Everyone has their favorite Halloween candy, but we think we can take your treat to the next level. Here are some wines and cocktails that pair perfectly with the classics so you can get up to some tricks with your treats and get in the spirit of the season.
Milk chocolate - It’s hard to go wrong with a classic Hershey’s bar, or maybe you’re like me and keep a bowl of Dove chocolate squares around all season. For any milk chocolate fan, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. The silky texture and ripe fruit pair perfectly with creamy milk chocolate. Try crowd favorite Borell-Diehl Pinot Noir Trocken or Austrian stunner Johanneshof Reinisch.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups - These are right at the top of pretty much every Halloween candy ranking for obvious reasons. A rich, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon will elevate the nutty peanut butter, and the darker notes of cocoa and spice pair well with the chocolate. Do Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups taste better when they are shaped like bats? I think so, but grab a bottle of Domaine Font Mars or award-winning Penley Mythology Cabernet Coonawarra and let us know what you think!
Twizzlers - My sister and I have a decades long debate about Twizzlers vs. Red Vines. I am firmly Team Twizzler, but no matter which fruity licorice you reach for, you should get a bottle of rosé to go with it! The bright strawberry notes in a refreshing rosé are a natural match for the same fruit flavors in the candy, and the acid in the wine perfectly contrasts with the sweetness. At TIPSY, rosé season lasts all year long, so try a bottle of Marc Plouzeau Rosé or Mouton Noir Love Drunk to celebrate.
Snickers - This candy bar has everything: chocolate, peanuts, and of course, caramel for days. For the bold flavors of a Snickers, you want a bold drink to match. I’d recommend a Shiraz or Zinfandel as a wine pairing, but my absolute favorite match for Snickers is a classic Old Fashioned. The oaky and caramel notes in these whiskeys are a match made in heaven for the rich chocolate nuttiness of a Snickers. Split Spirits Illinois or Van Brunt Stillhouse Single Malt will be especially delightful companions to this classic candy bar.
Candy Corn - As a loyal candy corn fan (my favorite way to enjoy it is in a snack mix with spicy Japanese crackers and roasted nuts), I’m well aware of its divisiveness. But even if it’s not your favorite, it can’t be denied that it’s a classic. A fresh, lightly-oaked Chardonnay like Yalumba Y Series or Wiengut Weedenborn will elevate the sweetness of the candy, giving it a whole new personality.
Maybe you’re not much of a candy person at all. We have something for salty snack lovers too! If you tend to reach for a salty popcorn ball or a bag of classic kettle chips, you can’t go wrong with something bubbly. The crisp, refreshing flavors and bright bubbles cut right through the rich saltiness of your favorite crunchy snack. Celebrate your Halloween in style with a bottle of the aptly named [Skull White Sparkling]!
This Halloween (and in the weeks that follow, if there’s any candy left), we hope you’ll give some of these pairings a try. Reach out to us on Instagram and share your favorite treats and drinks for the season!
Happy Halloween!
Tipsy is a woman-owned wine and spirits shop in New York City. We offer more than 200 varietals for every palate and budget, as well as artisanal gifts and glassware. In addition to our retail presence, we produce educational wine tastings for law firms, nonprofits, and companies of all sizes. Our team of women sommeliers is also available to lead wine tastings for private events, engagement parties and bridal showers. To book a tasting or order client gifts, email events@shoptipsy.com.