Cocktail hour: 37 drinks and bites for perfect pairings

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Let every cocktail hour be more than just a gathering. With our paired bites and drinks, each moment becomes a genuine exploration of flavors. As you try each, discover the simple yet impactful flavors that make each experience memorable. Elevate your events with choices that resonate with everyone.

Guinness Cheese Dip on a platter with soft pretzels.
Guinness Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs on a black plate.
Baked Scotch Eggs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic British staple for cocktail hour. These eggs are rich and savory. Elevate your evening with a hint of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Baked Scotch Eggs

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crave a little heat? These poppers offer a smoky kick, making them perfect for shaking up the ordinary. A conversation starter that brings the heat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Two lime gimelts with smoke on top.
Smoked Gimlet Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A smoky twist on a classic drink. Fresh, tangy, and memorable. Sure to be the star of any cocktail evening.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy Jalapeno Dip in a bowl with chip nearby.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your evening with a smooth touch. Creamy and zesty, this dip is perfect for elevating your chip game. A blend of textures that captures the essence of a good dip.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Mango Habanero Salsa

Mango Salsa in a bowl with chips nearby.
Mango Habanero Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet meets spicy for your snack spread. Dive into this salsa for a taste journey in every scoop. The perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Guinness Beer Cheese Dip

Guinness Cheese Dip on a platter with soft pretzels.
Guinness Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheese dip with a robust twist. It captures attention, making comfort food the evening’s main event. An engaging flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beer Cheese Dip

Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cold crab dip with crackers and chives.
Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A treat for seafood lovers. This chilled, savory dip brings the coast to your cocktail hour. Refreshing and rich, it’s a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meaty, flavorful bites for the carnivores. These ends are a treat for the tastebuds. Conversation flows easily with these on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail

Two glasses of strawberry lillet crush with mint leaves.
Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet, refreshing, and light. A drink that feels like summer in a glass. The highlight of a relaxing evening.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lillet Crush Cocktail

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

An elegant bite with a zesty flair. Lime crema brings freshness, creating a flavor-packed experience. A touch of luxury in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Flaky pastry and salty prosciutto unite. A luxurious yet simple choice. Every bite feels like an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Sunday in the Park Cocktail

A glass with ice and a bottle of Lillet Blanc.
Sunday in the Park Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This refreshing sipper is perfect for winding down the week. Its subtle flavors make it an excellent choice for pairing with a variety of bites. Enjoy it and let relaxation flow.
Get the Recipe: Sunday in the Park Cocktail

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Elevate your cheese game with this dish. Creamy, salty, and grilled to perfection. The highlight of any cheese board.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Chile de Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol Salsa on wooden board with chips and chilies nearby.
Chile de Arbol Salsa. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For the bold and adventurous. This spicy, rich salsa is a game-changer. A delight for those who love their snacks with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy, convenient, classic. These fries are the reliable bite for any evening. Minimal fuss, maximum taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Cheez-Its Tostada

Cheez-It Tostada on a plate with hot sauce in a bottle.
Cheez-Its Tostada. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A fusion that brings fun to the table. Crunchy and unique, it’s the character of cocktail hour. A flavor journey in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip in a black bowl with crackers nearby.
Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy with a kick. Perfect for lovers of classic dips seeking an extra edge. A taste that lingers and delights.
Get the Recipe: Artichoke-Jalapeno Dip

Pico de Gallo

A shot of Pico de Gallo on a board with chips nearby.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A vibrant burst of freshness. This salsa is both revitalizing and essential. A must-have for every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tangy and uniquely crispy. A treat that brings an unexpected flavor to the evening. A conversation starter for the foodies.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Spinach & Brie Dip

Spinach & Brie Dip in a casserole dish surrounded by pita wedges.
Spinach & Brie Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pure indulgence in a bowl. Creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying. The perfect blend for a luxury snack experience.
Get the Recipe: Spinach & Brie Dip

Sauerkraut Balls

Sauerkraut Balls in a skillet on a white background.
Sauerkraut Balls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A tangy treat in every bite. Unique in flavor and perfect for pairing. A taste experience that’s sure to engage.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls

Blueberry Sparkle

A bottle of vodka next to a glass with blueberries.
Blueberry Sparkle. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bursting with the natural sweetness of blueberries, this drink adds a vibrant touch to any gathering. Its effervescent qualities and fruity notes make it ideal for pairing with light snacks. It’s a delightful sip that complements a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Sparkle

Spicy Chex Mix

Spicy Chex Mix. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A familiar snack with a kick. Comforting yet adventurous, it’s perfect for mixing things up. Every handful is a spicy surprise.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chex Mix

Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites on a white plate with sauce in the middle.
Beef Wellington Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Luxurious in small packages. Savory and impressive, these are the bites that get everyone talking. Perfect for upscale evenings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites

Cold Corn Dip

A bowl of Chilled Corn Dip with chips on a black plate.
Cold Corn Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into freshness with this dip. Light and flavorful, it’s the chilled treat for warm evenings. A simple pleasure that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Cold Corn Dip

Guacamole Snack Board

A top-down shot of a guacamole snack board.
Guacamole Snack Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A centerpiece for every palate. Creamy guacamole with diverse dippables ensures variety. Something for everyone, every time.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pockets of pure joy. Crispy outside, savory inside, they’re comfort in a bite. A taste of tradition with a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Reuben Egg Rolls

A black plate with Reuben Egg Rolls and dipping sauce.
Reuben Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic sandwich with a twist. Wrapped crispy, these delight and surprise. Perfect for those who love traditional flavors in new forms.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Egg Rolls

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A beloved sandwich in miniature form. Sized for one hand, making multitasking a breeze. A fun spin on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Rolls on a white plate.
Sausage Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A meat lover’s first choice. Meaty, flaky, and packed with flavor. Reliable and delicious, every time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Rolls

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Shepherd's Pie Bites on a black platter.
Shepherd’s Pie Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic comfort in bite-sized form. Delightful and tasty, they offer a new way to enjoy an old favorite. Perfect for those seeking familiar flavors in fun sizes.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Cheese Toasties

Bite-sized Cheese Toasties on a black plate.
Cheese Toasties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Universal and always a favorite. Melty cheese, crispy bread; it’s simple perfection. Comfort food that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Toasties

Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Blackberry Margarita with smoke coming out the top of the glass.
Smoked Blackberry Margarita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

An adventure in every sip. Fruity with a hint of smoke, it’s a drink to remember. Perfect for those looking to explore new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

A chunk of oozing brie with apple chutney on a board.
Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy brie meets tangy chutney. A harmonious pairing that’s both familiar and new. A delightful experience for the palate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Apple-Ginger Chutney

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Freshness served on a board. Tomatoes, basil, and crisp bread; a light and refreshing trio. An homage to the classics we love.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A delightful dance of textures. Crispy outside, soft inside; a flavor-packed treat. Perfect for those who appreciate a bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters on a white plate with a sunflower.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty with a hint of spice. These fritters bring robust flavors in bite-sized forms. Ideal for those seeking a meaty treat with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

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