These days, it’s rare to go a single day (or maybe even an hour) without hearing, seeing, or discussing Taylor Swift — she really is that girl. She’s in the middle of an uber-successful world tour, re-recording her stolen albums, starring in and directing a feature-length concert film, and boosting NFL viewership thanks to her budding relationship with Travis Kelce. As if that’s not enough, though, Swift announced at the 2024 Grammys in February that she’s releasing her 11th studio album, titled The Tortured Poets Department. And what’s a better way to celebrate new Taylor music than with a fun, boozy beverage for a listening party for your favorite album?
From the sparkling and innocent “Love Story” to the broody and melancholy “All Too Well,” Taylor Swift’s music takes us on a journey through love, loss, and everything in between. But what if you could heighten that experience with a perfectly paired cocktail? Grab your shaker (or your glass of wine), put on your favorite Taylor Swift album, and get ready to sip your way through Taylor’s eras ahead of the release of The Tortured Poets Department.
Debut: Hard Iced Tea
You can get by with sweet tea and God’s graces.*
Iced tea is a classic American beverage, particularly popular in the southern United States. Sipping on one can evoke a sense of nostalgia, which aligns with the themes of teenage years and small-town life prevalent in Taylor’s debut album. Level it up by adding vodka or tequila for a casual and refreshing adult beverage, which goes well with the lighthearted and carefree feel of many songs on the album.
*Bonus points if you’ve been around since the Debut demo era.
Fearless: Lemon Drop
Look now, the sky is gold.
Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and a Lemon Drop are the perfect Love Story thanks to the gold hue of both the album and drink. The lemon drop martini’s bright citrus flavor packs a punch, which reflects the fearless spirit Taylor sings about in the album title, plus both have a touch of sweetness. Baby, just say “yes.”
Speak Now: Prosecco
This night is sparkling.
Both Speak Now and Prosecco have a light and bubbly feel. The album itself has a youthful energy, full of optimistic and celebratory anthems like “Mine” and “Sparks Fly,” and Prosecco’s effervescence complements this vibe perfectly.
#SpoonTip: Make a Speak Now Spritz with elderflower liqueur, Empress gin (known for its purple color), and a splash of Prosecco.
Red: Sangria
Loving him was red.
Beyond the fact that the vibrant red color of sangria is an immediate visual link to the album’s title, Red, sangria’s slightly bitter liqueurs paired with sweet fruits align with the album’s bittersweet themes of lost love and past relationships.
Plus, sangria can be made in various styles, from light and refreshing to more robust and full-bodied — a range that reflects the album’s exploration of diverse emotions, from passionate love (“State of Grace”) to heartbreak and anger (“All Too Well”).
1989: Manhattan
Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you.
Both the Manhattan and 1989 are considered sophisticated in their respective fields; the Manhattan is a timeless drink and 1989 is a critically acclaimed pop album. Just as 1989 explores themes of love and loss, creating a balance of emotions, a Manhattan cocktail requires a balance of sweet and bitter flavors. Oh, and the tie-in to New York — a city synonymous with Taylor’s 1989 era — works pretty well, too.
reputation: Old Fashioned
Knew it from the first Old Fashioned we were cursed.
Beyond the direct call-out in “Getaway Car,” the dark and sophisticated air of Reputation aligns well with the classic and mysterious image of the Old Fashioned cocktail. Reputation has a darker, moodier sound compared to Taylor Swift’s previous albums that pairs well with an old fashioned’s dark spirits and rich flavors. Both the album and the drink give off a vibe that’s grown-up, intense, and perhaps a little bit secretive.
Lover: Frosé
The wine is cold, like the shoulder that you gave me in the street.
Frosé’s light and sweet character perfectly complements the joyful energy of Lover, while its touch of fruity complexity hints at the album’s deeper lyrical themes.
It’s a refreshing and celebratory drink that captures the essence of summer love, making it a great companion while listening to the album. Plus, the pink hues pair perfectly.
folklore: Whiskey
Pouring out my heart to a stranger, but I didn’t pour the whiskey.
Folklore is a departure from Swift’s earlier pop sound; it’s more mature and layered, with nuanced storytelling. Aged whiskey, with its rich flavor profile developed over the years, can reflect this complexity. Plus, the smooth, sometimes smoky or oaky notes of whiskey can complement these melancholic moods and themes of lost love and nostalgia present in many of the songs on folklore.
evermore: Mulled Wine
Este’s a friend of mine. We meet up every Tuesday night for dinner and a glass of wine.
Evermore has a strong wintery feel, with songs like “willow” and “happiness” mentioning snow and cold. Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, creating a cozy and wintry atmosphere that complements the album’s mood. Mulled wine has layers of flavor from the spices and fruits used, creating a complex and interesting taste profile that aligns with the complexity of evermore’s lyrics, which tend to explore deeper themes of heartbreak, resilience, and hope.
Midnights: Tequila Shots
I’m the wind in our free-flowing sails and the liquor in our cocktails.
Midnights explores themes of loneliness, introspection, or late-night thoughts, which too many tequila shots can arguably induce. Songs like “Anti-Hero,” “Bejeweled,” and “Karma” have fun, upbeat vibes that match the feelings of a tequila-fueled night out, and the late-night reminiscing that may follow.
The Tortured Poets Department: Wine … a lot of wine.
Based on Taylor Swift’s curated playlists exploring the 5 stages of grief through her own music, we can only assume that The Tortured Poets Department is going to be a pretty brutal breakup album. Grab your finest glass of wine (and maybe a pint of ice cream to pair it with) and buckle up for some biting lyricism and synth-pop sounds.