12 Interesting Food and Drink Pairings Party Ideas

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Planning a party can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding what food and drinks to serve. Who dares to disagree with that statement? Not me! The beginning stages of the planning has always been the most challenging part. I am a theme girl through and through. I like to think of a theme and stick it out. One way to simplify this process is by using a food and drink pairings party chart.

Read on and find our free printable food and drink pairings chart to print and use at your next party! These charts suggest which foods and drinks complement each other, making it easier to plan a theme menu. By using our food and drink pairings chart, you can create a menu that is not only delicious, but also thoughtfully planned.

And with 12 different ideas for pairings – beer and snacks, chocolate and whiskey, tapas and sangria, etc. – you can plan an interesting food theme party each month of the year!

food and drink pairings party spread on table

Craft Beer and Artisanal Ice Cream

Pairing craft beer and artisanal ice cream is a unique and playful pairing that is perfect for a fun and casual pairings party. The creaminess and sweetness of ice cream can be perfectly complemented by the bitterness and complexity of craft beer.

When pairing beer and ice cream, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic beer and ice cream pairings include stout with chocolate ice cream, IPA with mango sorbet, and brown ale with caramel ice cream. By experimenting with different types of beer and ice cream, you can create a fun and unexpected pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

Craft Beer and Gourmet Snacks

Pairing craft beer with gourmet snacks is a great way to elevate your snacking experience. Just like with food, the flavors in craft beer can enhance the flavors in snacks, making for a delicious and satisfying combination. When choosing a beer to pair with gourmet snacks, it’s important to consider the flavors and intensity of the snack. For example, a light and refreshing wheat beer can complement the saltiness of pretzels, while a hoppy IPA can balance the richness of cheese and crackers.

Additionally, the carbonation in beer can help cleanse the palate between bites, making it easier to enjoy the flavors of the snack. Some classic beer styles to pair with gourmet snacks include Belgian witbier, saison, pale ale, and amber ale. With so many different styles of craft beer to choose from, the possibilities for pairing with gourmet snacks are endless!

Craft Whiskey and BBQ Pairings Party

Pairing BBQ and craft whiskey is a match made in heaven. The smoky and bold flavors of BBQ can be perfectly complemented by the complexity and richness of craft whiskey. When pairing whiskey with BBQ, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. For example, a spicy and smoky BBQ sauce can be paired with a bold and robust whiskey, while a sweeter BBQ sauce can be paired with a smoother and more mellow whiskey.

Additionally, the flavors in whiskey can enhance the flavors in BBQ, making for a truly satisfying combination. Some classic whiskey styles to pair with BBQ include bourbon, rye whiskey, and single malt scotch. With so many different styles of craft whiskey to choose from, the possibilities for pairing with BBQ are endless.

Whiskey and Chocolate for a Fun Food and Drink Pairing Party

Pairing whiskey and chocolate is a decadent and indulgent pairing that is perfect for a pairings party. The rich and complex flavors of whiskey can be perfectly complemented by the sweetness and richness of chocolate.

When pairing whiskey and chocolate, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic whiskey styles to pair with chocolate include bourbon, Irish whiskey, and single malt scotch. By experimenting with different types of chocolate and whiskey, you can create a unique and sophisticated pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

Gin and Botanicals Pairings Party

Pairing gin and botanicals is a perfect way to create a unique and flavorful food and drink pairings party. The botanicals used to make gin can range from citrus to floral to herbal, making it a versatile spirit to pair with a variety of flavors.

Some classic botanicals to pair with gin include juniper berries, lavender, rosemary, and citrus fruits. By experimenting with different botanicals, you can create some unique gin botanical cocktails for a personalized gin and botanical pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

Some classic botanical and food pairings include lavender with roasted chicken, rosemary with grilled vegetables, and juniper berries with smoked salmon. By experimenting with different types of botanicals and foods, you can create a personalized and flavorful pairing party that is sure to impress your guests. For me, the botanicals and gin party is more of a sophisticated party for the classiest of occasions!

