5 Food-Cocktail Pairings For Your DIY Snack Platter This Festive Season
The festive holiday season brings with it that time of the year when people get opportunities to relish with food and drinks. It’s as if they are taking their taste buds on vacation.
So, whether you’re planning to host a small, intimate gathering or a big, fancy soiree and are looking for food and drink pairing inspiration, look no further because you’ve come to the right place (corner of the internet).
Stuffed-Cheese Mushrooms And Mulled Wine
Mushrooms that are stuffed with cheese, when consumed with a mulled wine (a winter holiday season favourite), make for a tasteful pairing, as the earthy, umami flavours of mushrooms tend to complement the warm, spiced notes of mulled wine perfectly.
To make some delicious stuffed-cheese mushrooms, use a soft cheese like cream cheese or goat cheese, mixed with herbs such as thyme and parsley, for the filling.
Paneer Tikka Skewers And Saffron-Infused G&T
Cubes of paneer marinated in rich yoghurt, aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, Paneer tikka skewers are a staple at desi parties.
Slightly charing your paneer will give it a smoky undertone, which, when paired with a saffron-infused gin and tonic, makes for a viable option during the festive holiday season.
For the G&T, infuse your gin with a few strands of saffron (giving it a striking golden hue), and mix in some crisp tonic water to create a cocktail. Saffron is considered to be a luxurious spice, lending that touch to whatever it’s added to.
Spiced Nuts And Pomegranate Martini Cocktail
Spiced nuts may sound modest, however their taste is anything but that. They work well with just about anything: particularly with a pomegranate martini cocktail.
Roast some almonds, cashews, and pecans, combining them with a medley of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of cayenne pepper. The nuts stand in as the crunchy element for this pairing.
Stuffed Mini Peppers And Winter Sangria
Winter sangria, as the name suggests, is a staple during the cold festive months. It’s most often made in batches with red wine, orange slices, cinnamon, and seasonal fruits like pomegranates. Pairing this cocktail with stuffed mini peppers that are filled with cream cheese, herbs, and some crumbled sausage / goat cheese, is a tasty pairing.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates And Whiskey Sour
Smoky, salty bacon-wrapped dates are the perfect match for a tangy Whiskey Sour. These bite-sized snacks work across the spectrum: they’re easy to eat, rich yet effortless on the palate. Pro tip: Stuffing the dates with goat cheese or almonds elevates this snack to another level.
Do remember, like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Drink and serve responsibly!
