Trick or treat / Find me something good to drink!
Let me be honest: At my age, I wouldn’t be caught dead going door to door to gather myself a bucket of candy.
But what I am doing on Halloween is buying a bag of candy from the grocery store and pouring myself a big glass of wine to enjoy while I nosh on some chocolate and prepare to pass out candy to dressed-up kids. And because I’m classy, it only seems right that my wine complement my sweet tooth.
Whether you’re looking for vino to serve at a Halloween party or to keep you sane as your doorbell rings for hours, we have you covered with these candy and wine pairings.
Wine & candy pairings to try this Halloween
1. Wine to pair with candy corn
Candy corn has always been a love-hate kind of candy. In my case, I love it, and I love it even more with a glass of Chardonnay. The bright, creamy richness of the chardonnay harmonizes with the buttery notes of the candy corn.
2. The best wine for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who didn’t love a Reese’s cup. I mean, peanut butter and chocolate? It’s a classic. And the one type of wine I love to pair with salty-sweet flavors such as these is sherry. Specifically, cream sherry. The sweet, nutty aromas are delicious without being overpowering. (Don’t knock it until you try it!)
3. The best wine to have with Starburst candy
Life is always juicy when you’ve got a pack of Starburst, and even more so when you have a bottle of Verdejo to go with it. As you enjoy tropical fruit flavor with every bite and sip, you just might forget it’s fall and not summer.
MORE: Check out our healthier candy taste test
4. The best wine for Sour Patch Kids
They might be sweet, but they’re sour, too, so grab yourself a bottle of Riesling to match that difficult combo. Look for a Kabinett to ensure a perfect match.
5. Wine to pair with Twizzlers
Twizzlers makes mouths happy, and so does wine — so why not pair them? Sparkling Brachetto is another sure way to make your mouth happy. It’s bubbly and floral, with notes of strawberry that go hand in hand with those of Twizzlers.
6. Wine to try with M&Ms
M&Ms melt in your mouth, not in your hands, which are free to hold a glass full of Cabernet Sauvignon. With notes of cocoa and berries, this silky wine will have you reaching for another handful of M&Ms.
7. Wine to pair with Hershey’s Kisses
Want a sweet kiss this Halloween? Pucker up as you pop open a bottle of champagne to go with a bag of chocolate Hershey’s Kisses. This dynamic duo won’t disappoint.
8. The best wine for Snickers candy bars
Why wait for the night to be over to sneak a Snickers? The only thing you should wait for is a glass of full-bodied California Syrah to enjoy alongside the salty, chocolaty treat! It’s full of jammy flavors and vanilla, all finished by sweet silky tannins.
Do you have a go-to candy & wine combo? Tell us about it and Tag us on Instagram @makeitgrateful and #makeitgrateful!
PS: Here’s where you can pick up some budget-friendly tips on choosing a great wine