It’s well-known wisdom that you shouldn’t be sipping on an empty stomach. But rather than grabbing whatever’s in your pantry, try these food pairings specifically designed to complement their respective cocktails. In this guide, we’re breaking down the palate-pleasing combos that allow both drinks and dishes to shine their brightest. Cheers!
Surrounded by strong opinions and conflicting accounts of its creation story, the Bloody Mary is a drink that gets people talking. In this iteration, Grey Goose vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of citrus come together to create the flavorful base, while a garnish of celery + herbs provides a finishing pop of freshness.
This bold, savory, and spicy cocktail is commonly served at brunch or as a “hair of the dog” hangover cure. (Allegedly, the vegetable juice, salt, and punch of alcohol settle the stomach, provide electrolytes, and get rid of headaches from the night before).
Given that fun fact, it only seems right that we pair this iconic drink with a few more hangover cures–this time in food form. Rich, warm, and generous on the carbs, these morning/midday meals are delightfully shareable. And as comforting as they are to dig into, both dishes are equally at home in an upscale brunch spread.
A cocktail as refreshing as Le Grand Fizz is just as at home alongside a decadent pasta dish as it is a light, flavorful salad.
This vodka-based drink brings together lime, soda water, and St-Germain elderflower liqueur for an end result that is oh-so-sippable. Reminiscent of classic spritzes (but with an elegant upgrade), Le Grand Fizz is excellent for those long summer days.
That’s why we love to pair it with bright, simple dishes–Think fresh produce, light proteins, herbs, and spices. Skip your typical lettuce-based salad in favor of zingy arugula, savory prosciutto, sweet melon, and creamy mozzarella…all drizzled with a homemade mint basil vinaigrette. Or opt for a spaghetti dinner decked out with fresh clams, dry vermouth, and the beloved spice of aglio e olio (garlic + oil).
Invented in New York City in the 1980s, this cocktail is partly to thank for the flavored martini craze that kicked off shortly after. It gives Grey Goose vodka a sweet twist, mixing in pineapple juice and Chambord black raspberry liqueur.
The fabulously fruity French martini begs to be paired with fresh ingredients and delicately balanced dishes. So, between a satisfying snacking board, complexly layered summer salad, and plenty of extra drink to be poured, your next warm-weather picnic is practically planned for you.
Ah, the espresso martini. This iconic cocktail is known around the world for its powerful one-two punch of alcohol and caffeine. Some sip on it to ward off waves of sleepiness in the middle of a night out. Others order for its elegance and subtle coffee flavor.
Either way, this drink’s rich, slightly bitter palate is perfectly paired with decadent, chocolatey desserts–much like an afternoon coffee + cake combo! Except, this time, it’s a naughty nightcap.
These brownies are leveled up with a crunchy nut filling, creamy milk chocolate ganache, and a topping of caramelized bananas…plus a little extra adult fun mixed in (hello, Irish cream liqueur). Meanwhile, the Chocoflan layers traditional flan + chocolate cake in a Mexican-inspired, ultimate sweet treat.
Sweet, sour, sassy…the original pink drink has long been a legend in the cocktail world. Cosmos were invented in the 1980s and later popularized thanks to their frequent appearance as Carrie Bradshaw’s go-to drink on “Sex and the City.”
In this version, we stay true to the original. Grey Goose vodka takes on a tart spin with the addition of cranberry juice, Triple Sec, and lime.
The sharpness of each Cosmo sip is best complemented by rich, creamy, smoky flavors. On deck, we’ve got a charcuterie board full of fragrant cheeses, tender cold cuts, fruits, and nuts, as well as savory galettes loaded with rich smoked salmon and zesty herbed sour cream.
Hailing from Texas, this is the perfect thirst-quencher for backyard barbecues and summer get-togethers. The Ranch Water cocktail is also ridiculously easy to make, utilizing a simple stirred mix of PATRÓN Silver Tequila, lime juice, and sparkling water.
Given its Southern origins and crisp, refreshing taste, the Ranch Water is wonderfully suited to Tex-Mex favorites like nachos and fajitas. We’ve kept these mouthwatering meals just as easy to make as the drink–both come together in 30 minutes or less! And packed with fresh veggies, lively herbs, and spicy seasonings, they certainly don’t skimp on flavor.
Allegedly named after a Mexican folk song from the 1860s, the Paloma (which translates to “Dove”) provides a heavenly sipping experience indeed, blending sweet, sour, bitter, and slightly salty flavors into one drink.
Between PATRÓN Silver Tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime, you can expect bright, punchy flavors down to the last gulp. So how to best balance it? With decadent, complex dishes, of course!
That’s why we’ve paired it with some real standout ingredients, like Korean bulgogi beef, kimchi pico de gallo, and gochujang mayo sauce in one recipe, as well as a legendary salsa verde + salsa roja face-off in the other.
Everyone loves a margarita. Some creation stories trace this cocktail all the way back to 1938 (that’s some serious staying power!), and fruity and frozen varieties have only further cemented its icon status.
You know the drill: PATRÓN Silver Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and a salt rim make every sip a delight. As for pairings, spicy foods, and meaty comfort dishes let this refreshing drink shine. Bring on the fajitas, wings, and other bar menu staples!
