You might have a favorite go-to cocktail for any of the meals you choose, but you will notice that one cocktail doesn’t always pair well with every food. So, knowing how to easily pair them with delicious meals will advance your dining experience to the next level. KEP offers a wide variety of cocktail options to make it possible. For now, let’s dive into the guide to the cocktails-pairing techniques to make the most out of your next dinner.
The Characteristics of a Cocktail
It is essential to consider whether the cocktail’s flavor contrasts or matches your meal’s taste. The balance between the cocktails and the meal’s flavor is ideal when choosing a great cocktail. For example, if you want to try spicy food, a sweet, light cocktail that can reduce the heat and calm you down is an example of a matching good cocktail. If the cocktail is heavier, you can pair it with a lighter meal.
The texture and temperature of a cocktail can be useful when it comes to pairing a cocktail with a meal. You can match the warm cocktail with cool, crisp dishes while chill drink with spicy or rich food. Having a similar flavor between cocktail and food items can also make them match well. Surprisingly, geography also matters when it comes to learning cuisines: In this case, pairing the cocktails.The cuisines of the particular regions mostly pair well with the spirits or cocktails that come from that region. For example, tequila-based cocktails are always paired naturally with Mexican cuisine.
Knowing Your Tastebuds
Our taste buds are different, so the ideal cocktail choice varies for each of us because there is not just one cocktail that pairs perfectly with specific meals. So, you should first explore for yourself what kinds of cocktails you like before you match cocktails with your meal. You can simply check this by choosing the flavor profile you prefer. You can ask this question to yourself. Do you want your cocktails to be tangy, floral, fruity, smooth, or aromatic?
For example, if you enjoy sour drinks, pair them with richer dishes like fried or fatty dishes to balance them out. Floral drinks, on the other hand, are ideal for lighter meals like fish or salads. Fruity drinks can go nicely with spicy cuisine, such as southern Thai dishes.
Base Spirit
The base spirit is the primary alcohol component of the cocktail, providing the foundational flavor and alcohol content of the drink. The major character of the cocktail is determined by the base alcohol used, which may also impact which meals it matches with.
For example, Vodka pairs well with the fatty texture of fish, like salmon. Gin goes well with delicate foods like oysters. Whiskey, on the other hand, is ideal for heartier dishes like the richness of red meats and smoked, and savory dishes. By understanding the characteristics of each of the base spirits, you can make more informed choices when pairing cocktails and food.
Classic Cocktails and Its Pairings
For those who prefer classic cocktails, there are timeless pairings to try. Classic options have certain types of dishes that pair well with them. For example, Mojito goes well with seafood dishes as the drink’s citrus element can reduce the seafood dishes’ richness and brighten the overall flavors. Also, the classic martini is a great option to pair with seafood such as oysters and shellfish.
The best pairing for whisky sour is fish and chips. If you want to try savory pastries such as sandwiches, gin, and tonic is the best match to pair with. Margarita is good to drink with Taco and Califonia rolls. By knowing the these classic parings, now you don’t have to be confused what cocktail should order when you are going to a new restaurant.
Lastly, cocktail pairing is a personal experience. there is no absolute right or wrong when pairing a cocktail with a meal. What works for others will not always be right for you. So, keep finding out and trying different genres if you have time.
After exploring this guide, now you know how to pair the meal with your cocktail in the most efficient way. To enjoy the various cocktail and meal options, KEP should be listed in your itinerary because the restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisines to international and Japanese cuisines. It is sure that you will have the best cocktail-drinking experience at KEP with a view of the Andaman Sea and an exceptional dining experience.
