Indian Fish Curries And Cocktails: 5 Drinks That Pair With Regional Delicacies
Indian regions along western, eastern and southern territories boast of long coastlines where fresh seafood is available aplenty. Here, different fish curries are prepared with the addition of a number of regional aromatics and spices which infuse distinct tasting notes in the delicacies prepared across these diverse coasts. From Malvani fish curry to a Kerala meen moilee, the ingredients used for preparing each recipe are as diverse as the types of fresh catch and produce available in these regions.
Inevitably, a number of versatile fish curries are prepared and served with warm rice in various Indian regions which are complete with a lot of flavours, each distinct from the other. These dishes pair well with a host of cocktails whose flavour profiles are well-suited to the tangy, spicy, coconut-y and even umami flavour notes emanating from the curry and rice servings. Fish curry-rice and a complimentary cocktail thus becomes an interesting coupling while home hosting a luncheon or dinner.
Read on below to know more about some of the cocktails that pair well with regional Indian fish curries cooked in aromatics and spices along the coasts:
Kaffir Lime Gin And Tonic
Recommended Pairing: Kerala Meen Moilee
A kaffir lime gin and tonic prepared using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice will be complete with an acidity and tang that adds a flavourful layer to the otherwise savoury and herbaceous notes of the classic cocktail. This sour drink is a suitable pairing with fish curries because its acidity cuts through the spicy masalas in the dish, leading to a fine flavour balance. Such a kaffir lime-infused, aromatic cocktail can be paired with the Kerala meen moilee which is essentially fish cooked in a creamy, coconut stew gravy.
Pineapple Daiquiri
Recommended Pairing: Goan Fish Curry
Popularly known as a tiki cocktail prepared especially in summer weather or at island-themed parties, the pineapple daiquiri is complete with sweet, creamy and tangy flavours which are perfect accompaniments for a luxuriously spicy fish curry. The bright tasting note of the daiquiri goes well with a recipe such as the Goan fish curry because the sweet and tangy pineapple contrasts the spicy notes in the dish. Prepare the cocktail using 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice to lend it an earthy finish.
Whisky Sour
Recommended Pairing: Bengali Macher Jhol
A classic whisky sour prepared using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice is actually a cocktail that can go well with curries prepared in spicy and umami masalas. The Bengali macher jhol or fish curry, tossed in mustard and tangy tomatoes is such a lightly spiced, earthy dish which makes for an excellent pairing with this caramelised, citrusy cocktail finished off with a soft, egg white foam.
Spicy Margarita
Recommended Pairing: Mangalorean Fish Curry
Another cocktail which goes well with different fish curries is the spicy margarita prepared using 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila of choice and muddled jalapeños for the spicy touch. The margarita’s mix of sour, sweet and spicy flavours is an excellent accompaniment with the tangy, spicy and vinegary notes of a Mangalorean fish curry. This combination results in a synchronised coming together of robust complimentary and contrasting flavour notes present in the curry and cocktail.
Spiced Coconut Mule
Recommended Pairing: Malvani Fish Curry
Coconut-infused cocktails are unsurprisingly excellent pairings with fish curries as this fleshy fruit is most often than not a key ingredient in preparing these delicacies. One such cocktail which goes well with fish curries prepared using the Malvani masala complete with coconut milk and spiced, roasted aromatics is the spiced coconut mule blended using 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice. The sharp flavours of ginger beer, the nuttiness of coconut water and a pinch of chilli salt lend the drink a spicy-sweet profile which goes well with the toasted, spicy notes of the Malvani curry.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
