12 Nov Cocktail Pairings for Card Games
Make your own rules with these unique pairings and twists on the classics for your next game
Cocktails and card games just go together. Whether you want to feel sexy and confident rolling up to the poker table, get a burst of energy to keep your winning streak alive, keep the laughter going with friends, or survive another round with your kids, the right cocktail can really enhance your gameplay.
We are rounding up a few of our favorite games and the cocktails to match. We go beyond the classics and put our twist on them. Serve them at your next game night and your friends will be impressed. Cheers!
High Stakes Poker
Feeling like James Bond rolling up to a high stakes poker or baccarat game? Don’t just go with his “shaken, not stirred” classic martini like everyone else. Impress the other players with your 50/50 order. It’s a play on the classic martini with equal parts gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth. Try it for a bright and bitter cocktail.
The 50/50 Martini
- 2 oz gin
- 2 ounces dry vermouth
- Garnish: olive or lemon twist
Pour gin and vermouth into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
Image credit: Liquor.com | Tim Nusog
Blackjack
When you are at the blackjack table in a casino, you want a simple order and a little caffeine to keep you going. Go for a Cuba Libre. Yes, it’s really just a fancy name for a rum and coke, but the extra lime will also give you a burst of Vitamin C which will keep your streak alive.
Cuba Libre
- 2 oz rum
- Squeeze of ½ lime
- 4 oz coke
- Garnish: Lime wedge
Pour all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir well. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Image credit: @thipzy.dk
Gin Rummy
What do you serve while playing Gin Rummy? Gin of course! As you line up your court cards, feel like royalty with Empress 1908 gin. It adds a colorful twist to your cocktails.
GIn Paloma
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- Soda Water
- Garnish: Lime wedge
Shake juice and simple syrup together with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice. Top with soda water and float the gin on top for a pop of color. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Image credit: @empress1908gin
Spoons
The game Spoons is best when played with a group, and if we’re honest, the more rowdy a game of spoons is, the more fun it is. So we love the idea of a boozy punch you can set out and make it easy for your friends to refill their glasses.
Moscow Mule Punch
- 4 c. ginger beer
- 3 c. vodka
- 1 c. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 c. mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- 2 limes, sliced, plus more for garnish
In a large punch bowl, combine all the ingredients with ice and stir. Set out cups and garnishes and let your guests serve themselves.
Image credit: Delish.com | Parker Feierbach
Uno
How many of you have had to play endless rounds of Uno with your kids during the quarantine? We’ve got the drink for you. Pair the grown-up Sneaky Pete cocktail with your kid’s milk and cookies. It will make the 500th round of Uno much more enjoyable.
Sneaky Pete
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz rye whiskey
- 4 oz milk
Pour ingredients into a glass with ice and stir.
Image credit: The Spruce Eats
What’s your favorite card game and cocktail pairing? Let us know on Instagram at @mrplayingcard!