Sip and Stream: 8 Must-Watch TV Shows & Cocktail Pairings for Your Memorial Day Weekend Binge-A-Thon

Summer’s unofficial kick-off is upon us, and what better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend than with a relaxing binge-watching session? Whether you’re craving drama, comedy, or a thrilling adventure, we’ve put together a list of some of the best shows on Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, and Prime Video, offering a diverse selection to keep you entertained all Memorial Day weekend long. And to elevate your viewing experience, we’ve paired each show with refreshing on the rocks cocktails and other libations – the perfect companions to your binge-a-thon.

Baby Reindeer (Psychological Drama – Netflix)

A struggling comedian’s seemingly good deed backfires spectacularly when a vulnerable woman becomes fixated on him, leading to disturbing and unsettling consequences. Pair with: A Negroni. The dark undertones of Baby Reindeer demands a cocktail with a bit of bite. With its equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, on the rocks cocktails like a Negroni offer a complex and slightly bitter flavor profile, mirroring the show’s unexpected twists and turns.

• Negroni (Courtesy of Liquor.com)
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 oz. gin
    • 1 oz. Campari
    • 1 oz. sweet vermouth
    • Garnish: orange peel
  • Instructions: Add the gin, Campari and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice, and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel.

Bridgerton (Historical Fiction/Romance – Netflix)

Lady Whistledown and Regency London’s elite are back for another season of scandalous love stories, lavish costumes, high-society gossip, and a beautiful soundtrack. Pair with: A Sparkling Frosé. The elegance and vibrancy of Bridgerton deserves a drink that reflects its style. A sparkling frosé with a hint of sweetness pairs nicely with the show’s romantic allure and dramatic flair.

• Sparkling Frosé (Courtesy of Une Femme)
  • Ingredients
    • 4 oz. frozen strawberries
    • 3 oz. sparkling rosé
    • 1 oz. lemon juice
    • 1 oz. simple syrup
    • Ice
  • Instructions: Combine the frozen strawberries, rosé wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Palm Royale (Comedy/Drama – Apple TV)

Set in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Palm Beach in 1969, this dramedy follows a determined woman on a hilarious mission to infiltrate America’s most exclusive social circle. With legendary comedic talents like Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett leading the charge, Palm Royale offers a witty and insightful look at wealth, ambition, and the outrageous lengths some go to gain social status. Pair with: A French 75. To complement the show’s sophisticated setting and bubbly characters, a French 75 is the perfect choice. This classic cocktail creates a light, effervescent experience that mimics the show’s sparkling wit and social satire.

• French 75 (Courtesy of bon appétit)
  • Ingredients
    • 1 1/2 oz. gin
    • 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
    • 3/4 oz. simple syrup
    • 2 oz. Champagne
    • long spiral lemon twist for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 20 seconds. Strain cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer or a slotted spoon into a large flute. Top with 2 oz. Champagne and garnish with long spiral lemon twist.

Fallout (Sci-Fi Drama – Prime Video)

Based on the iconic video game franchise, Fallout transports viewers to a post-apocalyptic wasteland decades after a nuclear war. Struggle for survival alongside a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world ravaged by radiation, mutated creatures, and the remnants of a shattered society. Fallout delivers a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s resilience in the face of unimaginable destruction. Pair with: A White Russian. The harsh realities of the Fallout world require a cocktail that packs a punch. The White Russian, with its blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, provides a satisfying indulgence reminiscent of the show’s gritty characters and brutal setting.

• White Russian (Courtesy of Liquor.com)
  • Ingredients
    • 2 oz. vodka
    • 1 oz. Kahlúa
    • 1 oz. heavy cream
  • Instructions: Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with the heavy cream and stir.

Jury Duty (Prime Video/freevee)

Prepare to be hilariously misled in this mockumentary that follows Ronald Gladden, a juror seemingly oblivious to the fact that the entire trial he’s participating in is a complete fabrication! With everyone around him – lawyers, defendants, even the judge – being actors, this series takes a comedic look at the inner workings of the American justice system while keeping Ronald, and the audience, completely in the dark. Starring James Marsden as a fictionalized version of himself, Jury Duty offers a side-splitting exploration of reality TV and the absurdity of the courtroom. Pair with: A Margarita. The unexpected twists and hilarious unraveling of Jury Duty necessitate a refreshing yet slightly tart margarita. This classic cocktail, with its tequila, lime juice, and nectar, highlights the show’s unexpected humor and the absurdity of the situation Ronald finds himself in.

• The Freshest Margarita (Courtesy of Milagro Tequila)
  • Ingredients:
    • 2 parts Milagro Silver
    • 3/4 parts Agave Nectar*
    • 1 part fresh lime juice
    • 1 lime wheel
  • Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a Boston shaker, add ice, shake and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. *Substitute with Simple Syrup.

THEM: The Scare (Horror – Prime Video)

Shudder with anticipation for season two of Prime Video’s chilling horror anthology series, THEM. Each season delves into a different facet of the genre, delivering fresh scares and thought-provoking narratives. Season two, titled The Scare, promises a terrifying new experience. Building upon the success of season one, which explored a Black family’s harrowing encounter with supernatural forces in a seemingly idyllic neighborhood, THEM promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Pair with: A Dark n’ Stormy. The chilling atmosphere of THEM necessitates a bold and intense cocktail. The Dark n’ Stormy, with its combination of dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice, delivers the perfect amount of complexity and bite to match the show’s suspense.

• Dark N’ Stormy (Courtesy of Liquor.com)
  • Ingredients
    • 2 oz. dark rum
    • 1/2 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
    • ginger beer, to top (about 5 oz.)
    • garnish: lime wheel
  • Instructions: Add rum and lime juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top with the ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Shōgun (Historical Fiction/Drama – FX/Hulu)

One of the best new shows on Hulu, Shōgun is based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel. It follows an English sailor shipwrecked in feudal Japan. He navigates a world of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and a forbidden love affair. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s landscapes and the meticulous recreation of feudal society through stunning cinematography. Pair with: A Japanese Whisky. To fully immerse yourself in the world of Shōgun, sip one of Japan’s most popular on the rocks cocktails. Choose a smooth and flavorful whisky that complements the show’s rich historical tapestry and stunning visuals.

• Japanese Whisky
  • Popular brands include: Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Nikka

Under the Bridge (True Crime Drama – Hulu)

This gripping series delves into the horrific true story of Reena Virk, a fourteen-year-old girl who vanished after attending a party. The narrative explores the subsequent investigation that uncovers a shocking web of violence, betrayal, and the dark underbelly of teenage life. Academy Award nominee Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough deliver powerful performances in what is being referred to as one of the best shows on Hulu. Pair with: A Spiced Paloma. Under the Bridge’s raw and unsettling subject matter demands a cocktail with a touch of complexity. Elevate your classic Paloma by adding a muddled jalapeño or a dash of chili liqueur for a subtle kick that reflects the show’s intensity and emotional depth.

• Spiced Paloma (Courtesy of: 1800 Tequila)
  • Ingredients
    • 2 oz. tequila
    • 3/4 oz. grapefruit juice
    • 1/2 oz. lime juice
    • 3/4 oz. cinnamon syrup
    • soda
    • optional: muddled jalapeño or dash of chili liqueur
  • Instructions: Add all ingredients except soda to cocktail shaker. Shake with ice. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top w/ soda. Garnish with: Grapefruit slices & cinnamon stick *Cinnamon syrup can be replaced with 3/4 oz. of simple syrup and a heavy shake of grated cinnamon