5 Vegan Snacks To Pair With Cocktails: Delicious Options For Festive Occasions
While organising a home hosting endeavour during the festive season, it is imperative to cater to the dietary requirements of each guest who would be attending one’s soiree or cocktail hour.
This means paying keen attention to the food and drink offerings planned for the festive occasions. And for those among the guest list who are vegans, it becomes essential to prepare a repast that is made without using meats and dairy.
There are a host of options out there which cater to these specific food choices. Such vegan snacks go well with a whole host of cocktails and are quite delicious offerings. Lots of fresh vegetables, spices and nuts go into the making of vegan munchies and bar bites which is indicative of the sheer diversity of foods that can be prepared while keeping to this dietary requirement.
Here are some vegan snacks that can be paired with cocktails during the festive season which pack a lot of taste and a festive touch:
Stuffed Mushrooms
One of the tastier vegan alternatives during the festive season is stuffed mushrooms. Button mushrooms can be washed thoroughly and their stems removed to create room for the stuffing. This can be prepared using chopped up mushroom stems, some onions and garlic and a dash of herbs and pepper. The stuffing can be lightly sauteed before filling up the button mushrooms with it. These stuffed mushrooms can either be roasted or baked and served with garlic aioli.
Suggested cocktail pairing: bellini, dry martini cocktail, red wine
Roasted And Spiced Nuts
A favoured munching alternative during the festive season, roasted, lightly spiced nuts bring much flavour onto any food platter. These can be prepared at home by tossing cashews, nuts and almonds in a little bit of oil, on a medium low flame, so they acquire a slightly toasty quality.
Sprinkle some paprika, pepper or garlic salt on the nuts to coat them completely while they are warm and serve them in little bowls.
Such an offering spells elegance particularly at a cocktail party during the festive season.
Suggested cocktail pairing: gin and tonic, whisky sour, hot toddy
Sweet Potato Fries And Yoghurt Dip
Another vegan offering that is particularly tasty is deep fried sweet potatoes. The root vegetable is cut into long strips which are fried until golden brown.
These can be coated in peri peri or paprika to imbue them with a spicy flavour. The sweet potato fries can be served with a yoghurt-based dip containing spices like cumin or coriander powder and some chilli powder.
Sweet potato fries can be served warm at an intimate gathering during the festive season along with other vegan dishes.
Suggested cocktail pairing: margaritas, palomas, daiquiris
Hummus, Pita And Veggie Platter
While catering to guests who have adopted a vegan diet, it is essential to serve well-thought appetisers that fit into this lifestyle, yet are filling enough to work as bar bites or munchies.
One such alternative during the festive season that can be served as an elaborate spread is a hummus and pita platter. Hummus can be prepared at home using chickpeas and tahini to be served with warm pita bread and veggies like cucumbers, carrots and radishes cut up into long slivers.
Suggested cocktail pairing: negroni, aperol spritz, sangria
Roasted Cauliflower Bites
During the festive season, when one feels like cooking something elaborate and tasty in the kitchen, roasting some cauliflower can be a suitable alternative. Pluck out florets from the vegetable and marinate them lightly in some spices and garlic before tossing in the oven.
The cauliflower can be baked until it acquires a crispy texture and served with a vegan ranch dressing or some vegan mayonnaise. Alternatively, deep fry the marinated florets until they are golden brown and serve with aioli.
Suggested cocktail pairing: spiced rum punch, moscow mule, old fashioned
Do remember: like everything, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. Drink and serve responsibly!
