Drinks That Pair With Binge-Watching (A Very Serious Guide)

You are about to commit four to six hours of your life to a screen. This is not a casual decision. It is a commitment that deserves a drink strategy as considered as your show selection.

True Crime

Drink: Something dark, slightly bitter, with complexity. You are watching someone solve a murder. Your drink should match the mood. A bourbon cocktail works here — the Gold Rush from Deko Cocktails has the right weight and warmth. Sip it slowly while you text your friend "I think it was the husband" during episode two.

Reality TV (Dating Shows)

Drink: Something light, fun, and easy to refill. You are going to be yelling at the screen. You need a drink that keeps pace with the chaos. A Bee's Knees is bright and refreshing and goes down easy — which is important because you will be too invested in whether Contestant A picks Contestant B to focus on what you are drinking.

Prestige Drama (The Serious Show)

Drink: Something you have to pay attention to. You are watching art. Your drink should be art-adjacent. Number 3 from Deko Cocktails — with its cucumber, elderflower, and habanero — is a drink that evolves in the glass. The slow heat mirrors the slow burn of a well-written drama. Both reward patience.

Comedy/Sitcoms

Drink: Whatever makes you happy. You are here to laugh. Drink something that makes you happy. No rules. No pairings. A beer is fine. A glass of wine is fine. A cocktail is great. The comedy pairs with everything because laughter is the universal solvent.

Horror

Drink: Something with a kick. You need your nervous system activated, not sedated. The habanero finish in Number 3 literally hits you with warmth right when the jump scare hits. This is either terrible advice or genius. There is no middle ground.

The Rule

One drink per two episodes is the sustainable pace. More than that and you are drunk-watching, which means you will need to rewatch everything tomorrow. The show deserves your attention. So does the drink.