When The Saint Sauvant Goes Marching In... You'll Want These Appetisers
Saint Sauvant is a classic cocktail known to have a sophisticated flavour profile. It is made predominantly with cognac, sweet vermouth, and cherry liqueur which gives it an overall sweet flavour balanced by the bitters.
This upscale cocktail is rightly matched with other richly flavoured dishes. The cognac-based cocktail goes well with creamy and soft blue cheeses, seafood dishes such as oysters, crab or lobster, and decadent chocolates. Sweet vermouth drinks are usually paired with light appetisers or finger foods.
In order to pair food with liquor, it is important to make sure that neither overpowers the other. The key to great food and alcohol combinations is that they both either have complementing flavours or contrasting flavours.
1. Foie Gras
The complex flavour profile of cognac and sweet vermouth-based cocktail pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy foie gras that you can have on toasted brioche. The depth and warmth of the drink work well with this dish.
2. Duck Rillettes
This fat and salt-forward dish is perfect with the cognac cocktail. The complex flavours of the cocktail, which is a delicate mosaic of sweet, bitter, spicy and fruity contrast with the decadent taste of this dish. Enjoy the cocktail with duck rillettes on crusty baguette slices.
3. Beef Tenderloin Sliders With Horseradish Cream
The beef's tender texture and the zest from the horseradish cream contrast the sweet-bitter harmonies of the cocktail.
4. Fig And Blue Cheese Crostini
The sweet and tangy notes of the figs and cheese contrast beautifully with the cocktail's rich and complex flavour that consists of sweet and subtle bitter notes.
5. Pâté De Campagne
The tanginess of this dish pairs well with the sweet-bitter flavours of the cocktail and its luxurious depth and warmth. Have Pâté De Campagne with Cornichons and Crusty Bread as you take indulgent sips from the cocktail.
6. Oysters On The Half Shell With Mignonette Sauce
The briny oysters when paired with the tangy mignonette sauce offer a great balance with sips of the complexly flavoured Saint Sauvant.
7. Charcuterie Board With Assorted Meats And Cheeses
Cured meats, and cheeses with their diverse set of flavours are perfect with the complex flavour-makeup of the cognac-sweet vermouth cocktail.
8. Truffle Fries With Aioli
The decadent and earthy truffle fries and creamy aioli are a perfect match with the depth and warmth of the Saint Sauvant cocktail.
9. Lobster Bisque Shooters
The rich and creamy texture of this seafood dish is a perfect match with the luxurious cocktail.
10. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
The sweetness of this dessert niblings pairs well with the nuanced sweetness and bitterness of the cocktail. The freshness of the fruit elevates the overall experience of this combination.
While it's great to learn about alcohol and food pairings, it is important to also consume alcohol moderately. Remember to serve and drink responsibly to ensure you and your guests are healthy and out of harm's way. If you know anyone who has trouble controlling their alcohol intake, please refer them to a professional immediately.
