Sip & Savour: The Best Food and Alcohol Pairings for Every Palate

Food and alcohol pairings can elevate your dining experience by harmonizing flavors. A perfect match brings out the best in both the food and drink, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience. For example, an Old Tamarind Kick blends the smoky richness of Bushmills Irish Whiskey with spiced tamarind, beautifully complementing a hearty Chicken Biryani. The Berry Breeze, with its fruity vodka and mixed berries, cuts through the boldness of Chicken Tikka Masala. Love fish curry? A Mango Margarita balances the zesty heat of the dish with sweet, tropical mango and a hint of chilli. For something more indulgent, the Coconut Eclipse—a creamy coconut and pineapple cocktail—marries perfectly with the rich, spiced Lamb Korma. These inventive pairings celebrate the richness of Indian cuisine, while also showcasing the versatility of spirits in enhancing the overall flavor profile of each dish.

Old Tamarind KickPairing: Chicken Biryani

A fusion of the classic Old Fashioned with Indian flavours, this cocktail combines the warmth of Bushmills Irish Whiskey with the tangy kick of spiced tamarind.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bushmills Irish Whiskey

• 1/2 oz Spiced Tamarind Syrup

• Dash of Angostura bitters

• Orange peel (Garnish)

Method:

1. In a mixing glass, combine Bushmills Irish Whiskey, spiced tamarind syrup, and bitters.

2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into a glass over a large ice cube.

4. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it as garnish.

Berry BreezePairing: Chicken Tikka Masala

A fruity and refreshing vodka cocktail featuring the sweetness of mixed berries, creating a delightful contrast to the bold flavours of Chicken Tikka Masala.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Russian Standard Vodka

• 1 oz Cranberry Juice

• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup

• Handful of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Ice cubes

Method:

1. In a shaker, muddle the mixed berries.

2. Add Russian Standard Vodka, cranberry juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.

4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.

Mango MargaritaPairing: Fish Curry

Embrace the vibrant flavours of India with this spicy and fruity margarita. The sweet mango balances the heat from the chilli, creating a perfect match for a zesty fish curry.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila

• 1 oz Cointreau

• 1 oz Fresh Mango Puree

• 1/2 oz Lime Juice

• Dash of chilli powder for rimming

Method:

1. Rim a glass with chilli powder by wetting the rim with a lime wedge and dipping it in powder.

2. In a shaker, combine Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila, Cointreau, mango puree, and lime juice with ice.

3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice.

Coconut EclipsePairing: Lamb Korma

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with a coconut curry colada. The creamy coconut and pineapple perfectly complement the richness of Lamb Korma.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz 1800 Tequila Anejo

• 2 oz Coconut Cream

• 3 oz Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz Curry Syrup

• Lime wedge and curry powder for garnish

Method:

1. In a blender, combine 1800 Tequila Anejo, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and curry syrup with ice.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge dusted with curry powder.