Red Carpet Appetizers and Drinks

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Healthy Red Carpet Recipes

The stars aren't the ones stealing the show this awards season. When your party spread features these red carpet-worthy nibbles and sippers, you'll be the star of the show.

First up is a pretty cocktail that guests will love.

Not to be confused with cheap imitations, Plymouth Sloe Gin—a sweet-tart spirit featuring sloe berries—is made from a time-honored recipe and worthy of a special libation.

View Recipe: The Sun Also Rises

Photo: John Autry

Polenta Squares with Gorgonzola and Pine Nuts

Our polenta squares are impressive and delicious. These are also tasty with chopped, dried figs or cranberries in place of the currants.

View Recipe: Polenta Squares with Gorgonzola and Pine Nuts

Photo: Charles Masters

Pomegranate Fizz

Dip into Spanish cava or Italian prosecco for budget-friendly bubbles: Some cost less than $10 per bottle and are delicious in this tangy crowd-pleaser.

View Recipe: Pomegranate Fizz

Photo: Johnny Autry

Creamy Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Cups

The filling can be made and refrigerated up to a day in advance, then brought to room temperature before filling the cups. Phyllo shells come conveniently prebaked, so they're ready to fill once thawed.

View Recipe: Creamy Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Cups

Photo: Johnny Autry

Mini Tomato-Parmesan Tarts

If you don't have a pastry cutter, use the rim of a drinking glass to cut rounds from the puff pastry. The light, fresh flavor of these tarts will be a hit with red carpet watchers.

View Recipe: Mini Tomato-Parmesan Tarts

Photo: Charles Masters

Clementine Sparkler

Sweet and sunshiny, this sophisticated twist on a standard mimosa is ideal for a daytime red carpet watch.

View Recipe: Clementine Sparkler

Photo: Johnny Autry

Phyllo Cups with Ricotta, Chèvre, and Thyme

Start making the phyllo stacks about 30 minutes after you put the cheese mixture in the refrigerator. Or make the cheese mixture a day ahead, and assemble prior to the party.

View Recipe: Phyllo Cups with Ricotta, Chèvre, and Thyme

Photo: Charles Masters

Sparkling Pear Cocktail

Pear liqueur and a dry sparkling wine make for a heady combo in this beautifully aromatic sipper.

View Recipe: Sparkling Pear Cocktail

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Oysters with Pink Peppercorn Mignonette

Raw oysters are delicious enough on their own, but this light dressing elevates them into the stratosphere. For an extra Hollywood-glam presentation, use a small plate and spread a layer of rock salt on the bottom. The salt evokes the sea and stabilizes the shells.

View Recipe: Oysters with Pink Peppercorn Mignonette

Photo: Charles Masters

Campari and Orange Sparkling Cocktail

A little rosé pairs wonderfully with Campari, an Italian aperitif which gives the drink a bitter edge and beautiful rosy color.

View Recipe: Campari and Orange Sparkling Cocktail

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Pomegranate-Rosemary Royale

Toast the red carpet royalty with this fitting libation. This simple twist on the traditional kir royale blends tart-sweet pomegranate juice with subtle herbal notes from a rosemary-infused syrup. Float rosemary leaves on the drinks for a pretty garnish.

View Recipe: Pomegranate-Rosemary Royale

Photo: Sang An

Blue Cheese and Chive Straws

Blue cheese gives a bit of a bite, but is not overpowering, to this delightfully crunchy nosh. Prepare up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

View Recipe: Blue Cheese and Chive Straws

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Dip the pretzels, and store in the fridge on a parchment-lined tray up to five days ahead of your awards party. Set out shortly before serving, but not too far ahead, as the chocolate may melt.

View Recipe: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Photo: John Autry

Fresh Pear Cocktail

The philosophy at Rouge Tomate, a health-mindful restaurant with locations in New York and Brussels, is guided by seasonal ingredients and bright flavors. Beverage Director Pascaline Lepeltier shares this delicious cocktail that all your guests will love.

View Recipe: Fresh Pear Cocktail

Photo: Charles Masters

Cognac Sparkling Wine Cocktail

The red carpet might be sparkling with starlets, but your viewing party will get an equal dose of glamour with this sparkling cocktail. A classic combo—sparkling wine, cognac, sugar, and a dash of bitters—makes for an elegant drink.

View Recipe: Cognac Sparkling Wine Cocktail

Photo: John Autry

Cauliflower "Caviar" with Frizzled Prosciutto

Lose the fork and knife for these healthy handheld bites. Smoky prosciutto and cauliflower fill bitter endive leaves in this flavorful party appetizer.

View Recipe: Cauliflower "Caviar" with Frizzled Prosciutto

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Crunchy phyllo-wrapped asparagus makes great pick-up bites for your party. You can also chop the prosciutto and sprinkle it on the phyllo if you want.

View Recipe: Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus with Prosciutto

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Sparkling Sangria

This cocktail will shine as bright as your favorite red carpet stars. Blueberries bring a pop of color and flavor. Top with a mint sprig for a fragrant garnish.

View Recipe: Sparkling Sangria

Photo: John Autry

Spicy Maple-Cashew Popcorn

What would a red carpet viewing party be without the official snack of the big screen? For a more kid-friendly version, omit the ground red pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to two days.

View Recipe: Spicy Maple-Cashew Popcorn

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Sweet Adeline

Be sure to use Clear Creek brandy—you'll actually experience the fragrance and texture of fresh Oregon pears—the pear is grown inside the bottle.

View Recipes: Sweet Adeline

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Seared Beef Tenderloin Mini Sandwiches with Mustard-Horseradish Sauce

An appetizer-only menu can leave guests feeling hungry, unless it includes an item like this one: Hearty and meaty, but elegant and refined at the same time.

View Recipe: Seared Beef Tenderloin Mini Sandwiches with Mustard-Horseradish Sauce

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

A mix of fruity and meaty olives works well in this treatment. Serve with cocktails fit for the red carpet and your viewing party will be off to a great start.

View Recipe: Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

Photo: Brian Woodcock

The G-Word

If you start your awards show party with this festive cocktail, we can assure you guests will be dazzled from the very first sip. The flavor of Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, distilled from sour cherries, captures the essence of the pristine fruit.

View Recipe: The G-Word

Photo: Howard Puckett

Baked Brie with Golden Raisin Compote

Gold trophies might be the coveted prize at the award show, but this brie topped with golden raisin compote will be the prize at your viewing party. This hearty appetizer is best made ahead of time, before your guests arrive.

View Recipe: Baked Brie with Golden Raisin Compote

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Haymarket

Give your viewing party an international flair by serving this cocktail. Suze, a bitter French liqueur that's popular in Europe, is now available in the US. Order online, or look in boutique liquor stores.

View Recipe: Haymarket