When it comes to food and drink, there are some classic combinations that just can’t be beat. Think of peanut butter and jelly, or chocolate and milk. But what about combinations that are a little less expected?
There are no hard rules when it comes to food and beverage pairings. But there are certainly some combinations that work better than others. Here are some of our favorite drinks and foods that go well together.
The Classic Pairings
There are certain drinks and foods that just seem to go together. They compliment each other and make the perfect pairing. Here are some of our favorite classic pairings:
- Wine and cheese
- Beer and pretzels
- Whiskey and chocolate
- Tequila and lime
- Vodka and caviar
These are only a few of the many fantastic combinations that may be made. Find your own favourites by experimenting!
The Adventurous Pairings
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing drinks with food. The key is to find complementary flavors that enhance each other. Here are some adventurous pairings to try:
- Sriracha and tequila: The spice of the Sriracha paired with the smoothness of tequila makes for a perfect match. Try it in a margarita or Bloody Mary.
- Bacon and bourbon: The salty, smoky flavor of bacon enhances the sweetness of bourbon. Try it in a bourbon Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
- Cucumber and gin: The refreshing flavor of cucumber pairs well with the juniper flavor of gin. Try it in a gin and tonic or martini.
- Spicy food and beer: The carbonation in beer helps to tame the heat of spicy dishes. Try it with Indian food or Thai curry.
The Unique Pairings
Here are some unusual flavour combinations that you might not have previously considered:
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- Cinnamon and chocolate: These two flavors work together to create a rich, sweet, and spicy combination.
- Rosemary and lemon: The herbal notes of rosemary pair perfectly with the bright acidity of lemon. This combo is perfect for summer drinks and dishes.
- Basil and strawberry: The sweetness of strawberries is enhanced by the aromatic notes of basil. This is a great pairing for fruit salads or cocktails.
- Sage and pear: The earthy flavor of sage pairs well with the sweetness of pear. This combo works well in savory dishes or desserts.
How to Create your Own Perfect Pairing
To start, you need to think about what kind of flavors you like. Do you prefer sweet or savory? Spicy or mild? Once you have an idea of the types of flavors you want, you can start to experiment with different combinations. To start, look at classic food and drink pairings and seeing if any of them appeal to you.
The easiest way to do this is to taste small quantity of each ingredient until you find the fusion that most appeals to your palette. Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s half the fun! – and soon enough you’ll have your very own perfect pairing.