ALDI just revealed five delicious dessert and drink pairings for the holidays

This holiday season, ALDI is getting creative with five dessert and drink pairings designed for everything from Christmas brunch to holiday movie nights. I had the opportunity to sample all five combinations, and ALDI is really stepping up its game. The flavors were delicious, the pairings were thoughtfully put together, and the prices made everything even better.

I received the reviewed products for free and all opinions are my own.

ALDI is making holiday entertaining more fun

According to a PwC holiday survey, 63% of Gen Z consumers say sharing a meal matters more this holiday season than receiving a physical present. ALDI is tapping into that idea with affordable options that make smaller get-togethers just as exciting as the big holiday celebrations.

ALDI buying experts Arlin Zajmi, who specializes in alcohol, and Karmen Noterzberg, who works in assortment planning, have put together five combinations featuring wines, beer, cookies, chocolates, and other seasonal treats.

The idea is to make entertaining more convenient without sacrificing flavor. Each pairing brings out different characteristics in the food and drinks, and some of the combinations completely change how the individual products taste.

Brunch Made Merry: Merry Mimosa and Apple Cider Donuts

Oh Me, Oh My Merry Mimosa ($7.99) + Bake Shop Apple Cider Donuts ($2.99)

The first pairing combines Oh Me, Oh My Merry Mimosa with Bake Shop Apple Cider Donuts. This would be such a fun combination for a holiday brunch, especially after a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot or on Christmas morning.

The mimosa has a refreshing orange flavor with a crisp acidity that makes it a great morning drink. Paired with the cinnamon and sugar coating on the apple cider donuts, the citrus becomes even more noticeable. I loved how the cinnamon brought out the orange notes in the wine, creating a combo that tasted bright and sweet.

For just $10.98, this is also an affordable combination that requires practically no preparation.

Sparkling Standout: Cava and Amarena Cherries

Specially Selected Cava ($8.99) + Specially Selected Amarena Cherries ($7.99)

Next up was Specially Selected Cava paired with Specially Selected Amarena Cherries, and this one was particularly interesting because of how the cherries changed the flavor of the wine.

The cherries have a rich black cherry flavor with a combination of sweetness and tartness. They’re packed in syrup, which adds to their sweetness, but the cherries themselves have a much denser texture than traditional maraschino cherries. I would compare the consistency to a dehydrated cherry, although they’re still juicy and tender.

When paired with the Cava, the sweetness of the cherries made the wine’s flavors noticeable. I picked up a white pear flavor, along with some of the subtler notes in the sparkling wine.

At $16.98 for both products, this would be a great option for a holiday cocktail party or an ornament decorating night.

Sweet Meets Sophisticated: Cabernet Sauvignon and Dark Chocolate Mousse

Specially Selected Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($9.99) + Moser Roth Dark Chocolate Mousse Filled Chocolate Bar ($3.29)

ALDI’s third pairing combines Specially Selected Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a Moser Roth Dark Chocolate Mousse Filled Chocolate Bar, and chocolate lovers are going to want to know about this one.

The chocolate bar has a deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor, which is important because a sweeter chocolate would have made this combo a little overwhelming. What really interested me was the filling. The bar contains an actual mousse filling that maintains its soft, airy consistency inside the chocolate.

The Cabernet Sauvignon had noticeable oak characteristics, with a smoky, woody flavor and deep berry notes. These flavors worked beautifully with the dark chocolate.

I also noticed that the wine bottle included a savory food pairing suggestion, which is something I’d love to explore next. At $13.28 for both products, this is a great option for an after-dinner treat.

Unexpectedly Satisfying: Red Sparkling Wine and Raspberry Jaffa Cakes

Grande Alberone Luxurious Red Sparkling Wine ($9.99) + Benton’s Raspberry Jaffa Cakes ($2.19)

I wasn’t prepared for how much I would love this next combination. ALDI paired Grande Alberone Luxurious Red Sparkling Wine with Benton’s Raspberry Jaffa Cakes, and it was a match made in heaven.

The Jaffa Cakes have a soft, slightly crumbly cookie base that reminds me of shortbread, paired with tart raspberry flavor and a bittersweet chocolate coating. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them particularly good with the wine.

The red sparkling wine has a refreshing carbonation and a gentle sweetness that complements the raspberry. Together, the tart fruit, chocolate, and sweet sparkling wine create a combination that is completely fantastic.

I would give this pairing a 10 out of 10. At $12.18 for both products, it’s a great dessert option for a holiday party or Christmas movie marathon.

Cozy Nightcap: Breakfast Stout and Belgian Chocolate Desserts

Bed Head Breakfast Stout ($7.99) + Specially Selected Chocolate Belgian Desserts ($3.99)

Now, this final pairing was absolutely incredible. ALDI combined Bed Head Breakfast Stout with Specially Selected Chocolate Belgian Desserts, and of all five combinations, this was the one I enjoyed most.

The stout has a rich coffee flavor with noticeable buttery maple notes. I loved the combination of roasted coffee and maple sweetness because it made the beer taste almost like a dessert itself. It’s easily one of the best beers I’ve had.

Then there’s the chocolate dessert. It’s decadent, soft, and incredibly creamy, with layers that blend together into a texture almost like thick chocolate ice cream. Even though it’s layered, the flavors are completely cohesive. The cake at the bottom practically melts away as you eat it, making the entire dessert smooth and rich.

Pairing it with the stout made everything even better. The maple sweetness complemented the chocolate, while the coffee notes added depth to the dessert. Neither overpowered the other, and every bite and sip worked beautifully together.

At $11.98 for both products, this was an incredible combination. I would absolutely serve it at an ugly sweater party or a holiday game night, especially as a sweet treat to end the evening.

Five pairings worth adding to your holiday shopping list

One thing I absolutely love about ALDI lately is how creative the retailer is getting with its products. These aren’t just random wines and desserts placed together. The combinations are thoughtfully selected, and tasting them side by side shows how different flavors can bring out the best in each other.

The prices are another reason these pairings are so appealing. Each combination costs less than $17 based on ALDI’s advertised prices, and several are around $11 or $12. That makes putting together a holiday dessert spread or drinks menu much more affordable.

If you’re planning a holiday brunch, hosting friends, or stocking up on treats for Christmas movie nights, be sure to check out the seasonal selection at ALDI. With creative combinations and affordable prices, the retailer is giving shoppers even more reasons to stop by this holiday season.

Prices shown are from ALDI’s holiday pairing guide and may vary by location and availability. Alcohol availability varies by store and state.