December 15 is National Cupcake Day, and oh man are we excited! We have pretty much been waiting for this day all year, not that we need an excuse to sink our teeth into a light, fluffy treat topped with sweet, creamy frosting. But you know, it helps. If you're looking to celebrate this momentous occasion while still getting turnt for Thirsty Thursday, we're here to tell you that you do not have to compromise. We repeat: you can gorge yourself on cupcakes AND booze at the same time for maximum deliciousness. You just need to be sensible matching your flavors. Here are some of our favorite cupcake pairings:
1. Gingersnap Cupcakes
Pair with: Limoncello and Bubbles
The bright, sweet citrussy notes in sweet limoncello (which you should enjoy either straight up or mixed with Prosecco) will perfectly cut through the spices in the cupcake, as well as the rich cream cheese and ricotta frosting that you might be tempted to just eat with a spoon.
2. Maple Walnut Cream Cheese Cupcakes With Candied Bacon
Pair with: Winter Pear Cocktail
The slight earthiness of the pears stand up beautifully to the walnuts and savory bacon, and the fruit's bright acidity works with the rich sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. These two recipes are made for each other!
3. Peanut Butter Cupcakes
Pair with: Winter Bourbon Smash
If you are a peanut butter and jelly lover, you'll go nuts for this sweet, rich pairing that perfectly balances sweet and savory. We love the raspberry/orange combo in the cocktail recipe, but feel free to use whatever flavor of jam you're into.
4. Boozy Eggnog Sugar Cookie Shake
Want to be super efficient? Combine your promised dessert and cocktail into ONE ultimate drink for the perfect boozy milkshake. If you'd rather keep to the theme and go all-out cupcake on this, feel free to mix one in instead of the sugar cookies. We recommend these caramel eggnog cupcakes for your purposes, though keep in mind that it will be pretty sweet. Consider swapping out half of the additional eggnog for regular milk.
5. Orange Mocha Frappuccino Cupcake
Pair with: Aperol Cocktail
Munch on this rich, bright cupcake with your favorite Merman and mix up a perfectly balanced sweet/bitter Prosecco and Aperol cocktail. Add in a drop of vanilla liqueur if you want, we won't be mad.
6. Death by Chocolate Cupcakes
Pair with: Brandy Milk Punch
A creamy, seasonal, nutmeg-spiced brandy cocktail pairs swimmingly with a super dark chocolate cupcake! If we're going to die, it might as well be at the hand of a luscious cupcake and cocktail pairing.