Pairing appetizers with cocktails can make your party more enjoyable! We’re here to help you discover different combinations that will suit everyone’s taste buds. Join us on a tasty adventure as we explore easy and delicious pairings for your next gathering! The art of food pairings with a favorite cocktail is a great way to start any party! Wine pairings are always a hit, but pairing a savory appetizer with a refreshing cocktail, now you have a party! Join us on a journey through an array of cocktail and appetizer pairings from us and some of our favorite bloggers! We are bringinging a fusion of flavors, from tangy blackberry martinis to savory sensations like smoked deviled eggs, creating a symphony of taste that is sure to impress.
Tex-Mex Appetizer & Cocktail Pairings
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Corn Dip featuring Smoked Poblanos & Cream Cheese, paired flawlessly with the tropical kick of Mango Margaritas. The smoky, creamy dip perfectly contrasts the fruity sweetness of the margaritas, making each bite and sip a delightful blend of savory and tangy flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Corn Dip with Smoked Poblanos & Cream Cheese & Mango Margaritas
Easy Watermelon Margaritas & Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
From Rachel at Craving some Creativity
Spicy Michelada Paired with Easy Grilled BBQ Shrimp Appetizer
From Yvette at Muy Bueno
A classic Mexican beer cocktail, this Spicy Michelada recipe is a lighter version of a bloody mary that’ll go down super easy any time of the day! Pair with: Easy Grilled BBQ Shrimp Appetizer with Baked Flour Tortilla Chips. These are made with just 7 simple ingredients in less than 20 minutes. Juicy grilled jumbo shrimp are piled onto crispy baked tortilla chips with a dollop of creamy guacamole.
Spicy Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita Paired with Tequila Lime Wings
From Denay from Confetti & Bliss
This spicy strawberry jalapeño Margarita is the perfect summertime drink. It has a hint of sweetness, a fresh fruity flavor, and a kick of spice from the jalapeño. Pair with tequila lime wings that are crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside. Easy to make in an air fryer or oven, they’re packed with Mexican flavor. Serve with creamy tequila-lime dipping sauce and juicy wedges of lime. Serve them as appetizers, lunch or dinner.
Pair with:
Classic Margarita with Baked Chicken Tacos
From Dana At Killing Thyme
Strawberry Champagne Margaritas paired with Baked Steak Taco Cups
From Tiffany at Simply Happenings
Large Batch Pitcher of Margaritas paired with Grilled Mulitas
From Aleka at Alekas Get Together
Put down that margarita mix! This Large Batch Pitcher of Margaritas from Alekas Get Together is SO much better and the perfect cocktal to serve a crowd at your next party! Pair them with Grilled Mulitas. These are similar to traditional quesadillas but use corn tortillas and marinated skirt steak. Get both of these ready in about 15 minutes, and you are ready for a party!
Classics Appetizer & Cocktail Pairings with a Twist!
Let’s start with a classic cocktail pairing. Make your own Bloody Mary mix and set up a bar! This vodka cocktail is a brunch favorite. The tangy flavors, accentuated by the addition of tomato juice and a hint of lemon juice, make it the perfect complement to Spicy Deviled Eggs! The perfect pairing for your next Brunch!
Grill up some Summer peach and ricotta crostini appetizer bites in under 30 minutes. This dish is elegant and perfect for entertaining, without much effort on your part. Pair it with the perfect “Peachy” Cocktail: Peach Rum Cocktail Recipe has a refreshing and light taste, making it the perfect summer drink. Both of these recipes from Jessica at Homebody Eats.
This Perfect Brandy Manhattan recipe from Joanne of the Ugly Ducklimg Bakery is a variation of one the most classic cocktails. It combines the rich and smooth taste of brandy with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. Pair it with Pumpkin Pie Spiced Roasted Chickpeas are slow-roasted to create a snack that takes nearly zero effort and will make your house smell like pumpkin pie.
Paired With:
For a more timeless duo, consider making these pecan, spicy jelly & boursin tarts. The balances the bold flavors of the cocktail, making it an excellent choice for any cocktail hour.
