The Rookie’s Eric Winter Shares His Thoughts on Thanksgiving Foods

Eric Winter, star of The Rookie, expresses strong opinions about his ideal Thanksgiving meal. "Hate’s a strong word, but I’m not team turkey," he reveals in an interview with Us Weekly. He prefers chicken or other alternatives. If turkey is on the table, he opts for dark meat or crunchy skin instead. "I’m just not a big turkey guy."

While Winter doesn’t favor turkey, he enjoys classic holiday dishes. His favorite is sweet potato casserole layered with marshmallows. "It’s sweet, creamy, and has cinnamon — just all the right flavors." Another top preference is pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. "It symbolizes the time. It feels good and right, very fall, with delicious flavor," he adds.

Puerto Rican Twist on Tradition

Since marrying Roselyn Sánchez in 2008, Winter's Thanksgivings blend traditional and fresh recipes. "Because my wife is Puerto Rican, she spices everything up differently. The flavor's fantastic," he explains. He finds a Puerto Rican Thanksgiving far more exciting than the American version. The celebration features pasteles, tostones, and mofongo, bringing a unique flair to their holiday experience.

Winter also enjoys the leftovers from Thanksgiving. "Sometimes, they taste better the next day when everything is combined on a plate," he indicates with enthusiasm.

Palm Republic Rum and Family Support

This year's holiday festivities will certainly include Winter's Palm Republic rum. He co-founded the company with Brad Parkes earlier this year after visiting Puerto Rico to meet Sánchez’s family. "I had never been a rum drinker, but it blew my mind," he admits. His voyage into rum was born from that initial experience in Puerto Rico. "[It’s about] bringing people together. That was my core idea."

Although Sánchez doesn’t drink, Winter appreciates her unwavering support for his venture. "Her family is all behind me. In the Caribbean, rum is part of their lifestyle. It functions like bourbon or whiskey for them," he emphasizes. Through this journey, he has realized that rum is one of the most prevalent spirits worldwide.

Maintaining Humor in Their Relationship

Alongside cohosting the "He Said, Ella Dijo" podcast with his wife, Winter discusses the secret to their successful relationship. Humor is essential; they tease each other constantly. "I'm a Cancer, she's an Aries. We shouldn’t gel," he laughs. "But I calm her fire, and she keeps things interesting."

Winter deems humor vital for relationships. "We have our moments, but being too serious can complicate things. If you can laugh off fights or silly arguments, everything feels lighter," he concludes.