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Swoonworthy Signature Cocktail and Hors D’oeuvre Pairings

When you attend an event—whether wedding, milestone birthday, corporate fête, mitzvah, dinner party, or other celebration—what is it you most look forward to? If great food is one of the first silent thoughts to spring to mind, you’re not alone—and if Capers is catering and serving any of the above, we’ve got you.

 

Not only do we feel that an event’s food is a lead character that demands to be practically perfect in every way, we love devising swoonworthy pairings to kick that sublime flavor, presentation, and service up a notch, or several. (For an extra-extra splash of fun, don’t forget our Olive & Twist Mobile Bar.)

 

Below, a handful of gorgeous-and-delicious cocktails, paired with hors d’ouevres chosen by our world-class Beverage Director, Stuart Stein—who explains why each food-and-drink duo is a match made in heaven. (However…proceed with caution: the following is likely to make you hungry.)

 

 

Aviation Cocktail  London Dry Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, Lemon Juice, Luxardo Cherry and Lemon Twist Garnish 



Featured Pairing: Lobster Triple-Cream Grilled Cheese on House-Made English Muffin The floral notes of the Crème de Violette, sweet cherry of the Maraschino Liqueur, and tang of the lemon juice perfectly counter the rich, creamy cheese.

Alternative Pairing: Smoked or Cured Salmon

The herbal gin balances the salmon’s smoke and/or saltiness, while the floral Crème de Violette and lemon zing cut through the heft of the fish. 

 

Cloudy Skies Daiquiri

White Rum, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cotton Candy Garnish



Featured Pairing: Summer Vegetable Ceviche Salad

The ceviche’s inherent citrus-herbaceous marinade simultaneously balances the daiquiri’s overall sweet-sour profile and the white rum’s molasses-vanilla notes.

 

Alternative Pairing: Lime Dessert

The tartness of the lime enhances the daiquiri's citrusy notes while balancing its bright acidity and sweet undertones.

 

 

Old Fashioned

Bourbon, Agnostura Bitters, Simple Syrup, Orange Twist Garnish



Featured PairingPetite Chive Popovers with Braised Short Ribs, Horseradish Crème, Parsley 

The bourbon’s slight smokiness and char combined with the simple syrup’s touch of sweetness make a perfect match for the braised beef’s profile while cutting through the snappy yet rich horseradish crème and buttery popover.

 

Alternative Pairing:  Herbed Chicken Roulade, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Heirloom Baby Carrots, Carrot Puree, Forbidden Black Rice, Roasted Chicken Jus Full-bodied brown spirits like bourbon hold up well to the bold flavors of brussels sprouts and jus while the sweet caramelization from roasting the chicken enhances the cocktail’s overall balance.

 

 

Martini Gin, Dry Vermouth, Olive Garnish



Featured PairingSpicy Tuna in a Savory Wasabi French Macaron with Avocado With its clean profile and scant burn of alcohol, a classic martini stands strong against the robust flavors of the macaron’s spicy tuna and wasabi.

 

Alternative Pairing:  Caviar Cannoli, Crème Fraiche, Kaluga Caviar, Shallots, Chives Caviar and the martini have a long, symbiotic history. The caviar’s savory salinity complements the herbaceous tones of the martini's gin and vermouth as well as the olives’ brine.

 

Bee’s Knees Gin, Lemon Juice, Honey Simple Syrup, Dried Lemon and Lavender Garnish



Featured PairingMini Grilled Maine Lobster Rolls with Fresh Dill  While the honey syrup lends a mouth-coating umami richness, the gin’s juniper notes combined with the floral lavender and citrusy lemon juice are an ideal, bright, floral-fruity complement to the lobster’s natural brine and flavor.

Alternative Pairing: Ricotta Cappelletti, Zucchini, Patty Pan Squash, English Peas, Herb Nage A hint of lemon in the ricotta filling joins the peas’ whisper of sweet grassiness to smooth out any acidity in the Bee’s Knees cocktail, while also highlighting its honey notes. We hope the above suggestions have whetted your appetite to plan your own exquisite, custom event menu. We can’t wait to continue this conversation with you—and surpass your wildest foodie (and service) expectations. 

 

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