Confections and Cocktails

Every year during the holidays, a group of friends gather to participate in Cookies and Cocktails - a "friendly competition" for who can bake the best holiday cookie, paired with the tastiest cocktail. Although there are individual crowns at stake for Best Cookie and Best Cocktail, judging encompasses taste, how well the pairing goes together and presentation. For years, there has been a discussion of going beyond the cookie and holiday inspired spirits into a summer themed Confections and Cocktails.

In this world, pies, cobblers, crisps, ice cream and s'mores are paired with pina coladas, daiquiris, mojitos and margaritas. Talk about cool pairings! And while we haven't actually gotten this theme off the ground, here are a few general ideas for any of you who would like to try this party on for size!

Lemon Theme

Summer is full of Vitamin Sea, so how about a lemon themed Confection and Cocktail pairing? It could look like this:

Lemon bars

Lemon cocktail

Decorative straws (shown here from CraftyCathy83)

A sign for the serving tray.

Lemon coasters - store bought slices or try your hand at this unique DIY project from HGTV Handmade.

Napkins tied with olive or rosemary sprigs.

Popsicle Theme

Nothing says summer like cold popsicles on a hot day. How about Cakesicles and Poptails?

We love this seaside cakesicle recipe from Big Bear's Wife.

This "Poptail" would make a perfect popsicle pairing, or

... keep the beach theme going with a refreshing beachy cocktail.

Use popsicle patterned paper to create a banner or liner for your serving tray. Jenny L Designs has a sweet selection of popsicle themed paper in her Etsy shop that you can download and print at home!

Popsicle napkins (by Confetti Party Co)

And top off your drink with one of these popsicle straws from Gatherings.

Watermelon Theme

Another iconic symbol of summer is the watermelon! There are so many different options with a watermelon theme...

Watermelon macaroons! You could mix and match the tops and bottoms so the red is on top and the green is on the bottom. If you prefer something other than a cookie, try this watermelon cake recipe by Courtney Whitmore with Pizzazzerie:

Serve just about any cocktail in a watermelon themed glass. We love these from Redwood Home:

or serve up a refreshing watermelon slushie garnished with a melon wedge and decorative straw.

For the napkins, you can purchase watermelon themed napkins or make your own watermelon napkins with red and green napkins and a Sharpie or black vinyl for the seeds. Check out this video from Good Housekeeping on how to fold this watermelon napkin.

Serve up your Confection and Cocktail on what else but a watermelon tray! Don't have one? Check out this post from Mandy Pellegrin of Fabric Paper Glue featured on Oh So Beautiful Paper for step by step instructions on how to make an easy and adorable watermelon serving tray.

Who's in? Take these ideas poolside or in front of an outdoor fire and you've got yourself one fun evening with friends! (And maybe even a crown!)