Pairing cocktails with desserts is a genius trick that can turn a good meal into an unforgettable one. When done right, the combination can make the end of a night extra special. But how do you choose which to pair?

It all comes down to flavour and balance, making sure the dessert and the cocktail complement rather than compete with each other. This might be by enhancing a pudding’s fruity character, bringing out its subtle citrus notes or contrasting spice and sweetness for a more complex taste.

Here we share some exquisite cocktail and dessert pairings that promise to elevate your after-dinner experience.

A timeless cocktail like the Old Fashioned deserves an equally classic dessert, and what better match than a crème brûlée? The Old Fashioned’s rich, smooth notes made with The Glenlivet 12 Year Old blend harmoniously with the creamy custard base of the Crème Brûlée, while the drink’s subtle sweetness complements the dessert’s caramelised sugar topping. 

This pairing is all about balance: the drink’s depth contrasts with the light, velvety texture of the crème brûlée, creating a symphony of flavours with each bite and sip. For an extra touch, consider garnishing your crème brûlée with a hint of orange zest to echo the citrus undertones of the cocktail, or add a small piece of candied ginger for a surprise burst of spiced flavour.

The Whisky Sour is known for its perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, making it a fantastic pairing for a light lemon posset. The sharp, zesty lemon in both the cocktail and the dessert creates a bright, refreshing combination, while the creamy texture of the posset balances out the drink’s acidic flavour.

This pairing is a celebration of citrus, with each element playing off the other to create a clean, crisp finish. Serve the lemon posset in small glasses, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest, for a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s sure to impress.

Why not enjoy a double dose of this Scottish classic with a Raspberry Cranachan cocktail and a traditional raspberry cranachan dessert? Both celebrate the harmonious blend of Scottish ingredients: whisky, cream, oats and raspberries. 

Inspired by the dessert, we created our cocktail to bring a modern twist on these traditional flavours, with a smooth, creamy base and a hint of sweet raspberries to perfectly mirror the pudding. For an added touch, try lightly toasting the oats before incorporating them into the dessert, enhancing their nutty flavour and adding a delightful crunch to contrast with the smooth cocktail.

Sometimes simple is best. And that’s the inspiration behind this pairing. Swap a classic Irish Coffee for our whisky take by combining a Scotch Coffee with a chocolate brownie is simply unbeatable. The use of single malt scotch adds a warming depth of flavour with hints of fragrant spice.

This pairing is all about indulgence, with the comforting notes of the coffee cocktail perfectly complementing the brownie’s intense chocolate flavour. Serve the brownie warm, with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side, for a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is sophisticated.

The French 75 is a cocktail synonymous with elegance, so what better than to take sips between bites of a perfectly made lemon tart. Our take on this classic drink uses smooth single malt for an added touch of sweet spice, and we think it makes the pairing even better.

The cocktail’s citrusy, effervescent character enhances the tart’s zesty lemon filling. Whilst the smooth texture works with the tart’s buttery pastry. Then there’s the addition of sparkling wine, a delightful way to add a celebratory touch. Serve the tart with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries to complete this chic pairing.

Our Orange Marmalade Sour is a bittersweet twist on the classic sour cocktail. With strong citrus notes, it’s perfect for sipping after dinner with a pudding to match. And we’ve got just the pairing: a warm, comforting bowl of marmalade bread and butter pudding. 

Both sweet, tangy and British, the cocktail and dessert are an excellent pairing for cosy winter evenings. And with quality marmalade running throughout, it’s an elevated take on a nostalgic dessert. Serve the pudding warm, with a generous drizzle of cream or custard for extra creaminess to complement the Whisky Sour’s light, frothy top.

A classic French cocktail meets a classic French dessert in this next pairing. Meet the Boulevardier, a cocktail with a bold, bittersweet profile and strong notes of citrus, much like an Orange Tarte Tatin. Known as a scotch Negroni, the Boulevardier has a rich, whisky base that mixes with sweet vermouth and bitters, pairing beautifully with the caramelised oranges of the Tarte Tatin.

The orange peel garnish in the cocktail also echoes the citrus flavours in the dessert, creating a match that’s visually pleasing too. Serve the Tarte Tatin warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the cocktail’s bitter edge.

Cuddle up on a cold winter’s evening with this ultra comforting duo. The Ginger Hot Toddy is a warming, spiced variation of the classic toddy recipe with fiery ginger notes and a rich whisky base. Both of which  are complemented by the caramelised flavours of a sticky toffee pudding. 

Add apple slices to the dessert for an extra hint of sweetness, a nod to seasonal bites of toffee apples. Then serve with a drizzle of toffee sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a truly indulgent treat.

If you’re a fan of fruit and nut pairings then a Sherry Side Kick with a side of Almond Fig Cake is a must-try. This duo is centred around the deep, complex notes of this sherry whisky cocktail, a nutty sour twist of two classic recipes with flavours of mandarin, raisin and almond.

Its smooth and slightly sweet profile is delicious between rich bites of almond cake, topped with fresh fig slices. Go the extra mile and serve your dessert with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of golden honey.

A Maraschino Cherry Manhattan is a bold, sophisticated cocktail that pairs beautifully with the classic dish, Chocolate Cherry Fondant. With its rich whisky base and sweet cherry notes, this drink is a match made for the intense chocolate and cherry flavours of the fondant, creating a dessert that’s super rich and comforting.

With extra cherry flavour, the Manhattan’s deep, complex flavours enhance the richness of the chocolate, while the fruitiness balances out the dessert’s intensity. Serve the fondant warm, with a drizzle of cherry liqueur.

An Elderflower Peach Old Fashioned paired with peach eton mess is a delightful choice for the warmer months. The cocktail’s delicate blend of elderflower and peach brings a refreshing twist to the traditional Old Fashioned, perfectly complementing the light and airy dessert.

For a stunning presentation, serve the peach eton mess in individual glasses, layering fresh peaches and strawberries with whipped cream and crushed meringue. And remember to save a few peach slices for your Old Fashioned garnishes.

A Maple Red Wine Sour is a sweet, indulgent cocktail that’s perfect for after dinner sipping. And we’ve found the perfect dessert to eat alongside it. Equally rich and elegant, poached pears are a classic pudding. And when made with red wine, they’re even more delicious. 

With hints of orange and clove, the pears have a deep, spiced flavour that’s enhanced by the sour’s slightly sweet maple notes. Use the same bottle of red to make both dessert and cocktail to make it a true match.

Send guests home feeling warm, happy and full after this delicious cocktail dessert pairing. Perfect for a winter’s evening. Rich, velvety and luxurious, a Whisky Hot Chocolate with tiramisu offers an end of meal experience that’s truly indulgent.

The smoky, whisky warmth of the hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the coffee-soaked layers of a classic Tiramisu. Whilst a creamy top mirrors the sweetened mascarpone of the dessert. Dust the tiramisu with cocoa powder to bring the pairing together and serve chilled to contrast the cocktail’s warmth.

Discover more whisky cocktails to pair with desserts next time you’re hosting. But there’s no need to stop there. Whisky goes with much more than sweet dishes and you can find it all in our guide to whisky food pairings.