Go nuts for these cocktail and snack pairings!

Jump to the Old Fashioned recipe

Jump to the Margarita recipe

Jump to the Chocolate Martini recipe

Jump to the Martini Perfect recipe

Jump to the Espresso Martini recipe

It’s not uncommon to see a bowl of salted peanuts on the bar of any fine cocktail establishment. These complimentary snacks are salted for a reason – they make you thirsty, so you’re more likely to drink more. But actually, nuts are an enjoyable pairing for cocktails. You don’t have to stick to the traditional peanuts. Here are some of our favourite nut and drink combinations.

Old Fashioned and Pecans

If you’ve ever been to a particularly high-class bar, you might have watched your bartender blending pecans to put in your Old Fashioned cocktail. Most don’t have the time, especially as the recipe doesn’t actually call for it, but you can get the same experience by having a small bowl of pecans alongside your cocktail. Sweeter versions pair better with the smooth bourbon, so look for nuts covered in caramel.

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Old Fashioned

Recipe card

4.54 / 5

Whisky glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

15 key ingredients

Cocktail Of The Day

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)

Invented

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1806

Base ingredient

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Bourbon

Calories

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104 calories

Garnish

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Orange, cocktail cherry

Alcohol content

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40% | 1.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Stirred

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a bold, complex flavor profile. Originating in the mid-1800s, it is one of the oldest known recipes for mixed drinks. The traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients: sugar, bitters, and bourbon. The sugar cube provides a touch of sweetness, while the Angostura bitters add a depth of flavor with their complex blend of spices and herbs. The bourbon, with its smooth, smoky character, is the star of the show, providing a warm and comforting kick. When mixed together with ice and stirred well, the Old Fashioned is a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Ingredients

Sugar

Angostura Bitters

Bourbon

Method

How to make a Old Fashioned

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass

Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon

Stir gently

Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve

~ The Old Fashioned can be made with bourbon or other whisky. ~

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Margarita and Cashews

The silky soft cashew goes so beautifully with the sharp tequila of a Margarita. Both give off tropical holiday vibes,  and both are a naughty treat. You’ll only need a few Margaritas to earn a hangover, but at least a few cashew nuts will help soak it up a bit! Choose a roasted cashew nut, ideally with a coconut flavour, for the ultimate combo.

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Margarita

Recipe card

4.98 / 5

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

15 key ingredients

Cocktail Of The Day

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die

100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)

Invented

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1938

Base ingredient

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Tequila

Calories

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153 calories

Alcohol content

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32.94% | 2.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Shaken

The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s. Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick. The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.

Ingredients

Triple Sec

Lime juice

Tequila

Salt

Method

How to make a Margarita

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt

Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice

Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted

Strain into a cocktail glass and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Chocolate Martini and Peanuts

Let’s be honest, a Chocolate Martini is almost a dessert, so it doesn’t necessarily need accompaniment. But if you do want to enhance your cocktail experience, peanuts are a great option. Leave those salted nuts to the beer drinkers – your Martini deserves somesophistication. Honey peanuts will taste beautiful alongside the decadant crème de cacao of your drink.

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Chocolate Martini

Recipe card

4.39 / 5

Cocktail glass

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Cocktail Of The Day

Base ingredient

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Vodka

Calories

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244 calories

Alcohol content

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27.43% | 2.88 units of alcohol ^*

The Chocolate Martini is a decadent and sophisticated cocktail that perfectly blends the smoothness of vodka with the rich flavors of coffee liqueur and the aromatic complexity of white vermouth. Its luxurious chocolate overtones are brought to life with the innovative garnishing technique of rimming the glass with cocoa powder, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the experience. Typically served in a classic cocktail glass, the Chocolate Martini offers a velvety and intoxicating combination tailored for those with a penchant for sweet and strong libations, elevating it as a stylish choice for dessert cocktails or a chic end to a fine meal.

Ingredients

Vodka

Coffee liqueur

White vermouth

Method

How to make a Chocolate Martini

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Moisten the rim of a chilled martini glass and roll in cocoa powder

Add the vodka, vermouth and crème de cacao to a mixing glass with ice and stir

Strain into the prepared chilled cocktail glass and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Martini and Almonds

There’s something classy about an almond which makes it the perfect match for a Martini. They also go well with Prosecco or Champagne. Add a little sweetness to the mix by choosing sugar-glazed almonds. This classic pair is always a winner.

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Martini Perfect

Recipe card

4.9 / 5

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

Base ingredient

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Dry gin

Calories

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153 calories

Garnish

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Orange

Alcohol content

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27.87% | 2.54 units of alcohol ^*

The Martini Perfect is a classic cocktail known for its refined and sophisticated flavors. It is a variation of the traditional Martini, made with dry gin, white vermouth, red vermouth, and a dash of Angostura Bitters. Created in the early 20th century, the Martini Perfect was originally made with equal parts gin and vermouth, but has since evolved to include more gin and a touch of bitters for added depth. The dry gin provides a crisp and juniper-forward base, while the vermouths bring a subtle sweetness and herbal notes. The addition of Angostura Bitters adds complexity and a hint of spice to the smooth and balanced drink. Perfect for sipping before a fancy dinner or for a special occasion, the Martini Perfect is a true classic that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

Dry gin

White vermouth

Red vermouth

Angostura Bitters

Method

How to make a Martini Perfect

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Pour all ingredients into mixing glass with ice cubes

Stir well

Strain in chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Espresso Martini and Brazil Nuts

What goes well with coffee-based cocktails? Brazil nuts! These large, chewy nuts taste amazing with Espresso Martinis, perfectly balancing the tartness of the coffee and smooth Martini flavour. Roasted Brazil nuts work best for this match.

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Espresso Martini

Recipe card

4.87 / 5

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

15 key ingredients

Cocktail Of The Day

Base ingredient

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Coffee

Calories

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220 calories

Alcohol content

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22.61% | 2.6 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Shaken

Created by Dick Bradsell in 1983 and now loved the world over, this is the best-balanced combination for a lovely Espresso Martini.

Ingredients

Coffee liqueur

Vodka

Sugar Syrup

Coffee

Method

How to make a Espresso Martini

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice

Shake vigorously; it should be somewhat frothy

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve

~ Depending on your palette you may wish to add a little sugar syrup to the mix before shaking. ~

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Swap the crisps for these nut-based snacks and enjoy a classier match. Nuts are a great choice for cocktail pairings, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. There’s no need to turn to boring peanuts anymore!