10 Drinks Every Dinner Menu Must Have

When planning a dinner party or choosing a restaurant to dine at, we often think about the food menu. However, the drinks menu is just as important. Whether it’s a formal dinner party, a casual night out, or a candlelight dinner at home, a thoughtful and diverse selection of drinks can contribute to a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. This blog will explore ten drinks you must include in your dinner menu. It can range from non-alcoholic beverages to classic cocktails to wine options. So, let’s raise a glass and dive in!

1. Red Wine

Red wine is a versatile drink that can complement a range of dishes and add depth to the dining experience. From bold and fruity to light and crisp, its many types can suit every taste bud and budget. It’s also crucial to keep an eye on the temperature, as it can affect the flavor and aromas of the wine. Serving at a slightly cooler temperature can help bring out the best in the wine and enhance the overall dining experience.

There are many places in the US where you can experience wine tasting and wine tours. For example, Napa Valley in California is considered to be among the premier wine regions of the world. California accounts for approximately 85% of the country’s wine production. If you’re hosting a dinner and serving wine, make sure that your staff has gone through the Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training. Look up RBS certification California, if you want to promote responsible service and consumption of alcohol.

2. Margarita

Margarita is a classic and popular cocktail that can add a fun and festive vibe to any dinner party or gathering. Its taste is sweet and sour, making it a perfect balance of flavors. It is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. It can be served on the rocks or blended with ice and customized with different flavors, such as fruit juices or herbal infusions.

Margarita can be served as an aperitif or a digestif and adapted to fit different themes or settings. For example, you can serve classic margaritas with traditional Mexican dishes for a festive and casual dinner party, or fruit-flavored margaritas with lighter dishes for a summer barbecue.

3. Green Tea

Green tea is a versatile and healthful beverage that can be a great addition to any dinner menu. Unlike other types of tea, green tea is not heavily oxidized, which helps to preserve its natural flavor and aroma. It has a delicate and slightly grassy taste, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of bitterness.

The flavor of green tea depends on the variety and quality of the tea, as well as the method with which it is made. Drinking green tea after a meal can provide a range of benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and providing a calming effect. All these factors make green tea a good option on your dinner menu.

4. Kombucha

Kombucha has a tangy and slightly sweet taste, making it a refreshing and enjoyable beverage option. It comes in various flavors, from fruity to spicy, which can add an exciting and unique element to your dinner menu. Since it is a vegan and gluten-free beverage, it’s an inclusive and accommodating option for guests with dietary restrictions and a great alternative to alcoholic or sugary drinks.

Kombucha is a fermented tea rich in probiotics that help to improve gut health and boost the immune system. These probiotics are produced during fermentation and can help support a healthy digestive system and overall wellness.

5. Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate can be a delicious and comforting addition to any dinner menu, especially during the colder months or for special occasions. It is made with chocolate, milk, and sweetener, creating a rich and velvety texture that is hard to resist. You can also try hot chocolate with non-dairy milk or alternative sweeteners to accommodate various dietary needs. You can add different types of chocolate, adjust the sweetness or creaminess, and add toppings or spices to create a unique and personalized beverage that will delight your guests.

Besides, hot chocolate can offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

6. Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan is a classic cocktail with a distinctive and recognizable taste that can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any occasion. It’s a combination of vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec that creates a sweet and tart flavor profile. Additionally, it can be made sweeter or tarter, and you can even experiment with different types of juice or spirits to create a unique and personalized version of this classic cocktail. The bright pink color of the cocktail is visually appealing and can add a festive and celebratory element to any dinner menu or party.

7. Ice Tea

Adding iced tea to your dinner menu is an excellent choice, especially during warmer months or in regions with hot weather. It is a refreshing and thirst-quenching beverage with flavors like lemon, peach, or raspberry, and can be served sweetened or unsweetened. Iced tea is versatile and can be paired with different food combinations, from light salads to heavier meat dishes, making it an ideal addition to any dinner menu. It can also act as a low-calorie beverage and be a great alternative to sugary drinks.

8. Pina Colada

Adding Pina Colada to your dinner menu can be fun and festive, especially if you want to create a tropical or beachy atmosphere. This classic cocktail is a delicious and refreshing blend of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum, creating a sweet and creamy flavor profile that can win the crowd. It can be garnished with a slice of pineapple and cherry to add a visually appealing touch to the drink. Additionally, you can customize the recipe to suit different tastes by adding more or less rum or adjusting the sweetness level to your liking.

9. Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary is a classic cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, and a blend of spices, garnished with celery, lemon, or other ingredients. It has savory and spicy flavors from tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. The vodka provides a smooth and balanced finish to the drink, while the garnishes add texture and additional flavors to enhance the drinking experience.

Some people prefer a spicier version of the drink, while others prefer it to be more savory or even slightly sweet. The garnishes can also be adjusted to include a variety of ingredients, such as olives, pickles, shrimp, or bacon, which can add to the overall presentation and taste of the drink.

10. Coconut Water

Coconut water is a clear, refreshing liquid inside young, green coconuts and is known for its unique taste, which is subtly sweet and nutty, and its numerous health benefits. It can be served alone or mixed with other ingredients to create unique and delicious drinks. For example, you can use coconut water as a base for a tropical fruit smoothie or mix it with fresh herbs and citrus for a refreshing mocktail.

When choosing coconut water for your dinner menu, be sure to look for brands that are certified organic and free from added sugars or preservatives.

Conclusion

When selecting drinks for your dinner menu, it’s crucial to consider the tastes and preferences of your guests, as it can make a significant difference in the overall dining experience. Red wine, Margarita, Green Tea, Kombucha, Hot Chocolate, Cosmopolitan, Ice Tea, Pina Colada, Bloody Mary, and Coconut Water are some exciting drinks you should include in your menu to add an X factor to your dinner party.