Wine and Chocolate – A Classic Pairing

Pairing chocolate and wine is a classic and elegant pairing that is perfect for a pairings party. The richness and complexity of chocolate can be perfectly complemented by the acidity and tannins in wine. When pairing chocolate and wine, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic wine styles to pair with chocolate include port, red wine, and dessert wine. By experimenting with different types of chocolate and wine, you can create a luxurious and sophisticated pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

You can see some of our wine and chocolate party ideas from one of our Galentine’s parties linked in the list at the bottom of this post! What I like about a wine and chocolate party is that it can go from super casual to classy and elegant.

wine and chocolate in a basket on a cabinet at a pairings party

Wine and Cheese – Another Classic Food and Drink Pairings Party

Pairing wine and cheese is a timeless and sophisticated pairing that is perfect for a pairings party. The variety of flavors found in wine and cheese make for a dynamic and delicious pairing.

When pairing wine and cheese, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic wine and cheese pairings include chardonnay with brie, pinot noir with gouda, and cabernet sauvignon with aged cheddar. By experimenting with different types of wine and cheese, you can create a refined and elegant pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

wine and cheese and tray of cookies at a wine and cheese party

Sorbet and Sparkling Wine – Ladies Night Out Perfection Pairing

This one is my favorite when it comes to ladies night out gatherings! I find this food and drink pairing to be a bit more feminine, making it great for a night in with girlfriends. Pairing sorbet and sparkling wine is a refreshing and light pairing that is perfect for a summer pairings party. The sweetness and acidity of sorbet can be perfectly complemented by the effervescence and crispness of sparkling wine. When pairing sorbet and sparkling wine, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors.

Some classic sorbet and sparkling wine pairings include lemon sorbet with Prosecco, raspberry sorbet with rosé, and peach sorbet with champagne. By experimenting with different types of sorbet and sparkling wine, you can create a delightful and sophisticated pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

Coffee and Dessert – A Food and Drink Party Pairing from Decades Past

Pairing coffee and dessert is a classic and indulgent pairing that is perfect for a cozy and intimate party. The bitterness and richness of coffee can be perfectly complemented by the sweetness and texture of desserts.

When pairing coffee and dessert, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic coffee and dessert pairings include espresso with tiramisu, cappuccino with cannoli, and latte with chocolate cake. By experimenting with different types of coffee and desserts, you can create a warm and inviting pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

four tribal coffee mugs on a basket tray at a coffee and dessert party

Tacos and Margaritas for a Spicy Food Pairing

Pairing tacos and margaritas is a fun and festive pairing that is perfect for a casual and lively party. The bold and spicy flavors of tacos can be perfectly complemented by the sweetness and tanginess of margaritas.

When pairing tacos and margaritas, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic taco and margarita pairings include fish tacos with a classic margarita, carnitas tacos with a spicy margarita, and vegetarian tacos with a fruity margarita. By experimenting with different types of tacos and margaritas, you can create a festive and flavorful pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

Tapas and Sangria for a Lively Food and Drink Pairings Party

Pairing tapas and sangria is a fun and lively pairing that is perfect for a social and interactive party. The variety of flavors and textures found in tapas can be perfectly complemented by the sweetness and fruity notes of sangria. When pairing tapas and sangria, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors.

Some classic tapas and sangria pairings include patatas bravas with a classic red sangria, gambas al ajillo with a white sangria, and tortilla española with a fruity sangria. By experimenting with different types of tapas and sangria, you can create a vibrant and festive pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.

Pairing Sushi and Sake for a Refined Food and Drink Pairings Party

Pairing sushi and sake is a refined and elegant pairing that is perfect for a sophisticated and intimate party. The delicate and subtle flavors of sushi can be perfectly complemented by the clean and crisp taste of sake.

When pairing sushi and sake, it’s important to consider the intensity of the flavors. Some classic sushi and sake pairings include sashimi with a dry sake, spicy tuna roll with a fruity sake, and tempura shrimp roll with a full-bodied sake. By experimenting with different types of sushi and sake, you can create a refined and sophisticated pairing party that is sure to impress your guests.