Indian Chicken Biryani And Cocktails: 7 Perfect Pairings For Regional Recipes
Biryani, an aromatic rice dish is many times cooked with chicken marinated in spices and fragrant masalas as an exquisite culinary delicacy across many regional Indian cuisines. As the province changes, so too the biryani recipe undergoes subtle shifts – from the addition of coconuts and curry leaves in Malabar to infusing it with kewra water and saffron in Hyderabad.
Perfectly cooked, succulent pieces of chicken and flavoured rice come together in these biryanis to reveal the complex flavours and earthy depth of the spices that go into preparing the delicious culinary offering. As diverse regions are home to different biryanis, their taste too, shifts according to the ingredient variations in these areas. In the same vein, cocktails that can be paired with these varieties also change to better complement the flavours of each rice dish.
Read on below to know more about some aromatic Indian biryani variations and cocktail options which pair well with these regional recipes:
Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Cucumber-Mint Gimlet
One of the more famed biryani variations, the Hyderabadi dum biryani is known for its succulent chicken marinated in aromatic masalas, slow-cooked with rice until it acquires a caramelised and luxurious flavour. This biryani is always served with a side of salan, which is a spicy gravy. Pair this spicy and masala-infused biryani with an acidic, crisp and peppery cucumber-mint gimlet blended using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice.
Lucknowi Chicken Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Saffron Vodka Collins
Chicken is marinated in yogurt and the subtle flavours of fragrant spices to prepare the popular Lucknowi biryani, which is served with either raita or burani on the side. Fragrant and lightly spiced and complete with the rich aromas of saffron, this biryani can be paired with the complimentary notes of a saffron and lime infused Vodka Collins prepared using 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice.
Kolkata Chicken Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Rose And Gin Fizz
The Kolkata variation of chicken biryani stands out for its inclusion of boiled potatoes, and often boiled eggs, in the recipe which adds a lot of depth and creaminess into the rice dish. Very mildly spiced, this biryani variety comes with a side of raita. Pair this biryani complete with the aromas of nutmeg and rose with a spritzy gin fizz filled with a similar floral fragrance, blended using 30 ml Gordon’s London Dry Gin or any other premium gin of choice.
Malabar Chicken Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Spiced Rum Daiquiri
Malabar chicken biryani is known for its spicy touch, the use of small-grain local aromatic rice, and the coastal flavours of coconuts and curry leaves. Umami and creamy chicken mixed with spicy coconut infused rice can be paired with the complimentary nutty and caramelised notes of a spiced rum daiquiri put together using 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice.
Ambur Chicken Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Tamarind Whisky Sour
With origins in Tamil Nadu, ambur chicken biryani contains a spicy flavour emanating from the black pepper sauce in which the rice and chicken is cooked. This biryani version is also cooked with local short-grained aromatic rice, and has a distinct appearance. Pair this deeply flavoured dish with the tangy and citrusy touch of a tamarind whisky sour prepared using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice.
Kashmiri Chicken Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Fig Old Fashioned
Full of fragrant spices and the luxurious flavours of aromatic basmati rice, saffron, cardamom and raisins, this subtly spicy biryani is an exquisite delicacy coming from the repository of Kashmiri cuisine. Pair the aromatic rice with a citrusy, tart and deep old fashioned cocktail infused with a fig syrup, prepared using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Gold Label or any other premium whisky of choice.
Sindhi Chicken Biryani
Recommended Pairing: Bloody Mary
This biryani variation has retained its popularity in Western Indian provinces for decades together and is particularly known for its sour and spicy, tomato and yogurt marinade. A side of thick raita adds to the creamy and tangy flavours of the dish. Serve this Sindhi chicken biryani alongside the complimentary tangy and savoury flavours of a bloody mary cocktail prepared using 30 ml Ketel One Premium Distilled Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
