Everyone knows that wine and chocolate are fabulous together. But if you crave a dessert-and-drink pairing that’s a bit more exquisite, here’s a fresher idea for summertime entertaining: cupcakes and cocktails. Think ganache-filled vanilla cupcakes with syrupy tawny port, pineapple-and-coconut cupcakes with frothy piña coladas, and PB&J cupcakes with creamy chocolate martinis. Of course, these couplings are just for starters; there are millions of ways to pair luscious mini cakes with your favorite cocktails. To get your imagination going, we’re offering some of our tried-and-true favorites, all with plenty of flair.
Lovely Luau
Your idea of the ultimate summer party: a luau. Next to the roast pig and grilled veggies on the buffet table: irresistible cupcakes. Topped with a luxurious cream cheese frosting (dyed vibrant hues of pink and yellow), these moist vanilla cupcakes feature hints of pineapple and banana. Finish with shredded coconut, fresh fruit, and a festive little umbrella. (See Island Drink Cupcakes recipe) Serve with: Pineapple-infused vodka
Porch Party Perfection
You’re hosting a casual potluck party on your porch, which means you could serve a typical summer dessert like ice cream. But why be boring? Shake things up with these root beer float-inspired cupcakes, which feature a fluffy vanilla frosting and tender root beer-infused cake. (See Rootbeer Float Cupcakes recipe) Serve with: A spicy Pinot Noir
Swanky Soiree
Forget boring cocktail party eats. A luscious chocolaty dessert, such as these ultra-decadent cupcakes, paired with a rich tawny port, is much more fabulous. Featuring swirled vanilla bean and chocolate buttercream frosting, these spiced chocolate cupcakes taste as exquisite as they look. (See Chili Cacao Mayan Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Icing recipe) Serve with: A ten-year tawny port
Retro-Chic Loft Party
Kick it old school with a sweet spin on your fave childhood sandwich. The creamy peanut butter frosting, swirled with your favorite jelly, is so simple to make. We like this recipe best with vanilla cupcakes, but chocolate will work, too. A luscious jelly filling makes it impossible to stop at just one. (See PB&J Cupcakes recipe) Serve with: Creamy chocolate martinis
Art Gallery Affair
You’re throwing a chic party in an art gallery. Your dessert needs to be equally striking, and these Maple-Walnut Cupcakes are just the ticket. Luscious vanilla cupcakes spiced with cinnamon are topped with candied walnuts and creamy maple frosting. (See Maple-Walnut Cupcakes with Candied Walnuts recipe) Serve with: A crisp sparkling wine; we love Prosecco
Modern Dinner Party
Your in-laws are coming for dinner, and you’re a novice in the kitchen. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert baker to pull off these delish cupcakes. They’re filled with a sugary mixture of bourbon-spiced apples and topped with a creamy bourbon-buttercream filling that’s hard to resist. We dare you to eat only one. (See Bourbon Apple Pie Cupcakes recipe and See Ginger and Apple Hot Toddy recipe) Serve with: Ginger and Apple Hot Toddies
Whimsical Garden Gathering
Flowers are blooming, so why not celebrate with a garden party? We’re thinking a light luncheon of chicken salad, mixed greens, and watermelon-infused lemonade. For dessert, try these easy vanilla cupcakes topped with a cinnamon-honey buttercream frosting. Be a real show-off by topping each one with a pretty edible butterfly. (See Butterfly Cupcakes recipe) Serve with: A fruity sparkling rosé
Wonderful Wedding Shower
Classic, elegant–red velvet is a surefire crowd-pleaser. With these mini cakes, each guest gets a decadent dessert all to herself. Moreover, this recipe goes beyond red velvet bliss with a luscious cream cheese frosting coated in rich chocolate. Scrumptious! (See Red Velvet High-Hats recipe) Serve with: A spicy Syrah
Bachelorette Bash
All the goodness of the popular, potent American drink is tucked into a delicious cupcake. Featuring Jameson’s and Bailey’s, this sinful sweet could be mistaken for one of the shots you’ll toss back at your best girlfriend’s bachelorette party. But in this case, we’re talking about a dessert that comes with a wickedly sugary, boozy frosting. (See Irish Car Bomb Cupcake recipe) Serve with: Irish Coffee
