Enhance Your Happy Hour: ambience music and their counterpart cocktail

Whether celebrating the end of the work day with coworkers or enjoying late night drinks with friends, the atmosphere is key to keeping customers staying for another round. Just like there are perfect ingredient pairings you can level up your guest experience by curating the auditory ambience of your establishment to the types of food and beverages being served. The easiest way to upgrade this experience is through music and food. Have you ever thought about pairing cocktails with a playlist? Below are 10 genres of music that pair well with 10 classic cocktails. 

1. Old Fashioned - Country

Two things that can never be wrong together are whiskey and country music. The warmth of the whiskey and sweetness of the sugar cube pair well with a Southern drawl and the bright timbre of a guitar. The four ingredient cocktail is as essential to a happy hour as a poppy I, IV, vi, V chord progression is to mainstream country music. Together these two are a true crowd favorite that are sure to put a smile on your face and your boots ready for two-steppin’. 

2. Spicy Margarita - Reggaeton

If your guests are looking to get up on their feet, there is no better combination than spicy margarita and Reggaeton. Both find ways to balance a variety flavors be it sweet, sour, and salty, or reggae, dancehall, and hip hop. Reggaeton truly brings the heat in its spicy lyrical content in the same way the jalapeño lingers on your tongue after a sip of your drink. Together, these two are just begging for two strangers to meet on the dance floor in search of an electric evening.

3. Mojito -  Yacht rock

Easy-drinking and easy-listening go hand in hand. Sipping on a mojito with singable, feel-good tunes in your ear provides a delightful sensory experience. This combination will have your guests forgetting life’s troubles picturing themselves carefree with summer sun kissed skin, cruising the water. It’s almost guaranteed your guests will leave feeling refreshed after a few drinks and breezy melodies.

4. Martini - Bossa nova

Both the martini and Bossa nova cater to those who enjoy the finer things in life. Like a martini, in Bossa nova there are intense complexities of flavor beneath its subtle impression. It’s mature and unassuming, yet iconic in its character. The specific syncopated rhythms required by Bossa nova is similar to having a deep understanding of when and whether a martini should be shaken or stirred. Each has their own sex appeal while maintaining a subdued and demure disposition. Ultimately this pairing invites a sense of luxury to the guest experience. 

5. Aperol Spritz - Indie Pop

If you’re looking to be on top of the hottest trends, the answer is Aperol and indie pop. There is nothing like a spritzer and bubbly 4/4 melodies to make every day feel like it’s Friday. An influencer favorite, this pair will bring out the social media savvy with any cause to celebrate. Both the drink and music bring out the good vibes and the juiciest friend group gossip–you can’t just have one, there’s too much to talk about!

6. Moscow Mule - Deep House 

Deep house music and Moscow mules are about one thing: being cool. Whether keeping a cool temperature in a copper mug or a cool demeanor, this pair is sure to entertain the leather-clad night owls who likely wear their sunglasses at night.  The Moscow mule balances fiery ginger and sour lime with sophisticated botanical undertones in the same way deep house balances a prominent bass drum with soft synths. Both pack a punch yet leave you in a state of euphoric bliss. It’s called Happy Hour for a reason, right?

7. Whiskey Sour - Classic Rock

This combination of whiskey sours and classic rock is one that satiates time and time again. More sour than sweet yet easily enjoyed by the young and old for its nostalgic spirit. The guitar driven progressions establish the same foundation as your whiskey of choice. Everything beyond that is just the cherry on top of a good time. Both only get better with age and never fail to bring out a crowd.

8. Mimosa - Alternative R&B

This pairing is for the loyal Sunday brunch crew as a cure all for the consequences of Saturday nights. After a few drinks and a few tunes your patrons will leave feeling like they can take on the world. This is because brunch with your best friends and SZA anthems are essentially therapy sessions–it’s as simple as a two-ingredient cocktail. This combination is for the self-aware individuals who can’t deny the siren song of self-sabotage. Bubbly and brunch go together like heart(break) and (neo)soul. 

9. Negroni - Blues 

The Blues and Negronis can be summed up as the epitome of bittersweet. In the same way it is said the bitter and fruity flavors of the Negroni represent the balance of the good and bad; the blues is a gorgeous style of music reminiscent of hard times. Each has three core elements: gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari and a chord progression made up of the I, IV, and V. Simple, edgy, and strong, together this pair can liberate your troubles as an aperitif in preparation for the good times (and good food) ahead. 

10. Sazerac - Folk

The Sazerac is a rich, slow sipper in the same way that the wisdom and politically-charged tales unfold in a folk tune. Folk music began as an oral tradition being passed down through generations and is heavily influenced by the cultural climate at the time it was written. This is a natural companion to the Sazerac, which is considered America’s oldest cocktail invented in New Orleans in the mid-1800s. The strong, boozy nature of the cocktail can be likened to the unapologetic candidness of folk tunes. This combo is sure to bring out the sages ready to share their wisdom.

Now is the best time to get your guests excited about their dining experience through multi-sensory curation. Involve your community by inviting local musicians who match your venue’s vibe to take your guest experience to the next level. 

Not sure where to start? GigFinesse can help. Fill out our venue inquiry form and let us do the heavy lifting. We’ll curate your live music programing from a pool of over 7000 artists specifically customized for your venue. Get started with GigFinesse today.