Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe And 3 Classic Cocktails To Pair And Serve
Paneer tikka masala pairs well with cocktails because it balances beautifully with sweet-tangy classic drinks. The smoky paneer contrasts with the chilled, crisp notes in drinks like a mojito cocktail or a cucumber gin cocktail. The acidity and herbal notes lift the tomato base, creating a unique contrast. The pairing amplifies flavour complexity while keeping the overall taste robust.
Easy Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 200 grams paneer, cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, puréed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons yoghurt
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons cooking cream
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Method
- In a bowl, mix yoghurt, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt. Add paneer cubes and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions until golden, then add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Add tomato purée and cook until the oil separates.
- Add garam masala and marinated paneer. Stir gently and cook for 5 minutes.
- Finish with cream, simmer for 2 minutes, and garnish with coriander.
3 Classic Cocktails To Pair With Paneer Tikka Masala
1. Negroni Cocktail
The Negroni cocktail offers a bittersweet profile that cuts through the creamy richness of paneer tikka masala. Its herbal complexity balances the spiced tomato base without masking the dish.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 15 ml gin
- 15 ml sweet vermouth
- 15 ml Italian liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel, for garnish
Method
- Pour gin, sweet vermouth, and Italian liqueur into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
2. Gimlet Cocktail
The gimlet cocktail brings bright citrus acidity that complements the masala's tomato, upgrading the pairing's overall taste.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 15 ml gin
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Method
- Shake gin, lime juice, and sugar syrup with ice until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
3. Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan cocktail’s smooth and slightly sweet profile pairs well with the smoky notes of grilled paneer and the dish’s spice blend, adding more flavour without clashing.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 15 ml rye whisky
- 15 ml sweet vermouth
- 5 ml bitters
- Ice cubes
- Cherry, for garnish
Method
- Stir rye whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
