What’s more classy than pairing upscale art with expensive champagne?
Plenty of gallery openings have an assortment of complimentary wines, but which one should you choose? What if you’re not a wine drinker?
Art is always changing and making a statement, so why not pair that with alcohol that makes a statement of its own?
When attending a gallery opening, your choices are most likely going to be red, white or rosÄ— wine. Most galleries in the city feature contemporary art, and many represent young artists. At the events showcasing the younger artists, the rosÄ— always runs out first.
Younger adults tend to leave behind the sometimes elite culture surrounding wine and choose rosÄ— for its light, fruity and sweet flavors.
Medieval Art + Cloisters Museum + Ale at lunch
In medieval Europe, ale was a source of both nutrition and hydration.
It was safer to drink than most water sources, but most drank it for the alcohol content. Brown ales are a dark beer that are sweeter and not as hoppy and tend to be on the sweeter side. Newcastle brown ale is a popular brand from England, known as the “working man’s beer.” Newcastle is the beer to pair with all those hand-woven tapestries on display.
Renaissance paintings by Meroni at the Frick or Titian + The Met + A rich red wine with dinner
At a time where luxurious colors were being used with more frequency, a full-bodied red expresses the vibrancy of the works. Try a Petit Verdot, a bold red wine from the warmer climate of the south of France. Bold colors and their application were integral in creating life-like paintings, so a strong red wine perfectly pairs (just don’t spill it!).
Modern Art + MoMa + Liqueurs
Modern art comes in many different forms, from Cubism to Dada. Similar to modern art, the variety of liquors also differs drastically. Picasso was known for drinking absinthe, but that doesn’t mean you should go crazy after seeing his work.
Pairing a liquor that's dark with a licorice flavor such as Ricard or Jägermeister brings out the complexity of the paintings. Cubism is very monochromatic in order to bring to the surface its mosaic structure. Dada was a movement best represented by Marcel Duchamp and his readymade sculptures.
He took ordinary objects and made them art by simply willing them to be art. Very controversial and very bold, a mixed drink that’s out of the ordinary is the path for you. Maybe a ginger margarita or a whiskey cobbler to match.
New York History + Queens Museum + Drink of Choice
You’re a New Yorker, so you don’t always want people making decisions for you. Well then drink what you want! At the Queens Museum always on long-term view are pieces of rich New York history. A panorama view of the entire city, visible storage of World’s Fair items and an extensive collection of Tiffany Glass.
Dive into what New York has been, what it means and how you feel to be part of this ever-changing city! New Yorkers have always decided for themselves what’s best; that’s what makes this city the best! But as a suggestion, maybe something that’s New York City native? Maybe a beer from Coney Island brewing company or a classic Manhattan martini.
Of course, these are all just recommendations, but remember, you probably shouldn’t drink before the museum and don’t drink it inside. You don’t want to be on the news for spilling your flask of whiskey all over a Monet!
Now that you know what to drink at the gallery, do you know what to wear? If not, here are some helpful hints on how to dress for the occasion.