Mardi Gras Pairings: King Cake + Sweet Sips (Wine & Coffee)

King Cake season is a whole mood soft, sweet dough, that cinnamon swirl, and icing that feels like a parade in every bite. If you’re serving King Cake for Mardi Gras, you’ve got two easy pairing paths:

·         Keep it bright and bubbly with a lightly sweet wine

·         Go naturally sweet and fruit-forward with specialty coffee (no flavoring needed)

Here are my favorite pairings wine and coffee so you can build a full Mardi Gras spread.

 

The flavor goal: match sweetness, lift the spice

Classic King Cake brings:

·         Sweet dough + icing

·         Warm cinnamon

·         Rich, buttery texture

The best pairings either:

·         Echo the sweetness (without tasting syrupy), and/or

·         Add bright fruit and acidity to cut through the richness

 

Wine pairings for King Cake

1) Moscato (sweet + fruity)

Why it works: Moscato’s peachy, floral sweetness mirrors the icing and plays nicely with cinnamon.

Best for: Traditional cinnamon King Cake, cream cheese-filled King Cake, and anyone who likes a sweeter sip.

Serving tip: Serve well-chilled.

2) Riesling (off-dry is the sweet spot)

Why it works: Off-dry Riesling gives you a balance of sweetness and bright acidity perfect for cutting through buttery dough and icing.

Best for: Cinnamon-heavy King Cake, fruit-filled King Cake (strawberry, apple), and guests who want “sweet, but not too sweet.”

Serving tip: Look for off-dry or semi-sweet on the label.

3) Prosecco (bubbly + refreshing)

Why it works: The bubbles lift the richness and keep each bite feeling light. A Prosecco Extra Dry (which is actually slightly sweet) is especially good with dessert.

Best for: Brunch tables, party spreads, and anyone who wants a celebratory sip that won’t overpower the cake.

Serving tip: Extra Dry or Dry styles pair best with dessert.

 

Coffee pairings for King Cake (naturally sweet, fruit-forward)

If you love the idea of pairing King Cake with something that tastes like fruit and sweetness without being a flavored coffee, you’re in the right place. Specialty coffee can carry natural notes like berry, citrus, honey, and stone fruit especially in lighter roasts.

Below are two pairing styles so you can match the vibe of your King Cake table.

Pairing Style A: Light/Bright (fruit-forward + lively)

These are the coffees from Saint Phillip Strett Gourmet Coffee and Tea that feel like Mardi Gras beads in a cup vibrant, aromatic, and naturally sweet.

French Quarter Morning (Ethiopia)

Pairing notes: Naturally fruit-leaning and bright perfect for balancing icing sweetness and making the cinnamon pop.

Best with: Traditional cinnamon King Cake, berry-filled King Cake, or when you want the pairing to feel refreshing.

How to brew for maximum fruit: - Pour-over or drip - Medium grind (avoid too fine) - Don’t over-steep/over-extract

Garden District Elegance (Kenya)

Pairing notes: Crisp, vibrant, and clean great when you want a bright cup that keeps the dessert from feeling heavy.

Best with: Cream cheese-filled King Cake or anything extra rich.

Pairing Style B: Smooth/Medium (sweet + cozy)

These are the coffees that lean comforting still naturally sweet, but with a softer, rounder feel.

Jackson Square Sunrise (Colombia)

Pairing notes: Smooth and approachable, with a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and buttery dough.

Best with: Traditional King Cake, praline-style desserts, or a brunch spread.

How to brew for a smooth, sweet cup: - Drip or French press - Slightly coarser grind than pour-over - Keep it balanced (not too strong)

 

Build-your-own King Cake pairing flight (easy party idea)

Set out small pours so guests can taste and compare:

1.      Prosecco Extra Dry + a slice of King Cake

2.      French Quarter Morning (Ethiopia) + a slice of King Cake

3.      Jackson Square Sunrise (Colombia) + a slice of King Cake

It’s festive, interactive, and makes your Mardi Gras table feel like an experience.

 

Mardi Gras hosting tip: serve it like New Orleans

·         Slice the King Cake first (people grab-and-go)

·         Offer hot coffee + chilled bubbly

·         Put out napkins, plates, and a “find the baby” note

Whether you’re popping Prosecco, pouring a bright Ethiopia, or keeping it smooth with Colombia, the best pairing is the one that keeps the celebration going one slice, one sip, and one good story at a time.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!