Sweet & Savory Boursin Mini Pecan Tarts & Cranberry Boston Bourbon Sours!
Paired With:
Classic Canadian Caesar Cocktail Paired with Bacon Spinach Pinwheels
From Elizabeth at Frugal Mom Eh
Pair with:
Air Fryer Egg Rolls paired with Strawberry Bellinis
From Tiffany at Simply Happenings
Pair with:
Festive Holiday Appetizer & Cocktail pairings
When it comes to a Christmas or New Years Party, you are gonna want to jazz up your usual cheese and crackers with a glass of wine. Time to bring out some fancy snacks and your signature cocktails. All of these look fancy and taste amazing, but they are simple to make.
Steak Crostinis paired with Pomegranate Lemon Drop Martinis
Steak Crostinis are an easy appetizer that you can make from leftover steak, and bread. Seriously. A mix of ricotta cheese with horseradish, a drizzle of balsamic honey glaze and a few pomegranate arils, and this is the perfect bite! This recipe for Pomegranate Lemon Drom Martinis is great for entertaining because it’s easy to make in bulk so that you have plenty for your party guests—and it looks as beautiful as it tastes!
Winter Aperol Spritz paired with The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
From Jess at Cooking in my Genes
Prepare for the festive holiday season with a delightful Winter Aperol Spritz that perfectly complements this seasonal Whipped Feta Appetizer. The creamy whipped feta is adorned with a simple homemade cranberry compote, topped elegantly with chopped pistachios, and finished off with a drizzle of honey, creating a flavorful and visually appealing pairing that will elevate your holiday gatherings.
Pair with:
German Mulled Wine paired with Baked Figs with Goat Cheese
This easy and warming German Mulled Wine recipe (Gluhwein) is a perfect drink to serve during festive season. It smells like Christmas and serves a crowd! Serve with these easy 15-minute Baked Figs with Goat Cheese, walnuts, honey and sage recipe.
Charcuteri Cups & Cranberry Gin Cocktail
Handheld mini charcuterie cups are ideal for parties and gatherings. Mix and match the filling to make unique and fun combinations that wow guests and fit your budget. Pair these cups with a cranberry gin cocktail! No hard-to-find ingredients or complicated steps. Just a classic cocktail you can easily make at home.
Paired With:
Antipasto Wreath paired with White Lady Cocktails
From Amanda at Amanda’s Cookin’
This gorgeous Antipasto Wreath is an eye-catching festive appetizer to snack on before your holiday meal, and it’s so easy to assemble! Pair it with these totally dreamy White Lady Cocktails! The silky surprise of frothy gin, egg whites, and orange flavored liqueur make the white lady cocktail a beautiful sipper with a citrus bite.
Poinsettia Cocktail paired with No Bake Cranberry Brie Bites
From Julia at Happy Foods Tube
Cheese Lovers appetizer & Cocktail pairings
How about some good ol’ Southern charm with the spicy cheesy goodness of this pimento cheese paired with this refreshing blackberry bourbon sour!
Pair With:
Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Grapes & Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktails
This delicious Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Grapes is the perfect appetizer for fall and winter. This appetizer goes so well with Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktails for a Fall holiday get together.
From Veronika at The Healthful Ideas
Cranberry Moscow Mule with Baked Pears with Gorganzola and Honey
By Elena of Happy Kitchen
The Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect holiday cocktail recipe! Easy to put together, easy to tweak, fun to drink and so delicious and festive! You can even make it non-alcoholic. Pair it with Baked Pears with Gorgonzola and Honey: Easy, delicious and elegant appetizer for special occasions. You only need 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to make it!
