Appetizer & Cocktail Pairings Guide for the Holidays

Cocktails and delicious appetizers are the dynamic duo that take center stage at any gathering, be it a casual get-together or a swanky cocktail party. 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 that celebrate 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

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.

 

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Classic Margarita with Baked Chicken Tacos

From Dana At Killing Thyme

 

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!

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!

Classic Canadian Caesar Cocktail Paired with Bacon Spinach Pinwheels

From Elizabeth at Frugal Mom Eh

Air Fryer Egg Rolls paired with Strawberry Bellinis

From Tiffany at Simply Happenings

 

Pair with:

 

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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.

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.

Baked Brie with Pears & Almonds with a  Green Apple Martini

Charcuteri Cups & Cranberry Gin Cocktail

From Jen at Peel with Zeal!

 

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.

 

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.

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!

 

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

 Citrus martinis, plus Sweet and savory brie

Seafood Lover appetizer & cocktail pairings

Smoked Salmon + Raspberry Martinis: YES PLEASE!

The smoky salmon flavor pairs perfectly with the slightly tart raspberry martini!

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.

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.

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!

Vegan Appetizers & Sips

Easy Vegan Crab Bites paired with Mulled Apple Cider (Mocktail!)

From Melissa at Vegan Huggs

 

GET COMPLETE LIST OF THE BEST COCKTAILS!

GET COMPLETE LIST OF THE BEST APPETIZERS!