Rhode Island is known for its serene beaches and cozy, laid-back atmosphere, making it the ideal spot for a peaceful evening with friends. What better way to enjoy your time than with perfectly paired drinks that embrace the essence of this charming location? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we’ve got the perfect drink pairings to enhance your tranquil night. Let’s explore the best combinations that Rhode Island has to offer!

1. Classic With a Twist: Del’s Lemonade and Shimmer

There’s nothing quite like Del’s Lemonade for a true taste of Rhode Island. Pair it with a equal parts Just Hemp Shimmer Seltzer and optionally a splash of vodka for a refreshing, adult-friendly twist that perfectly complements an evening by the ocean. This iconic frozen treat, first churned in the state and reflective of New England’s citrus traditions, becomes an entirely new experience once mixed with some Shimmerwood. As you sip on this delightful concoction, you’ll find its tartness harmonizes beautifully with Just Hemp’s subtle bitterness and vodka’s smooth undertones, creating a symphony of flavors that capture the very essence of ocean nights while highlighting the local culture. Those seeking the classic Del’s experience without alcohol can opt for our take on a non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer, the Shimmer Palmer.

While enjoying your glass of lemony goodness, consider pairing it with a freshly grilled plate of seafood or a simple green salad. The refreshing qualities of Del’s Lemonade enhance the zesty and earthy tastes of Rhode Island’s renowned seafood, making it an ideal combination for a leisurely evening along the coast. It’s easy to set the scene - imagine sitting on a deck overlooking the Narragansett Bay, the gentle breeze carrying with it the distant notes of seagulls and the intoxicating scent of ocean mist. Moments like these are perfect for a quiet dinner or an informal gathering, where the sound of laughter mingles with the gentle clinking of ice cubes.

2. Elevating the Evening: Wine Spritzer with Rhode Island Blueberries

For those who enjoy light and fruity drinks, this combination of white wine and fresh local blueberries offers a sophisticated take on a backyard classic. It’s an elegant touch to any gathering. Rhode Island’s lush blueberry farms produce some of the most vibrant berries, and these can easily be incorporated into a refreshing spritz. Incorporating slices of citrus fruits, a hint of mint, and a touch of honey can add complexity and dimension to your creation, elevating it from a drink to a memorable experience. This spritzer effortlessly evokes the simplicity of summer mingled with sophistication, making it a perfect addition to any Rhode Island evening, even if it’s not summer! The gentle bubbles of the wine intertwine with the sweetness of blueberries, resulting in a drink that’s both visually stunning and delightfully easy to sip.

Consider serving this spritz alongside a platter of cheese and charcuterie to complement the fruity notes with savory delights. Its lightness makes it an excellent choice for enchanting patio evenings, where conversations drift lazily under the fading light of the sunset. As you clink your glasses filled with blueberry hues, remember that there’s a harmonious blend of nature’s bounty in each sip. If you’re inspired to infuse more seasonal ingredients, our Razz Lime Shimmer Seltzer can offer a fruity freshness for those who wish to experiment further.

3. Coastal Delight: Narragansett Beer with Seafood

Locals know that Narragansett Beer is the perfect pairing with fresh seafood. Whether you’re indulging in clam cakes or lobster rolls, this light, crisp beer will enhance every bite. Known throughout Rhode Island, Narragansett Beer has become synonymous with coastal fare due to its smooth taste and clean finish, which allow seafood’s rich flavors to truly shine. The unassuming character of the beer does not overshadow the dish itself but rather adds an airy component that maintains your palate refreshed.

This dynamic duo could easily transport you to some of Rhode Island’s best cocktail bars, where local brews and delicacies come together to create a delightful culinary experience. As you explore the lively seaside shacks or elegant seafood restaurants in Providence and Newport, the local brew makes an appearance time and again, capturing the sense of place with each pour. Opting for Narragansett on a quiet evening at home can evoke that same vibrant atmosphere, conjuring up images of quaint fishing boats, bustling docks, and the satisfying crunch of fresh-caught fare.

Wondering how you can pair a Narragansett Beer with Shimmerwood? Easy! A Shimmer Shandy is as easy as mixing Narragansett with any of our CBD seltzers. We highly recommend pairing with our Razz Lime flavor.