Paired with:
Citrus martinis, plus Baked Brie Bites
Paired with:
Purple Rain Cocktail with Blueberry Balsamic Goat Cheese Appetizer
By Danielle of the Creative Bite
Cucumber Pioneer paired with Roasted Grape Goat Cheese Crostini
By Lisa of Garlic & Zest
Baked Brie with Pears & Almonds with a Green Apple Martini
Smoky Cherry Bourbon Smash with Easy Potato Skins with Bacon & Cheddar Cheese
Seafood Lover appetizer & cocktail pairings
Smoked Salmon + Raspberry Martinis
The smoky salmon flavor pairs perfectly with the slightly tart raspberry martini!
Pair with:
If you love island cocktails and seafood, then you will be obsessed with this combination from Angela at the Short Order Cook! This heavenly tropical Pina Colada on the Rocks is a shaken, not blended. It is the perfect breezy, slightly sweet drink to pair with Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos with Wontons.
Pair with:
Sweet & Savory Salmon Sliders With Cranberry Sauce & Cranberry Orange Red Sangria
From Dana at Killing Thyme
Pair With
Pineapple Rosemary Crush Cocktails paired with Dynamite Salmon Appetizers
From K.C. at Gluten-Free Foodie
Crisp, refreshing and surprising too, these Pineapple Rosemary Crush Cocktails are the sparkling libation you didn’t know you were missing. Pair with Dynamite Salmon Appetizers that are almost as gorgeous on the plate as they are delicious – and they’re so easy you’ll have all your party guests fooled.
Pair with:
Shrimp Cocktail & Champagne Cocktails Recipe
From Lisa at Delicious Table
Once you try this amazing shrimp cocktail recipe, you will never buy the shrimp ring of packaged pre-cooked shrimp at the store. Chic Champagne Cocktails glitter with real gold and bubbles of fine Champagne or prosecco for New Year’s Eve or holiday celebrations like a Christmas party!
Pair With:
Vegan Appetizers & Sips
Easy Pineapple-Mango Frozen Daiquiri pairs perfectly with this Mango-Peach Salsa.
Italian Margarita paired with Vegan Bruschetta
From Anjali at The Picky Eater
Sweet and tart, this Italian margarita recipe is the perfect cocktail with such a crisp flavor! This orange margarita is made with Amaretto, Tequila, fresh citrus juices, and a little bit of sugar to create the best classic cocktail. This vegan bruschetta recipe is a twist on a classic Italian dish. It has a mixture of sweet tomato, crunchy zucchini, and creamy white beans that sit on top of a whole wheat baguette, topped with fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
Easy Vegan Crab Bites paired with Mulled Apple Cider (Mocktail!)
From Melissa at Vegan Huggs
Simple Sips and Snacks
Whip up a pitcher of Strawberry Moscow Mules to go with these super simple Chili Lime Ranch Crackers!
Paired With:
Gold Rush paired with Layered Greek Dip
From Meredith at Our Love Language is Food
The Gold Rush is the perfect party cocktail recipe! Made with 3-ingredients, this easy and refreshing drink is perfect for those who love a bourbon whiskey cocktail. Pair it with Layered Greek Dip with delicious layers of hummus, fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumber pieces, creamy feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. This easy to assemble dip is the perfect appetizer for your next party! Make sure to dig in early, because this dip always disappears fast!
Equipment
- cocktail glasses
- Serving Plates
- Napkins
- Small forks
Ingredients
- Party Food Pairing for Tex-Mex Fans
- Classics with a Twist
- Festive Holiday Pairings
- Perfect for Cheese Lovers
- Seafood Lover Appetizers & Cocktail Pairings
- Vegan Appetiers & Cocktail Pairings
- Simple Sips & Snacks
Instructions
- Prep ahead of time!
- Have plenty of ice!
- Chill the glasses!
- Have enough bottled water & plain seltzer on hand!
- Have a back stock of additional varieties of crackers and veggies to fill in.
GET COMPLETE LIST OF THE BEST COCKTAILS!
GET COMPLETE LIST OF THE BEST APPETIZERS!
Your stuff Rocks! Love your blog, website etc. You guys got it going on. Big Hug Dina, Happy New Year’s 🍾❤
Joy,
You seriously just made our day! Thank you for the hugs! I miss you! And your laugh! Happy New Years! Cheers to 2022!!!
