Easter isn’t just about colorful eggs and chocolate bunnies—it’s a perfect excuse to gather around the table with loved ones for a delicious spring-inspired meal. Whether you're serving a classic glazed ham, roasted lamb, or a vegetarian spread full of fresh greens and vibrant sides, the right drink pairing can elevate your Easter dinner from memorable to unforgettable.
Here’s a guide to the best wine, cocktail, and mocktail pairings to complement your Easter feast.
🐖 Glazed Ham
Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, and smoky.
Wine Pairing:
Riesling or Pinot Noir
A slightly sweet Riesling cuts through the saltiness of the ham and balances the glaze beautifully. Prefer red? A light Pinot Noir with cherry and earthy notes is a great choice.
Cocktail Pairing:
Pineapple Bourbon Smash
The caramel undertones of bourbon plus the tropical brightness of pineapple echo that sweet-savory combo of ham.
Mocktail Option:
Sparkling Pineapple Rosemary Cooler
Mix pineapple juice, club soda, a dash of lime, and garnish with fresh rosemary for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
🐑 Roasted Lamb
Flavor Profile: Earthy, rich, often seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Wine Pairing:
Syrah/Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon
The bold, peppery notes in Syrah or the structured tannins of a Cabernet stand up well to the richness of lamb.
Cocktail Pairing:
Rosemary Gin Fizz
Fresh rosemary complements the herbs on the lamb, and gin adds a crisp botanical note.
Mocktail Option:
Cucumber Rosemary Spritzer
Cucumber juice, lemon, soda water, and a rosemary sprig make a cooling, elegant sip.
🥦 Vegetarian Main (Quiche, Stuffed Peppers, etc.)
Flavor Profile: Bright, herbal, sometimes cheesy or creamy.
Wine Pairing:
Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
A zesty Sauv Blanc works with herbal notes, while an oaked Chardonnay pairs nicely with creamy quiches or cheesy dishes.
Cocktail Pairing:
Elderflower Spritz
A light mix of St-Germain, Prosecco, and soda water with a lemon twist adds floral brightness to a veggie-friendly menu.
Mocktail Option:
Lavender Lemonade Sparkler
Lemonade infused with dried lavender and topped with sparkling water is both refreshing and stunning.
🥕 Classic Sides: Deviled Eggs, Asparagus, Carrots, Scalloped Potatoes
These staples deserve love too! These drinks pair well across the board:
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Sparkling Rosé – Versatile, bubbly, and perfect with a spring veggie spread.
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Citrus Aperol Spritz – A vibrant drink that adds a pop of color and zest.
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Grapefruit Mint Mocktail – Tart and cool, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.
🧁 Don’t Forget Dessert!
From carrot cake to lemon bars and everything in between…
Wine:
Moscato d’Asti or a Late Harvest Riesling – sweet, bubbly, and ideal with fruity or creamy desserts.
Cocktail:
Spiked Vanilla Chai Martini – Creamy with a kick, it’s like dessert in a glass.
Mocktail:
Strawberry Shortcake Cream Soda – Strawberry puree, vanilla syrup, soda water, and a splash of cream = Easter in a glass.
Final Tip: Match the Mood
If your Easter dinner is a formal gathering, go with elegant pairings like a Syrah or sparkling wine. If it's a laid-back picnic or buffet-style brunch, lean into fresh, fruity cocktails or easy sippers like spritzes and sangria.
No matter what’s on your menu, there’s a perfect drink to complement every dish and toast to spring.
Want help crafting a signature Easter cocktail or mocktail for your event or bar menu? Drop us a message—we’d love to help you create something custom and unforgettable. 🥂🌸
If you missed any of our past posts, you can read them here, and don’t forget to look out for next week's blog post; Cooking With Spirits.
Thanks for reading, we appreciate you!! Cheers!