17 Holiday Drink & Food Combos to Make You the Host with the Most
Hosting holiday gatherings can feel like a lot of pressure, but having the right food and drink pairings can make all the difference. These 17 holiday combos are designed to impress guests while keeping things simple and stress-free. Whether it’s a refreshing drink or a hearty meal, these recipes will help you create memorable moments with family and friends. When it’s time to host, these pairings will make you feel like a pro.
Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Citrus glazed pork chops are coated with a sweet and tangy glaze that brings a burst of refreshing flavor to the table. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chops ready to impress your guests. The bright citrus notes balance perfectly with the rich pork, making it an unforgettable dish. Your guests will be talking about this one long after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops
Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Garlic herb pork and potatoes bring together tender pork and roasted potatoes, all seasoned with garlic and herbs. This hearty dish is ready in 40 minutes and offers a comforting, savory flavor that’s sure to satisfy. The garlic and herbs highlight the natural richness of the pork. This is the kind of meal that will make your guests feel right at home, and probably not want to leave.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Pork and Potatoes
Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail
The Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail mixes the fizz of champagne with the tartness of pomegranate and a touch of orange. Ready in just 5 minutes, this refreshing drink offers a balanced blend of sweetness and tang that’s both elegant and easy. The champagne’s bubbles and the pomegranate’s sharpness create a festive feel. Serve this, and you’ll instantly add a touch of class to your hosting game.
Get the Recipe: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail
Blackberry Gin and Tonic
A Blackberry Gin and Tonic is a twist on the classic, combining gin with fresh blackberries and lime in just 5 minutes. The blackberries add a natural sweetness that pairs well with the bitter tonic for a refreshingly unique flavor. This cocktail is ideal for those looking for a simple but satisfying sip. It’s the kind of drink that’ll have your guests asking, “What’s your secret?”
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Gin and Tonic
Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
This Raspberry Mojito Cocktail blends fresh raspberries, mint, and lime for a refreshing drink that’s ready in minutes. The mix of sweet raspberries and tangy lime offers a bright, cooling sensation, perfect for any gathering. It’s an ideal quick-fix for a refreshing end-of-day drink. Once you serve it, you’ll see your guests settling in and unwinding a little more with every sip.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Mojito Cocktail
Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Chicken pot pie with tarragon gravy is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy, flavorful gravy topped with a flaky crust. Ready in about an hour, this hearty meal is filling and perfect for family gatherings. The tarragon adds a subtle sweetness that sets this pie apart. With every bite, your guests will feel like they’re wrapped in a cozy blanket of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy
Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Pork chops with mustard shallot gravy bring together juicy pork with a tangy, creamy sauce that’s ready in 35 minutes. The sharp mustard and sweet shallots create a delicious balance with the richness of the pork. This dish has just the right amount of sophistication without being difficult to prepare. Your guests might even start planning their next visit around this meal.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Mustard Shallot Gravy
Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail
The Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail is a visually stunning drink featuring the indigo-hued gin, paired with lemon and simple syrup. Ready in about 5 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. This cocktail adds an air of elegance to any gathering. Once served, expect to see your guests marveling at both its taste and its beauty.
Get the Recipe: Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
The Blackberry Bourbon Smash combines bourbon, fresh blackberries, mint, and lemon into a rich, fruity drink ready in just 5 minutes. The blackberries add a natural sweetness that contrasts with the smoky bourbon, creating a bold yet refreshing cocktail. It’s a drink that leaves an impression with its strong and complex flavors. Don’t be surprised if this one quickly becomes a guest favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Classic Mint Julep Cocktail
The Classic Mint Julep Cocktail mixes bourbon, mint, and sugar for a refreshing Southern staple that’s ready in 5 minutes. The mint brings a cooling effect, balanced by the warmth of the bourbon and the sweetness of the sugar. This is the perfect drink to relax and enjoy. Once your guests have a sip, they’ll feel like they’re unwinding on a porch swing somewhere down South.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mint Julep Cocktail
Virgin Moscow Mule
The Virgin Moscow Mule delivers the classic kick of ginger beer and lime, minus the alcohol, and is ready in 5 minutes. This mocktail packs a bold, spicy punch with a refreshing lime finish, making it a perfect non-alcoholic option. It’s the kind of drink that holds its own at any gathering. You’ll notice guests reaching for refills, whether it’s cocktail hour or not.
Get the Recipe: Virgin Moscow Mule
Blackberry Lime Sorbet
Blackberry Lime Sorbet offers a light and fruity frozen treat, made with fresh blackberries and zesty lime juice. This refreshing dessert takes about 30 minutes to prepare before freezing, making it a quick and easy option for any occasion. The tartness of the lime perfectly complements the sweetness of the blackberries. Serve this sorbet to add a refreshing finish to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Sorbet
Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Strawberry Crème Brûlée combines smooth, creamy custard with a layer of caramelized sugar and the fresh sweetness of strawberries. It takes around 45 minutes to prepare and bake, offering a rich yet fruity flavor balance. The strawberries bring a bright contrast to the decadent custard. Once you crack through the caramelized top, your guests won’t be able to resist.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crème Brûlée
Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita
Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita is a luxurious take on the classic margarita, blending premium tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in just under 5 minutes. The fresh lime adds a citrusy sharpness, while the tequila brings a smooth, rich flavor. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a long day. One sip, and you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself to something special.
Get the Recipe: Jenessa’s Cadillac Margarita
Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Pork chops and applesauce with blackberries pair juicy pork with the sweet-tart flavors of apples and blackberries, all ready in about 35 minutes. The fruity sauce brings out the richness of the pork, creating a perfectly balanced meal. This dish is a delicious twist on a classic that will keep everyone coming back for more. Soon enough, they’ll be asking for thirds.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Oven-baked buttermilk chicken and potatoes bring together tangy, tender chicken and crispy potatoes in a dish that takes about an hour. The buttermilk marinade gives the chicken a mouthwatering flavor, while the potatoes add a satisfying crunch. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners. You’ll be seeing requests for seconds—and maybe even thirds—before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
Slow cooker Olive Garden chicken pasta combines tender chicken with a creamy, Olive Garden-inspired sauce served over pasta. It takes about 4 hours in the slow cooker, making it an easy, hands-off option. The creamy sauce brings all the flavors together for a rich, satisfying meal. Your family will be peeking into the kitchen, waiting eagerly for it to finish cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
