Choosing the right drinks can make your catered meal stand out. Whether you’re serving a full dinner or light appetizers, the right beverage pairing can balance flavors and enhance the entire experience.

Start with Your Menu

Before selecting any drinks, look at what foods will be served. The flavors, textures, and temperature of your dishes guide the best beverage choices.

Consider these basics:

Rich, heavy foods match well with bolder wines or darker beers.
Light meals and salads work better with crisp, refreshing drinks.
Sweet dishes need something that won’t overpower them, like sparkling water or light cocktails.

Wine Pairing Tips

Wine pairings can seem complicated, but a few general rules make it easy.

Red meats: Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Poultry or pork: Match with Chardonnay or Rosé.
Seafood: Go with Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Pasta with cream sauce: Try a buttery white like Viognier.

Offering both red and white options ensures every guest finds a favorite.

Beer and Cocktail Pairings

Beer and cocktails bring variety and personality to your event.

BBQs and grilled foods: Serve lagers, pale ales, or light IPAs.
Hearty comfort food: Try darker beers or bourbon-based cocktails.
Brunch or daytime events: Use light, fruit-forward cocktails such as mimosas or mojitos.
Evening dinners: Offer simple mixed drinks like gin and tonic or whiskey soda.

If you’re hosting an open bar, include a few signature cocktails tied to your event’s theme.

Non-Alcoholic Options

Not every guest drinks alcohol, so offering alternatives keeps everyone included.

Sparkling water with citrus slices
Fresh lemonade or iced tea
Non-alcoholic mocktails using herbs and fruit
Coffee and hot tea service for evening events

Balanced drink stations ensure your guests have choices from start to finish.

Work with Your Caterer

A professional catering team can guide you through the pairing process. At Crystal’s Catering Company, we help clients build menus where the food and drinks complement each other. From casual lunches to elegant receptions, we make sure each event feels complete.

FAQ

What’s the best drink to serve at a buffet?
Offer a mix of sparkling water, wine, and a signature cocktail to cover different tastes.

Can I pair red wine with chicken?
Yes. A lighter red like Pinot Noir works well with poultry.

How much alcohol should I plan for?
A general rule is one to two drinks per guest per hour, depending on event length and menu.

Why Choose Crystal’s Catering Company

We make catering simple, flexible, and tailored to your event. From menu design to drink pairings, our team ensures every detail is handled so you can focus on your guests. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or family celebration, we deliver food and service that fit your vision.

How to Pair Drinks with Your Catering Menu