Thirsty work

And with so much temptation winking at us from the shelves, you don't need to be a domestic goddess to wheel out a heavenly dessert trolley.

Just remember the sweetie rule: Divine treats such as Simnel cake, chocolate gateaux, hot cross buns, tutti-frutti salads and chocolates taste even more decadent when paired with some hedonistic tipples!

Currently in vogue, tequila is moving away from the shot and slammer spirit of old and evolving into something far more sophisticated. Try Patron XO Cafe (£30, 750ml, Waitrose) which is an unusual blend of ultra-premium tequila and the natural essence of fine coffee.

Extremely smooth, it's delicious sipped on its own, makes an elegant dessert topping and can be used as a premium ingredient in a cocktail.

Although I'm not sure what Harry's Bar in Venice (creators of the original Bellini made with peach puree and prosecco) would make of this trendy twist on their famous concoction.

:: Easter Bellini Dust coco powder around the top of a flute, pour in 25ml Patron XO Cafe and top with Champagne.

If your dream ticket to foodie paradise is cake and cava, try the sherry-like Freixenet Malvasia, (£16.99, www.everywine.co.uk) made with Malvasia grapes from the Pyrenees. A rich glass of fine golden bubbles with notes of raisins, toasted nuts and a hint of candied peel, it's beautifully balanced and delightful with Simnel cake, pastries and even creamy puds such as creme brulee.

A slice of chocolate cake tastes even dreamier with a French dessert wine like Domaine Pouderoux Vendange Tardive 2002/3, Maury (£10.99, 50cl, Waitrose). Made from 100% grenache noir from old vines, this sweet-fruited red will also tantalise the taste-buds with a square of dark chocolate.

I always think desserts such as fruit pies are crying out for a dry rose such as Saint-Mont, En la tradition rose, 2008 (£7.49, Nicolas) from the heart of Gascony, South West France. With powerful notes of strawberries and pomegranates, it's a classy pink to grace the table at Easter time.

For a striking match with a fresh fruit salad, why not sin with zin and try a light Californian such as Fetzer White Zinfandel (£6.99, www.ocado.com). This medium-sweet rose has aromas of crushed berries and spring flowers, but with enough crispness to make it an easy glugger at 10.5% alcohol.

Dark chocolate lovers need a lip-smacking glass with great intensity and concentration that comes with a powerful, Argentinian red. Try Zuccardi Fuzion Malbec Shiraz 2009 (£4.99, Waitrose) which is a vibrant, deep red that's packed with silky black fruit and a perfect partner with flavoured dark chocolate bars (70% cocoa solids) and truffles.

Or delight in the nutty qualities of a tawny port like Ten-Year-Old Quinta de Ventozelo (£19.95, 75cl, www.winegrapevine.co.uk). Medium-sweet with notes of treacle, hazlenut and fig, it's a moreish glass that will transport you to their magnificent vineyards, high above the Douro River.

Naughty moments shared with a slice of Italian pannetone or Parisian-style macaroons will taste even more wicked if you reach for a brandy glass. Try Remy Martin Coeur de Cognac (£37.99, 70cl, selected Sainsbury's & Tesco) which is blended for fruitiness rather than ageing. Silky smooth with notes of apricot, vanilla and honey, it's a stylish alternative to traditional spirits and can be enjoyed neat, or on the rocks. Let's drink to a sweet ending.

Best buy :: If you're on the trail for a rich dessert wine that's not too cloying, try the sweet and sumptuous Hermits Hill Botyritis Semillon 2006 (£6.99, 37.5cl, Marks & Spencer) made from 100% Semillon grapes from the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. This luscious glass of peachy fruit with refreshing acidity is a perfect partner to chocolate sponge cake. Serve slightly chilled.

:: Beer lovers who want to perk up their palate should try a flavoured Belgium beer like Bacchus Frambozen (£2.41, 5% abv, 375ml, Sainsbury's). Dressed in a half-sized Champagne bottle and wrapped in paper, this fruit bomb is a ripe raspberry red with a white, frothy head. Light and refreshing, the deep raspberry flavour suits a dark chocolate fondant at the end of a great Easter meal.

Liquid news :: Wine lovers can start counting off the days for an unforgettable online wine tasting event... Oz Clarke, the UK's best known wine expert, has teamed up with Sir Cliff Richard to lead the nation's wine enthusiasts through six Portuguese wines, including Sir Cliff's own label Vida Nova. The Big Tasting will be co-hosted with Waitrose and takes place on April 12, 7pm at Lords' Cricket Ground in London.

The special pack of six wines can be bought online and are available in-store. They can also be sampled on the weekend April 10/11 at participating Waitrose branches. To follow the tasting online, log onto www.thebigtasting.com or www.waitrose.com to taste along with Oz on April 12. To attend the tasting, tickets can be bought from www.seetickets.com.