The dining experience reaches another level when your food gets complemented by the drink you are having. Pairing drinks with food properly is a rising trend in the culinary world. If you are thinking about the main difference between traditional wine pairing with cocktail pairing, read on. The main difference is that when it comes to cocktails, there are endless possibilities for flavour combinations. Mastering the art of pairing cocktails with food will elevate the culinary game no matter if you are running a bar or hosting a casual party at home. This post will help you to learn techniques and principles on how to pair cocktails with food – Understanding different flavour profiles
It is crucial to understand the dominant flavours along with the undertones when pairing a dish with a cocktail. To do that, paying close attention to the flavour profiles in the ingredients is necessary. After looking at the shared notes, you can create a satisfying and harmonious culinary experience. For example, if you are pairing a cocktail that has citrous notes like Adios MotherF*cker, it is best to pair the drink with seafood-based tapas. On the other hand, if you are opting for a chocolate or vanilla-flavoured cocktail, it is recommended to look for a chocolate dessert since these two when paired together will enhance the depth of each other’s sweetness.
Complementary flavours to choose from pairing cocktails with food
Here is a list of cocktail drinks and food pairings that will enhance the taste of both your choice of dish and the drink.
Mojito with Seafood
This pair works best since the mint and lime in Mojito brighten the flavours of seafood. You can choose seafood-based tapas if you are at a tapas bar for the ultimate experience. The idea is that the citric element of Mojito can cut through the richness of the seafood-based dish.
Gin and Tonic with a light salad
The refreshing and crisp flavours of gin and tonic complement a freshly made light salad. The vinaigrettes in the salad has the capability to enhance the flavours further of the cocktail of your choice.
Moscow Mule with meats or cheese
Moscow Mule contains vodka, ginger beer and lime as its king ingredients. This combination creates a bold flavour. If you want you can pair this bold drink with a grilled meat or cheese platter. The effervescent and tangy flavours of the drink will blend perfectly with a slice of Gouda or Cheddar cheese cube. On the other hand, the cocktail’s bright and strong flavors will complement the smoky charred taste of grilled meat.
Whiskey Sour with fried food
This is a heavenly combination if you are a fan of tartness that defines Whiskey sour. The citrous element in whiskey cuts through the rich and greasiness of a fried chicken wing or a platter of french fries. Give it a try and your taste buds will thank you for it!
Wine with creamy pasta, grilled meat and seafood
As a wine lover, if you wonder about what to pair with your favourite glass of wine, I am here to help. A plate of white creamy pasta pairs best with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Grilled meat is a great option if you are opting for a glass of Merlot or Pinot Noir. If you are tilted towards a glass of sweet rose like Sauternes, you can go for blue cheese, pastries and fruit-based desserts to complement their flavours.
Presentation and Progression
Looks do matter when it comes to the aesthetic harmony of your food and drink. Instagrammable is a popular term these days. Although long before social media websites took over this world, presenting food and drink aesthetically with proper garnishing has won hearts. Colour coordination and proper glassware matter a lot when a memorable dining experience is concerned. Be it at a loungebar or at home, it is a mandatory factor to keep in mind. Only this can ensure that your guests are going to remember and appreciate your efforts. You can arrange the food and cocktail in a manner that can highlight their best features. For example, you can place a drink next to the food dish in a visually appealing way on the side.
Experimentation and Personalisation
Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal preferences. You have the liberty to experiment with different flavours to understand what is most appreciated by your tastebuds. It is highly recommended that you never settle for something that does not go well with your personal choice. Therefore, it is always best to keep an open mind, listen to the suggestions of your hosts and make your call. You can personalise drinks and food exactly the way you like because only then will you be able to enjoy it to the fullest!
So, I hope the suggestions made here are worth your time. Next time, you visit a cocktail bar or a home party, follow these pairings and enjoy the best experience. Perfect pairing of food and drinks must have the quality to delight your senses and at the same time be able to offer a seamless blend.
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