Cookie & Cocktail Pairings

Cookies and cocktails are a match made in holiday heaven! Learn how to select flavors that compliment each other — with so many options, there’s something that everyone will enjoy.

Your ultimate guide to Cookie & Cocktail Pairings

Some would say that you have to choose when it comes to sweet treats and delicious drinks. I’d have to respectfully disagree: It may not seem like it at first glance, but cookies and cocktails are a match made in dessert heaven!

Sure, you can combine the two — a sugar cookie martini is perfect for sipping by the fire while a chocolate chip cookie shot gives any party a sweet indulgence — but choosing a drink that complements the treats can make things that much sweeter.

If it feels overwhelming, don’t stress. There’s enough to do this season without having to figure out the best pairs. Just like matching up Girl Scout cookies and wine, I’m here to help with my recommendations for every taste.

These combos would be delicious for a regular weekend baking sesh, or you could serve up a few of these for a holiday party. The point is to celebrate two delicious things we all love — cookies and cocktails! (And yes, there are mocktail options too.)

Chocolate, coffee & cocoa combos

Chocolate may not be the first flavor you think of when it comes to the holidays, but it may be time to rethink it! Cookies packed with chocolatey goodness go well with drinks with notes of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, peppermint, and some fruity flavors. Cocktails with liqueurs like coffee, chocolate or Baileys are all good pairings.

• Mexican hot chocolate cookies + cinnamon eggnog
• Baileys chocolate chip cookies + Baileys white Russian
• Coffee chocolate chip cookies + espresso martini
• Bourbon balls + Seelbach cocktail
• Hot chocolate cookies + spiked hot chocolate
• Non-alcoholic pairing: Peppermint crinkles and peppermint hot chocolate

Spiced cookies & cocktails

A little spice can be so nice! Complement it with more spice or fruity notes. Drinks featuring whiskey, rum and sometimes gin are good options.

• Gingerbread + Christmas old-fashioned
• Chai snickerdoodles + spiced pear cocktail
• Chai molasses cookies + chai old-fashioned
• Spiced rum balls + spiked apple cider
• Moscow mule cookies + gingerbread mule
• Non-alcoholic pairing: Shortbread matcha cookies + matcha tea

Nutty & buttery combinations

For cookies that are packed with sweetness, balance them with straightforward chocolate and vanilla. Liquor like bourbon, amaretto or peanut butter whiskey would make a good match.

• Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies + peanut butter cup old-fashioned
• Earl grey shortbread cookies + butterfly pea cocktail
• Bourbon chocolate chip cookies + Woodford Reserve spire
• Pecan tassies + brandy Manhattan
• Chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies + peanut butter cup shots
• Non-alcoholic pairing: Salted caramel cashew cookies + apple cider mocktail

Fruity, citrusy & jammy pairings

If your favorite cookies are filled with fruity flavors, double down with a fruity drink or one bursting with herbaceous flavor. Vodka, white rum, gin, tequila and spirits that will bring out the flavors in your treats.

• Lemon drop cookies + lemon drop martini
• Linzer cookies + raspberry martini
• Margarita bars + classic margarita
• Fruitcake cookies + sangria
• Non-alcoholic pairing: White chocolate cranberry oatmeal cookies + virgin yule mule

Candy, peppermint & holiday pairings

When it comes to cookies packed with flavors, match minty goodness with more mint or even chocolate. Milky drinks are another good complement to candy cookies. These are great ideas for cookie swaps and holiday parties.

• Peppermint cookies + white chocolate peppermint martini
• Heart sugar cookies + milk punch
• Avalanche cookies + white hot chocolate or a toasted almond cocktail
• Red velvet crinkles + poinsettia cocktail
• Maple cookies + maple old-fashioned
• Non-alcoholic pairing: Christmas cookie bars + sugar cookie latte

Hopefully you find that these pairings sweeten the season!