Everyone knows they should pair wine with food when entertaining for the holidays. But choosing the right water is just as important to consider in the context of how it pairs with food and cocktails. As Americans get more sophisticated about eating and dining, it makes sense that they would care more about their water too. Enter Martin Riese, a true expert on water and America’s only water sommelier.

Most people do not realize that water has a huge impact on everything presented on a plate or in a glass. For example, water can lower acidity and tannins in wine or balance out some of our other favorite holiday drinks like champagne, helping it gain in flavor. The right water pairing can also enhance flavors of salty / umami and balance the flavor of spice, bitter and sour in food. For example, with a smoked holiday ham complementary water can enhance the umami taste of the ham and balance the smoky flavors. It can also enhance the sweet notes of sugar cookies and lower the spice level of gingerbread to make the cookie more rounder and more balanced in flavors.

So this year, when hosting your holiday party, think differently about your water choices and make the holiday dishes – and drinks – you choose really sing!