Perfect Pairings for Appetizers & Small Plates: A Complete Food & Drink Guide

This post contains alcohol pairing suggestions and is intended for readers of legal drinking age (18+/21+). Please drink responsibly.

Why Appetizers & Small Plates Need Different Pairings

Unlike main courses, appetizers are often:

• Lighter in portion size

• Higher in salt, acidity, or crunch

• Served in succession rather than as a single dish

This means the ideal pairing should be versatile, refreshing, and low in heaviness. Drinks for small plates should enhance contrast, cleanse the palate, and prepare you for what comes next.

Universal Pairing Principles for Small Plates

Before diving into specific foods, a few foundational rules make pairing appetizers easier:

• High acidity refreshes the palate

• Bubbles add flexibility across multiple dishes

• Lower alcohol keeps flavors sharp

• Bitterness stimulates appetite

These principles apply whether you’re pairing wine, cocktails, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.

Cheese-Based Appetizers Pairings

Fresh & Soft Cheeses (Mozzarella, Burrata, Ricotta)

Best pairings:

• Sparkling wine

• Dry white wine

• Citrus spritzers

Why it works: Fresh cheeses are mild and creamy, so bright acidity and bubbles prevent heaviness.

Aged & Hard Cheeses (Parmigiano, Manchego)

Best pairings:

• Dry sherry

• Light red wine

• Fig or grape-based NA drinks

Why it works: Concentrated flavors benefit from drinks with depth or gentle sweetness.

Fried & Crispy Appetizers Pairings

Common Dishes

Croquettes, spring rolls, calamari, arancini, tempura

Best pairings:

• Sparkling wine or prosecco

• Light lager or pilsner

• Ginger beer or lemon soda

Why it works: Carbonation and acidity cut through oil and refresh the palate.

Vegetable-Based Small Plates Pairings

Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Best pairings:

• Dry rosé

• Grüner Veltliner

• Herbal iced tea

Why it works: Earthy and caramelized notes pair well with fresh acidity and herbal elements.

Raw or Marinated Vegetables

Best pairings:

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Vermouth and soda

• Cucumber-lime spritz

Why it works: Crisp, green flavors mirror freshness.

Seafood Appetizers Pairings

Raw & Light Seafood (Oysters, Crudo, Shrimp Cocktail)

Best pairings:

• Muscadet or Chablis

• Dry martini-style cocktails

• Sparkling water with citrus

Why it works: Minerality and acidity enhance delicate seafood.

Fried or Grilled Seafood Bites

Best pairings:

• Sparkling wine

• Wheat beer

• Grapefruit soda

Why it works: Bright, effervescent drinks balance richness.

Meat & Charcuterie Small Plates Pairings

Cured Meats (Prosciutto, Salami, Chorizo)

Best pairings:

• Dry sparkling wine

• Light-bodied red wine

• Tart fruit spritzers

Why it works: Salt and fat benefit from acidity and bubbles.

Grilled or Roasted Meat Bites

Best pairings:

• Pinot Noir or Gamay

• Amber ale

• Black tea with citrus

Why it works: Moderate structure complements savory flavors.

Dips, Spreads & Saucy Appetizers Pairings

Creamy Dips (Hummus, Labneh, Cheese Dips)

Best pairings:

• Crisp white wine

• Vermouth spritz

• Sparkling herbal tea

Why it works: Acidity balances creaminess.

Tomato- or Chili-Based Dips

Best pairings:

• High-acid white wine

• Light red wine

• Tomato or citrus-based NA drinks

Why it works: Matching acidity keeps flavors harmonious.

Global Small Plates Pairings

Asian-Inspired Appetizers

Spring rolls, dumplings, bao

Best pairings:

• Off-dry Riesling

• Jasmine tea

• Ginger-lime spritz

Mediterranean Appetizers

Meze, olives, stuffed grape leaves

Best pairings:

• Dry white wine

• Ouzo-based cocktails (light)

• Lemon soda

Mexican & Latin Small Plates

Tostadas, empanadas, esquites

Best pairings:

• Paloma-style cocktails

• Light lager

• Agua fresca

Non-Alcoholic Pairings That Shine

Non-alcoholic drinks are especially effective with small plates:

• Sparkling water with herbs or citrus

• Fermented drinks like kombucha

• Iced teas and botanical infusions

• Light fruit shrubs

They offer refreshment without fatigue.

Pairing Drinks for a Small Plates Menu

When serving multiple dishes:

• Choose one versatile drink (sparkling wine or spritz)

• Offer one NA option with acidity

• Avoid heavy reds or high-proof cocktails

• Think progression: lighter to bolder

Common Pairing Mistakes to Avoid

• Overly sweet drinks with savory appetizers

• High-tannin red wines with delicate dishes

• Heavy cocktails early in the meal

• Ignoring salt and acidity levels

Perfect pairings for appetizers and small plates are all about balance, flexibility, and restraint. The goal is not to dominate the food but to enhance texture, refresh the palate, and build anticipation for what’s next. By focusing on acidity, bubbles, and moderate intensity - across wine, cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks - you can confidently create appetizer pairings that feel thoughtful, welcoming, and effortlessly enjoyable.

This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only for responsible adults of legal drinking age (18+ or 21+, depending on your location). We do not advocate for the overconsumption or abuse of alcohol. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Any recipes or pairing suggestions followed are at the reader’s own risk, and www.cookthismuch.com is not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information on this site.