More often than not, people associate food pairings with wine. But have you ever wondered which cocktails would perfectly complement your favourite foods?
With the popularity of at-home cocktail-making ballooning following the pandemic, more people are now able to enjoy their favourite cocktail at home with their meal. But finding taste profiles that complement each other perfectly can be difficult – which is why Patrick Pistolesi, master mixologist, together with other experts at NIO Cocktails, have created the ultimate “Cocktail and Food Pairing Report.”
Pizza
From Neapolitan-style pizza to Chicago-style deep dish, pizza topped the table as the most popular food in the report. But which cocktail makes the perfect pairing to enjoy whilst tucking into a delicious slice?
Patrick’s cocktail pairing: The Cuba Libre cocktail, more casually known as rum and coke with lime, is a great refreshing choice to sip alongside your pizza. Patrick recommends opting for a meat-topped pizza like BBQ chicken or alternatively, for vegetarians, a smoked-aubergine pizza loaded with cheese to accentuate the indulgent flavours in the dark rum.
Sushi
Sushi follows closely behind in second place. With sushi ingredients varying from raw seafood to different vegetables, which tipple complements sushi best?
Patrick’s cocktail pairing: Whether you’re sampling Sashimi or can’t quite get enough of Maki rolls, the Japanese Sake Martini is the ultimate cocktail to have alongside your meal. The acidity of the rice and the high fat content of the fish pair perfectly with the complex botanicals found in sake.
Tacos
Tacos emerged as the third most favoured dish. Whether you prefer yours with a soft shell or a crunch, what drink should you serve with your tacos?
Patrick’s cocktail pairing: If you’re looking for a crisp cocktail to accompany your spicy tacos, then a Tommy’s Margarita is a great way to refresh your palette. Having lime and jalapenos in your tacos will tie in nicely with this modern twist on a classic margarita that replaces orange liqueur with agave nectar, to emphasise the flavour of the tequila.
Lobster
A dish that oozes luxury, Lobster found itself in fourth place on the food popularity leaderboard. If your guests aren’t already impressed enough, why not serve your lobster with a cocktail for a complete show stopping accompaniment. But which cocktail is worthy of being served alongside this dish?
Patrick’s cocktail pairing: When indulging in the luxury of eating a lobster, or a lobster-based dish like lobster tortellini or lobster fishcakes, you need to ensure you have the right drink to accompany it and there’s no better choice than a Paloma. The sweet and light taste of lobster is balanced perfectly with the crisp and sour taste of the cocktail.
Croissant
Just scraping the top five in the food popularity ranking is the Croissant, in fifth place. The lusciously laminated French pastry makes for the perfect breakfast treat. But which cocktails are best enjoyed at breakfast time with Croissants?
Patrick’s cocktail pairing: Cocktails can be enjoyed at all times during the day, not just in the evenings. In fact, there are actually specific cocktails that are best enjoyed in the morning, like a Kir Royale, which is the perfect accompaniment to a Croissant. The sweet flavours in both the cocktail and the pastry certainly set you up for the day!
The pairings obviously don’t end just there. Go to NIO Cocktails for infographics you can refer to, to pair your cocktails with your favorite meals!
