Red Carpet Appetizers and Drinks

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.

A handful of ingredients (and far less salt) gives you better-tasting flavored popcorn than you can buy. To make sure the oil is ready for the popcorn, add a couple of kernels and wait for them to pop. Once they pop, add the remaining kernels.

Here's a delicious way to celebrate awards season. Concord grapes, Juniper berries, and oranges combined creates a mouth-watering concoction.

These gorgeous ravioli come together easily thanks to pot sticker wrappers, which are made with the same ingredients as pasta dough. Just wait till you cut in and taste how good this appetizer is.

Because fresh herbs are increasingly available, you can make this tangy, peppery dip year-round.

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.

If you can find a container of multicolored tomatoes, use those for the prettiest presentation.

Mint is decidedly one of the most refreshing flavors, especially when paired with ginger and blood oranges. This non-alcoholic beverage delivers a delightfully pungent, spicy kick with every sip.

Instead of taking the time to scoop individual cookies, bake a superfast cookie “pie,” and then cut it into wedges.

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.

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.

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

This recipe comes from Jessica Goldman Foung, whose low-sodium diet requires the use of a creative variety of spices to boost flavor. If your diet allows, seasoning the recipe with 1/2 teaspoon salt adds just 40mg sodium per meatball.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.