Halloween Candy and Drink Pairings

Halloween is the best time of year to experience the plethora of candy varieties without the guilt. Chocolate, caramel, nougat, tart, fruity, honey, serious sweets, so colorful, and, combined with peanut butter, or just the peanut itself, provides sweet tooth nirvana.

Halloween is also when the change to a chillier season and we transition to different types of adult beverages. Cold beer and tropical drinks give way to wines, bourbons, Irish coffees, espresso, and warm ciders, just to name a few.

The Fellas decided to pair Halloween candies with some fall favorites and see if we could find some tasty combinations to tickle our taste buds. Here are a few recommendations that we found that put a tasty twist on Halloween. Let these be your starting point for the best Halloween candy/drink taste sensations.

 

Tasty Halloween Candy/Drink Pairings

Photo credit – theshortordercook.com

Tootsie Roll and Kahlua – The loveable Tootsie Roll. It comes individually wrapped or several put together in a larger roll. Mix equal parts of orange juice and Kahlua, (if you want to make it a little less orangey, mix ¾ ounces of OJ and 1 ounce of Kahlua. For a larger drink 1 ½ ounces of OJ to 2 ounces of Kahlua, etc., etc. 

In a cocktail shaker add the ingredients and ice, then shake it for 30 seconds to a minute to ensure it is chilled. Garnish, with, what else, a Tootsie Roll. (Add a Luxardo cherry for some additional flavor.) This will be a true hit at any Halloween gathering.

 

 

Peppermint Patties and a Cabernet Sauvignon – We agree Peppermint Patties are not at the top of the Halloween candy list. (OK neither are Junior Mints but either work well). The addition of the smooth taste of mint adds just the right amount of creaminess for a delightful finish. If you are not a fan of mint, then pair the Cabernet with just dark chocolate for a rich flavorful experience

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Candy Corn and an Old Fashioned – Candy Corn is a classic Halloween candy. The Old-Fashioned cocktail is a vintage drink that has been around the block it seems like forever, and still is a fall and winter favorite. Combining these two makes perfect sense. An irresistible sweet sensation ideal for any Halloween gathering. One question, do you eat the candy corn, one color at a time, or just eat it whole?

 

Payday or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and Chocolate Peanut Butter Whisky – If you love the Payday bar then pairing it with a Chocolate Payday Shooter is a match made in heaven. We tried Magic Rabbit Whisky since that is where we found the recipe and we think you will agree it is the perfect combination. Yes, the recipe is for a shooter, but as with any shooter, you can sip and savor. Pardon the pun…we think you will go NUTS over it!!! BONUS – Instead of munching on the Payday, if you want something a little softer and smoother, pair the Chocolate Peanut Butter Whisky with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

 

M&M’s and Merlot – How many times have you opened a small M&M’s Halloween pack, then reached for another and another…? They can be addicting. A Merlot has a range of flavors from black cherries to plums, to blackberries. It is a medium to full-bodied wine that, when enjoyed with the colorful M&M, can handle the rich chocolate flavor. They are truly best friends!!

 

Twix and Rum – The combination of the light chocolate and caramel over the buttery cookie is almost perfection on its own. Join the Twix with your favorite aged rum from one of the Caribbean islands and this festive duo becomes the perfect marriage of crunch and smoothness with a terrific finish.

 

Sour Gummies and Sauvignon Blanc – Gummies of any variety, worms, bears, or any form are a dentist’s dream. But let’s put the dentist aside and pair the sour candy with a Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s fruity citrus flavors are an awesome match for the tart sour gummy. Try and choose the same citrus flavor of each gummy with the citrus of the Sauvignon Blanc and pucker up for a Halloween smooch.

 

This is by no means an all-inclusive list, just some ideas to get you going. Shoot an email to thefellas@maddafella.com with some of your favorites, we would love to hear from you. We will give them a try and add them to our list!!!