The right alcohol pairings for cocktail parties can enhance the flavor profile of your meal and elevate the entire experience for each guest. With so many wine and cocktail options, it can be difficult to find the perfect drinks to serve at each stage of your holiday festivities. However, whether you're hosting a casual get-together with games and horse d'oeuvres, a traditional meal sit-down, or a festive brunch, we've got the perfect libation for the occasion.
Appetizer Pairings
Appetizers are generally light finger foods that are served before a meal or in place of one. They're also the perfect solution for when guests trickle in before the party officially begins. With this in mind, carefully select a few cocktails to serve alongside your appetizers that complement each flavor and you’ll impress your guests from the moment they arrive.
If you're serving a charcuterie spread, opt for a drink that enhances the flavors of your cheese selection. Whiskey mulled wine has a deep, rich flavor profile that pairs well with most cheese, including fondue. Smoked salmon, cocktail sausages, and soft cheese like brie pair better with bubbly drinks like Champagne and Prosecco.
If you really want to impress your guests, meet them at the door with a festive fig old fashioned that tastes delicious on its own or alongside most holiday appetizers.
The Main Course
If you're serving a traditional meal, consider the main course and pair it with a nice bottle (or two) of the top wines for holiday parties. Roast chicken, salmon, or pan-seared duck pairs beautifully with the bright, earthy flavors of Pinot Noir, while roast turkey pairs best with the light, fruity notes of Chardonnay. Opt for a wine that has a full-bodied flavor profile, so guests will linger and sip even after the table has been cleared.
If wine isn't your drink of choice, serve a festive cocktail alongside your main course. Mix a cranberry cocktail to pair with your roast turkey or serve a light and refreshing Gin cocktail to your guests to sip as they eat. Most importantly, don't forget to garnish your drinks with rosemary, cranberries, or an orange wedge.
Dessert Cocktails
A holiday celebration isn't complete without classic eggnog, which is possibly the best cocktail for holiday parties, but this heavy dessert drink isn't everyone's cup of tea. If you like to drink your dessert, serve guests a sweet cocktail like a Mexican hot chocolate, a chocolate peppermint martini, or an eggnog martini. If you're serving a decadent dessert, consider picking a more savory drink pairing like Irish coffee, a cranberry orange whiskey sour, or a white Russian.
Dessert wines like sherry and port are luxuriously delicious when paired with pecan pie, caramel cheesecake, and chocolate cake.
Brunch Options
Brunch is a lighthearted celebration that typically sports a spread of breakfast items, finger sandwiches, and fresh fruit. There are several alcohol pairings for these holiday parties, but a few classic brunch cocktails stand out. Raspberry and peach bellinis, tequila sunrises, and sweet, refreshing mimosas are often served alongside a holiday brunch. Whether you're serving breakfast casserole, biscuits and gravy, or chicken and waffles, you can't go wrong with a fruity champagne or tequila cocktail to lighten the heavy meal.
If your meal is especially sweet and syrupy, balance the flavor profile with a savory cocktail like a bloody Mary or Irish coffee for guests to sip alongside their meal.
Hosting a successful holiday party requires more than just finding the right drinks. Creating a festive atmosphere is key to making your party stand out. If you enjoy hosting holiday parties and want to take it to the next level, we can help. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can assist you in designing a custom home that's perfect for entertaining.
