Sip, Savor and S’mores!

Labor Day is the grand finale of summer—time to fire up the grill, kick back with friends, and dive into the ultimate sweet treat: s’mores! But why stop at the basics? This year, take your s’mores game to the next level by pairing them with drinks and desserts that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Get ready to treat your guests with a s’mores bar that’s not just delicious but downright unforgettable. Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Hot Chocolate with a Fun Twist

Who says hot chocolate is just for winter? Even on a warm summer night, a cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate hits all the right notes. But we’re not talking about any old hot chocolate—throw in some fun flavors like peppermint, salted caramel, or spiced Mexican hot chocolate. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and you’ve got a drink that’s a perfect match for gooey s’mores.

Pro Tip: Want to keep the grown-ups extra happy? Add a little splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or bourbon for a boozy twist that’ll have everyone toasting to summer!

2. Wine & S’mores: A Match Made in Heaven

S’mores and wine? Oh, yes! Add a touch of class to your s’mores bar by offering some wine pairings. Dark chocolate s’mores meet their match with a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. If you’re using milk chocolate, try a light and fruity Pinot Noir or a sweet dessert wine like Port.

Pro Tip: For a lighter, fruity vibe, pair white chocolate s’mores with a chilled Riesling or Moscato. It’s a combo that’s as refreshing as it is delicious!

3. Coffee & Espresso: Fuel for More S’mores

If you love the combo of coffee and chocolate, then this pairing is for you. Set up a coffee station with options like espresso, cold brew, or flavored coffees like vanilla or hazelnut. The rich, roasted flavor of coffee takes the chocolate in your s’mores to new heights, creating a bold and satisfying bite.

Pro Tip: For a sweet surprise, offer affogatos—espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. It’s like a fancy café dessert that pairs perfectly with your s’mores bar!

4. Ice Cream & S’mores: Cool Meets Melty Magic

What’s better than warm, gooey s’mores? Adding a scoop of ice cream, of course! Create a mini ice cream bar with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, or go wild with options like salted caramel, mint chocolate chip, or coffee. Let your guests get creative by sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between their graham crackers and chocolate—cool, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!

Pro Tip: Bring out toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate sauce so everyone can make their ice cream s’mores just the way they like it.

5. Fresh Fruit: A Juicy, Sweet Addition

Balance out the rich sweetness of s’mores with a selection of fresh fruit. Think strawberries, raspberries, and bananas—all perfect for pairing with chocolate. Feeling adventurous? Try grilling some pineapple or peaches for a warm, caramelized treat that pairs perfectly with those toasted marshmallows.

Pro Tip: Drizzle your fruit with honey or balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor that’ll have everyone raving.

Wrap-Up

This Labor Day, don’t just settle for the usual s’mores—take it up a notch! With these fun drink and dessert pairings, your s’mores bar will be the talk of the BBQ. So go ahead, sip, savor, and create a s’mores bar experience that’s as sweet as summer itself!