Perfect Pairings with Popular Cocktails
As every responsible drinker knows, it is important not to drink on an empty stomach. Unless your aim is to fall out of a bar after a couple of cocktails and seeing your drinks in reverse, it is sensible to line your stomach so that you can enjoy your evening for as long as possible. People traditionally pair their food with wine, not cocktails, but there are some amazing cocktail/food combinations to be enjoyed. Here are a few ideas.
Mojito and Pea Soup
How good does that Martini taste when you know you are also getting a big portion of your five a day? A warm pea soup in the summer tastes perfect with an ice cold mojito. The sweetness of the peas and the bitterness of the rum compliments perfectly. Also some pea soups are often made with mint added, so if your soup is lacking mint, it can be easily picked up in your drink.
Mojito Cocktail
Cosmopolitan and Cheese and Crackers
Who does not get excited when the cheeseboard is brought out at the end of a meal? The variety of cheeses and array of different biscuits means that almost everyone is satisfied. A cosmopolitan provides the perfect accompaniment to this. The sharpness of the cocktail is complemented by a soft brie cheese and crunchy cracker. The addition of a small piece of cherry or tomato adds to the fruity flavor of the drink.
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Margarita and Fajitas
The Mexican masterpiece that is the margarita is naturally complemented by spicy Mexican foods. The appealing range of flavors in a fajita pair beautifully with the citrus vibe of the cheeky margarita. Whether you prefer your fajitas mild or super spicy, the margarita will taste perfect with your meal.
Margarita Cocktail
Long Island Iced Tea
You don’t get much more American than a Long Island Iced Tea, and as a result, the best food to soak up all that alcohol is the traditional American burger. The Iced Tea is almost pure alcohol, save for a splash of cola, so it is really important to eat if you would like to drink a lot. The burger is a good, filling food that will prepare your stomach for the onslaught of the potent cocktail, and taste really satisfying too.
Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail
Kir Royale and Strawberries and Cream
It doesn’t get much more decadent than this pairing. The fizziness of the cocktail tastes perfect with some super-ripe, sweet strawberries and smooth cream. Or skip the cream and pop a couple of strawberries in the glass. Heaven on a sunny day.
Kir Royale Cocktail
Wine glass
Microbadges
<p>The Kir Royal is a sophisticated, effervescent cocktail that is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. A sparkling variant of the classic Kir cocktail, which traditionally combines white wine with crème de cassis, the Kir Royal takes it up a notch by using Champagne instead of still wine.</p><p>This lends the drink a luxurious fizz and elevates its status. The flavor profile includes the sweet, rich berry essence of crème de cassis, which is beautifully balanced by the crisp, dry notes of the Champagne.</p><p>These simple yet elegant ingredients come together in a harmonious blend, typically presented in a wine glass to enhance the indulgent experience. The Kir Royal is truly a toast to simplicity and refinement in the cocktail world.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Kir Royale
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- Add the crème de cassis to the bottom of the wine glass
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- Top up with champagne and serve
Highball glass
Microbadges
<p>The Long Island Ice Tea is a classic cocktail characterized by its deceptive potency and refreshing taste, despite a hefty mix of spirits. A medley of white rum, gin, tequila, vodka, and a hint of Cointreau, it is balanced with the tang of lemon juice and the sweetness of sugar syrup.</p><p>The inclusion of cola not only contributes to the drink's iconic appearance—resembling a non-alcoholic iced tea—but also adds a familiar, effervescent flavor that complements the complexity of the spirits. Traditionally served in a highball glass, the Long Island Ice Tea is a favorite for those who enjoy a cocktail that packs a punch while remaining pleasantly palatable.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Long Island Iced Tea
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- Fill a tall glass (like a highball or hurricane glass) with ice
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- Pour in 15ml each of vodka, white rum, gin, tequila blanco, and Cointreau
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- Add 30ml of fresh lemon juice and 20ml of simple syrup
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- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients
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- Top up the glass with cola to fill—around 60–90ml depending on your glass size
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- Give it one final gentle stir to blend the flavours
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- Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice, and serve with a straw
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.</p><p>The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s.</p><p>Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick.</p><p>The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Margarita
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- Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt
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- Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and serve
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The origins of the Cosmopolitan are somewhat disputed. It is likely that the drink was created independently by different bartenders since the 1970s.</p><p>It is generally recognised that John Caine brought the drink to San Francisco around 1987 from the Midwest. The same year in Manhattan, the internationally recognised version of the cocktail was created by Toby Cecchini, based on a poorly described version of Cheryl Cook's creation.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Cosmopolitan
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- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel before serving
Highball glass
Microbadges
<p>The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that has gained worldwide popularity for its refreshing qualities. It features a tantalizing mix of crisp lime juice, aromatic mint leaves, and the smoothness of white rum, all balanced with a touch of sugar for sweetness.</p><p>These ingredients are complemented by the effervescence of soda water, making the Mojito an invigorating and light beverage. Traditionally served in a highball glass, this cocktail offers a balance of citrus and herbal flavors with a cool, minty finish, making it particularly enjoyable on warm days or as an uplifting pre-dinner drink.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Mojito
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- In the bottom of a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice to release the oils from the mint leaves
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- Next add a splash of soda water and fill up the glass with crushed ice
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- Add the rum, top up with the soda water and give it a stir
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- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime and serve
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