Life

12 Recipes To Pair With Your Favorite Cocktails

Eating might (definitely) be one of my favorite things in life. But not just food — good food. Whether I'm developing recipes, trying out new restaurants, or experimenting in the kitchen with friends, I'll take just about any excuse to sample it all. While eating is obviously a thing that you need to do to live, it should be so much more than that. Every meal is an opportunity to enjoy life a little more, and I say that with 100 percent sincerity. Of course all of our meals won't be five-star masterpieces, but they should definitely be more than simply substance... within your means and reason, of course. Cooking for yourself is one of the best ways to get more interested in food, eat healthier, and understand what's going into your body. Plus, it's almost always tastier than store-bought.

Whether you're a home cooking veteran or just getting into it, you know that no meal is complete without the perfect complimentary cocktail. Even if you're just making dinner for yourself on a random night, an excellent DIY food and drink combo can be the key to making the most of your evening. That might sound like a daunting task, but it can actually be super simple. We've teamed up with SKYY Barcraft to share some recipes from our favorite food bloggers that will pair perfectly with all three Barcraft flavors: Watermelon Fresca, White Sangria, and Margarita Lime. One part SKYY Barcraft, two parts of your favorite mixer, and three stirs mean you're well on your way — in practically no time at all.

To Pair With Watermelon Fresca:

A watermelon cocktail is the best way to pretend it's still summer, and pairing that with a fresh watermelon-based recipe (before they go out of season!) will have you mentally at the beach — even when it's getting chilly out. If you haven't tried savory watermelon dishes yet, now is definitely the time.

Watermelon Salad With Queso Fresco And Pickled Onions

Image & Recipe: A Cozy Kitchen

Chicken Gyro Salad With Homemade Pita Chips, Watermelon, And Feta

Image & Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

Honey Grilled Watermelon Caprese Salad

Image & Recipe: How Sweet Eats

Watermelon Wedge With Kale, Jalapeño, And Avocado

Image & Recipe: Joy The Baker

To Pair With White Sangria:

Sangria is like wine's lighter, cooler, more fun cousin. It pairs perfectly with whatever fruit you have on hand, and a savory-meets-sweet main course is the ideal accompaniment. A little fruit, a little cheese, a little acidity, and we're in business.

Radicchio, Pear, Gorgonzola, Pomegranate, And Walnut Salad

Image & Recipe: Blogging Over Thyme

Peach, Bacon, And Gouda Grilled Cheese Sliders On Pretzel Bread

Image & Recipe: How Sweet Eats

Grilled Portobello And Peach Burgers

Image & Recipe: Green Kitchen Stories

Roasted Fig, Blue Cheese, And Prosciutto Tartines

Image & Recipe: Cooking For Keeps

To Pair With Margarita Lime:

A margarita serves up classic flavor with minimal effort. Turn any night into a fiesta by pairing one of these guys with some fresh, at-home Mexican fare.

Roasted Chipotle Chicken Taco Stacks

Image & Recipe: How Sweet Eats

Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Tortellini Soup

Image & Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

Fiesta Chicken And Cilantro Lime Rice Fajita Bowl With Avocado Chipotle Crema

Image & Recipe: Half Baked Harvest

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Bites

Image & Recipe: Jelly Toast

This post is sponsored by SKYY Barcraft™. Get cash back on your purchase with this Groupon deal!