4. A Sweet Ending: Coffee Milk and Kahlúa

Ending the evening on a sweet note, this blend honors Rhode Island’s iconic coffee milk. A dash of Kahlúa adds a warm, cozy feel that wraps up the lively conversation on a perfect note. Coffee Milk, the official state drink, brings a rich flavor steeped in local tradition. When paired with Kahlúa, it transforms into a dessert-like beverage with velvety undertones and dreamy coffee flavors that even non-coffee enthusiasts wouldn’t want to miss. The pairing not only pays homage to a beloved local treat but also offers a perfect dessert waistcoat to indulge in the evening’s lingering glow. And yes, you can pair Shimmerwood with coffee milk. Although it may sounds strange at first to pair a seltzer with coffee, espresso tonics are a delicious alternative to your typical cold brew. Simply top off your coffee milk with Just Hemp, or if you’re feeling bold, Chai Cherry, to elevate this official state drink.

Let the decadence of this blend harmoniously conclude your gathering, perhaps accompanied by delicate pastries or biscotti. These sweet nuances can effortlessly complement each other, providing a delightful finish to a relaxed evening. It’s the kind of drink that invites nostalgia and warmth, mirroring the resonance of being cocooned in the warmth of shared stories and laughter. This delightful ending to your night can only be rivaled by the coziness of a fresh Rhode Island breeze drifting through an open window.

5. Fruitful Harmony: Cranberry Juice Cocktails and Mocktails

With its rich cranberry farming history, nothing speaks more to Rhode Island’s essence. Add some spirit and a splash of lime for a cocktail that’s as charming as the state itself. Cranberries add vibrant color and a refreshing tartness to cocktails, harmonizing beautifully with ingredients that can range from sweet liqueurs to aromatic spices. In these delightful beverages, you’ll find a window into New England’s bounty, one that celebrates Rhode Island’s agricultural heritage alongside its zest for life. The perfect cranberry juice cocktail is lively on the palate, with crispness and depth that resonate with every sip.

Try pairing these cranberry cocktails with hearty dishes like roasted turkey sliders or spiced nuts for a taste-inspired match. The tartness of the cranberry can awaken the richness within these culinary delights, sparking a vivacious dialogue between flavors. These cocktails not only embody the spirit of togetherness but serve as a testament to the state’s fruitful landscape. For those enthusiastic about expanding their mixology skills, venturing into new mocktail recipes can reveal a treasure trove of inspiration.

6. Autumn Evening: Apple Cider and Bourbon

As autumn leaves begin to fall, enjoy a cozy evening with warm apple cider married to a robust bourbon. This pairing captures the earthy season with every sip. The soothing warmth of spiced apple cider mingles with the depth of bourbon to create a drink that’s as comforting as it is celebratory. This duo embodies the hygge essence of fall, where moments of tranquillity and indulgence blend seamlessly against the backdrop of vibrant foliage. It’s the perfect invitation to gather with loved ones, sharing heartwarming tales as the night grows crisp.

Looking for a nonalcoholic option? Give our Love Flower recipe that uses Chai Cherry a try. This mocktail combines a myriad of spices and herbs, giving you that warm and fuzzy feeling without the need for bourbon. Throw in some apple slices, or even a dash of apple cider to make a delicious mocktail alternative.

Complement this delightful pairing with an array of autumnal snacks like mixed spiced nuts, sharp cheddar cheese, or a savory tart. The lively spice of cider mingles with bourbon’s complex layers to both elevate and echo these companions, enriching your evening and each bite’s experience. This drink acts as an homage to the New England harvest, capturing its bounty and spirit in every delicious sip.

7. Refreshing Combo: Iced Tea and Gin

For a twist on the usual, pair your favorite iced tea with gin. It’s incredibly refreshing and the bittersweet blend highlights an easy-going evening on the patio. The elegant simplicity of iced tea infuses a whimsical touch with gin’s botanical notes, making this duo an effervescent antidote for warmer nights. Whether you choose a calming chamomile or a brisk green tea, the combination ensures a refined experience that teases the palate with gentle layers of herbal sweetness and aromatic exuberance. As you may expect, you can turn this into a CBD mocktail by removing the gin and subbing in Chai Cherry Shimmer Seltzer. The chai within the seltzer pairs perfectly with unsweetened or sweet ice tea, giving you a holistic tea experience.

This cool concoction pairs beautifully with light appetizers like cucumber sandwiches, grilled vegetables, or even seafood canapés, complementing your taste journey’s opening acts. Delight in the magic of New England’s evening breeze as it guides your conversations to laughter and connection. It’s the type of drink that promises an evening of serenity, punctuated by sunlit memories and the soft rustle of leaves.