When it comes to hosting, cocktails and appetisers are two key elements which set the scene. But rather than planning them separately, consider how they can work together.

Whether you’re throwing a lavish soirée or enjoying a casual evening with friends, the right combination of drinks and snacks can elevate your night and make it extra memorable.

Here we share our favourite cocktail and appetiser pairings, guaranteed to impress your guests and have them wanting more.

An Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that demands an equally refined appetiser. Like a charcuterie board, which brings together a selection of cured meats, cheeses and fruits that complement the rich, smooth flavours of the cocktail.

The whisky’s deep caramel notes are beautifully balanced by the salty, savoury elements of meats like prosciutto and salami. Aged cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or nutty Gruyère, add a creamy texture that pair with the drink’s subtle sweetness. Whilst the addition of dried fruits and nuts offers a touch of salty crunch. 

This cocktail and appetiser pairing is perfect for an evening with friends, where everyone can enjoy a bit of everything, creating an opportunity to share, indulge and engage in conversation.

The Whisky Sour is a cocktail that balances tart and sweet notes with the bold flavour of whisky. To match its vibrant flavours, spiced almonds make an excellent appetiser. The sourness of the drink is offset by the warmth and crunch of the almonds, which can be seasoned with a hint of smoked paprika, sea salt or touch of rosemary.

The Whisky Sour’s refreshing citrus notes are also enhanced by the almonds’ earthy spices, creating a pairing that’s both simple and satisfying. This combination is ideal for a casual gathering, where guests can enjoy a drink and snack that’s easy to serve on your part.

Oysters have long been considered a luxurious treat, so what better to pair them with than our most elegant cocktail, the Whisky French 75. With its single malt base and sparkling wine finish, this drink has a crisp, bubbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy taste of the oysters.

The cocktail’s subtle sweetness enhances the oysters natural saltiness – its contrast is what makes it so good. Serve them together at special occasions where you want to impress your guests and out more about how to pair whisky with oysters in our go-to guide.

Appetisers and cocktails aren’t just for pre-dinner entertainment. When it comes to brunch, nothing beats the Morning Glory Fizz paired with French toast bites. This cocktail brings together whisky, citrus and a hint of sweetness. Making it an ideal companion for the rich, buttery goodness of French toast.

Dust your brunch time bites with cinnamon and sugar to provide a warm, comforting contrast to the refreshing zing of the Morning Glory Fizz. Or top with berries to match the drink’s fruity flavour. The light, fizzy texture cuts through the richness of the toast, with hints of peach and a delightful frothy top layer.

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that brings together the coolness of mint with the boldness of whisky. Paired with a minted pea and nduja crostini, this combination is ideal for elevating a chilled out afternoon with friends.

The sweetness of the peas, brightened by fresh mint, contrasts delightfully with the spicy, rich flavours of nduja sausage. Top on a crispy crostini and enjoy this sweet, chilli appetiser between sips of the cool, herbaceous notes of the Mint Julep.

Appetisers don’t always have to be savoury. So if you fancy a touch of something sweet, try our dessert inspired combination of Spiced Spey Coffee and rich, chocolate brownie bites. 

The deep, robust flavours of the spiced coffee cocktail, with its hints of cinnamon and whisky, pair beautifully with the brownie’s fudgy texture. Whilst the bitterness of the coffee contrasts with the sweetness of the chocolate. This pairing is ideal for a cosy evening, where you can savour each bite and sip.

For a zesty, refreshing pairing, look no further than the Grapefruit Paloma and ceviche. The bright citrus notes of the Paloma match the fresh, tangy flavours of the lime-cured fish, creating a light and invigorating pairing.

It’s perfect for a summer gathering, where the cool, refreshing tastes of both the drink and the snack hit all the right notes in the sunshine. Guaranteed to whisk you away to tropical climates.

This pairing is perfect for warming up in the colder months. The Honey Old Fashioned is a sweet, cosy twist on the classic cocktail – and we love to sip it alongside bites of warm, baked camembert drizzled in natural sweetness. 

The honey works beautifully with the salty cheese, melted and gooey over sourdough bread. Pick a crusty loaf to enjoy the satisfying contrast in texture and mix of earthy, nutty, sweet flavours. There’s no better way to get toasty in winter.

The Paper Plane is a modern classic. So it deserves a timeless appetiser to go alongside it. Balanced, bittersweet and refreshing, we think it pairs perfectly with smoked salmon crostinis, a real crowd pleaser of a dish.

The cocktail’s blend of whisky, Aperol and citrus creates a refreshing and slightly bitter taste that cuts through the richness of the smoked salmon. The soft cream cheese also works well, with crunchy crostinis adding a contrast in texture. This pairing is ideal for a stylish cocktail party where you can impress guests with your cocktail making skills.

The Maraschino Cherry Manhattan is a bold, sophisticated cocktail with a rich, fruity character. And it’s these bold, cherry notes that go perfectly with the strong, tangy flavours of blue cheese salad bites.

This pairing is excellent for those who like strong, complex flavours. Where sweet and salty combine and elegant cocktails are in full flow. Serve before dinner next time you’re hosting to kick the evening off in style.

For more cocktail inspiration, visit our collection of whisky cocktail recipes and discover more on whisky food pairings including whisky and cheese, and how to cook with whisky in the kitchen.