to three hours. You will want to check the turkey with a meat thermometer.  The internal thigh temperature needs to reach 185 degrees. Once it does, take the turkey out and let it stand for 15 minutes before you carve.

Side Dishes for the Poolside

If you’re looking for a few easy side dishes. Consider a crockpot or two to help you spend more time by the pool and not in the kitchen. Green bean casserole is always a favorite. It can also be a very easy dish! To check out this amazing recipe for a slow cooker green bean casserole, click here. Other dishes that have some easy slow cooker recipes include: mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and even cranberry sauce!

Of course, visiting your local Publix is another alternative. Here in Florida, we see a lot of side dishes made from our local Publix deli. It’s almost as “Florida” as summer rainstorms.

Drinks (for Adults) for Your Poolside Thanksgiving

What’s a poolside Thanksgiving without some special cocktails. Here are some great ideas for holiday drinks from Southern Living and The Food Network.

Cranberry Old Fashioned
Ingredients
1 orange wedge
1 sugar cube
Dash of bitters
Crushed ice
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons whole-berry cranberry sauce
Club soda
Garnish: orange twist and fresh cranberries

Directions
Mash the orange wedge, bitters, and the sugar cube, and bitters in a 10-oz. old-fashioned glass. You can use a muddler or a wooden spoon. Stir in bourbon, cranberry sauce, and a splash of club soda over crushed ice. Keep this one cold, and serve it immediately.

Harvest Margarita
Ingredients
2 ounces tequila, such as Patron
1 1/2 ounces chilled Spiced Simple Syrup (we’ll include that recipe so you don’t have to search)
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Few dashes bitters
Ice
Lime wedge, for garnish

Directions
Combine the tequila, lime juice, bitters, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. This drink is great on the rocks or straight up.

Spiced Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
8 whole allspice berries
8 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped

Directions
Combine the sugar, 1 cup water, allspice, cloves, cinnamon and ginger in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar melts completely. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let steep for 1 hour. Strain into a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until cold.

The folks at Southern Living and The Food Network aren’t kidding around. These drinks are delicious!

The new Poolside Tradition

Thanksgiving may not be considered a poolside event, but that doesn’t mean your poolside thanksgiving won’t be a blast. Make it an early afternoon meal to ensure maximum swim time. Be careful, though. Once your neighbors start smelling that turkey, they may abandon their own parties to try and crash yours!