5 Whisky And Dessert Pairings: 5 Best Sweets To Compliment A Dram
If whisky is being served with the dessert course at dinnertime, a number of sweets can be paired with it that compliment its flavour profile. Pairing a dram of smoky whisky with an apple pie or a tiramisu highlights the smoky and peaty notes of the drink even as the whisky itself accentuates some of the sweeter notes in the dessert. So, while hosting an elaborate, elegant dinner, pairing whisky with desserts that are a combination of sweet, creamy and bitter flavours will inevitably make this part of the meal stand out. Along with classic pairings like dark chocolate and apple pie, there are other desserts too that pair well with whisky.
Read on below to know more about some of the desserts that can be paired with a dram and the different types of whiskies that go well with these sweet treats:
Classic Tiramisu
Recommended Whisky Pairing: Johnny Walker Black Label
Made from mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, coffee liqueur and ladyfingers, tiramisu is a dark, espresso-based dessert that goes well with a smoky whisky. A tiramisu slice also contains about 5-6 ml dark rum whose bitter and robust flavours are integral to this dessert. Paired with a scotch whisky, the dense and creamy profile of tiramisu can be highlighted well.
As well, a smoky whisky builds even more into the sweet and bitter notes of the dish, so that together they make for a beautiful blend of complementary flavour profiles. Such a dessert can be served after a savoury meal comprising roasted chicken and vegetables.
Jalebi With Spiced Syrup
Recommended Whisky Pairing: J&B Rare Blended Scotch Whisky
A dessert containing the aromas of saffron and the yellowish, orange hue of this spice, deep fried in ghee and immersed in simple syrup, the jalebi is an ideal pairing with a whisky containing fruity notes.
Prepare a spiced syrup with flavours of cinnamon to coat the jalebi to add another flavourful layer into the recipe. A bite of the jalebi followed by a sip of a fruity, spicy whisky makes for an interesting blend of flavours.
Tarte Tatin
Recommended Whisky Pairing: Signature Premier Grain Whisky
Making an apple pie at home is as easy as it is a no-brainer when guests come a-knocking. Complete with the sweetness of crunchy apples and the spicy notes of cinnamon, a simple Tarte Tatin served with a dollop of ice cream is quite an intelligent dessert offering.
Pair a dram of Signature grain whisky with the apple pie so that the cinnamon compliments the spicier notes of the alcoholic drink, while the sweetness of the pie cuts through its tart taste.
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Recommended Whisky Pairing: Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Certain scotch whiskies have a slightly higher peaty touch which is rooted in the flavours of the Highlands. Having a dram of such a whisky means tasting some smoky, tart notes that go well with desserts which have similarly intense profiles.
A dark chocolate mousse is one of the best pairings for a dram of this type of whisky because its intense, bitter yet sweet flavours nicely pair with the drink’s smoky and peaty profile.
Gulab Jamun And Ice Cream
Recommended Whisky Pairing: Singleton of Glendullan Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Khoya, sugar and chopped up nuts are rolled into balls and deep fried before dipping in sugar syrup to make gulab jamun. This is a very popular desi dessert that is often served with vanilla ice cream.
Pair this dessert with a single malt whisky so that its sweetness undercuts some of the bitter and denser notes of alcoholic drink. Gulab jamun and whisky is an interesting pairing particularly while home hosting dinner for a celebration like a birthday or anniversary.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