Dina (and Bruce!)
These are all such great pairings! I especially can’t wait to try the pomegranate recipes!
These are great recipes and tips! Saved me a lot of time when I was preparing for my dinner party!
Holley,
That just made our day! Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
All of these recipes sound fantastic and I love the parings.
Andrea,
With Summer party season coming up these come in handy!
Dina and Bruce
I really enjoyed this article. So many times I scratch my head as to what to serve with what. Thank you!
Ann,
Thank you! These bloggers have so many great combos!!
Happy New Year,
Dina and Bruce
Fabulous recipes! They’re perfect for parties and gathering!
Shadi,
Many thanks!
Dina and Bruce
Shadi,
Awe thank you! Enjoy the week!
Dina and Bruce
So many great ideas! Def would not have thought to pair some of these.
Erik,
We hope we inspired you!
Dina and Bruce
Better than store-bought and so much more wholesome! Loving these!
Suja,
Yes, homemade is best!
Dina and Bruce
Great suggestions for cocktails and appetizer pairings!! I love hosting cocktail hours and there are some perfect ideas in here for my next one.
Ali,
Our friends have been asking for app and cocktail party ideas, so we just had to round these up. So many to choose from! And all so good!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
These pairings were so helpful when I planned a Friendsgiving party the other day. Thank you for sharing!
I love that you have paired these all with a cocktail. So helpful!
Dannii,
So many choices! This holiday will be so tasty!
Dina and Bruce
Wow such great ideas for the holidays, definitely saving the post for future references. Everything looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Love all of these pairings! I’m ready for snacks and drinks after looking at this. lol. Thanks so much for including my marg and baked tacos! (Heads up, it looks like you accidentally used someone’s steak taco as the photo for my chicken tacos 🙂 )
This is my new New Years Eve Party manual! Superb collection of cocktails and appetizers 😉
Leva,
That just made our day! Cheers to the New Year!!
Dina and Bruce
Oooh, such a great guide for the holiday season. They all look so good! So many incredible options.
Tara,
Thank you! We will be celebrating with a few of these!!
Dina and Bruce
I am actually drooling over all of these!! Bookmarked this page so that I will have some ideas at my next party, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
With over 50 pairings to choose from, it was so fun to mix and match different appetizers and cocktails. The guide really elevated my hosting game and impressed my guests.
Wow I am always struggling to figure out what goes with what – this is such a keeper! Very helpful!
Such a great collection of delicious appetisers and cocktails. Brilliant ideas for my next party.
These pairings are so inspiring for my next party!
These are such great pairings, some I never thought of! Perfect for our party this weekend!
Emily,
That is so great! Enjoy! Cheers!
Dina and Bruce
These all look wonderful I just added them to my list. I cannot wait to try them.
MacKenzie,
So happy! Enjoy your weekend!
Dina and Bruce
Just added to my list of recipes to do! Perfect for our upcoming family gathering this weekend!!!
Such an amazing roundup! Definitely saving this for game day!
Dana,
So many choices! Enjoy the Super Bowl!!
Dina and Bruce
Such an incredible selection of pairings here and really well thought out.
Dannii,
Thank you so much! It was amazing to share our foodie friends pairings!!
Dina and Bruce
This is such a fantastic guide! I love how you’ve paired the appetizers with cocktails—it makes planning my next party so much easier. Can’t wait to try the peach salsa with the sparkling rosé. Thanks for the inspiration!
This just made our day!!!Thank you!
Dina and Bruce
Wow, this pairing guide is exactly what I needed for my upcoming party! I love how you’ve included so many diverse options for both appetizers and cocktails. Can’t wait to try out some of these combinations – especially the spicy shrimp with the mango mojito. Thank you for sharing such helpful ideas!
Awe, Thank you so much!
We really appreciate our blogger community, and this round up gave us the chance to showcase a lot of taste makers out there! Enjoy!
Dina and Bruce
So glad you liked!
Dina and Bruce
Great guide, just printed it out!