Indian Mutton Biryani Meets Cocktails: 5 Best Drink Pairings
Indian cuisine is a repository of rich, flavoured dishes which are full of spicy, umami, peppery and savoury tasting notes. Rice dishes have a prominent role to play in this cuisine such that a well-made aromatic pulao is the highlight of many Indian feasts. And one such rice dish which has retained its popularity through generations is the classic mutton biryani. Lamb is marinated in numerous spices like ginger, garlic, chilli, turmeric in a creamy, yogurt base and is cooked with aromatic rice to prepare this delicious dish which spells utter luxury.
Across the Indian subcontinent, different types of mutton biryanis are prepared with subtle shifts in cooking techniques to bring each region’s culinary flair into this dish. For instance, while a Hyderabadi biryani is generally prepared by slow-cooking rice and mutton together, the Lucknowi or Awadhi biryani is made by separately cooking the mutton and rice both of which are then brought together in layers. Inevitably different biryani variations carry versatile flavours and the cocktails that can be paired with them are such that they compliment these different tasting notes.
Read on below to know more about some of the cocktails that can be paired with classic mutton biryanis and a few biryani recommendations that would compliment each of these mixes:
Whisky Ginger Highball
Recommended Pairing: Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani
The classic Hyderabadi dum biryani is known for its complex mix of aromatic masalas which coat a richly made rice and succulent pieces of spicy mutton. Such an exquisite dish can be paired with an equally spicy and deeply flavoured cocktail such as a whisky ginger highball. Made by using 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice, the earthiness of this drink accentuated by the spiciness of a teaspoon of ginger syrup addition, will echo the deep flavours of the mutton biryani.
Mint Julep With A Cumin Garnish
Recommended Pairing: Kolkata Mutton Biryani
What makes the Kolkata biryani stand out among its peers is that it is prepared with the addition of spicy, boiled potatoes which lend this rice dish a creamy and filling quality. This spicy Kolkata-style biryani can be paired with the contrasting notes of a crisp and peppery mint julep. Bring a touch of Indian flavours into this classic cocktail prepared using 30 ml good quality bourbon by finishing the drink off with a sprinkling of cumin powder as a garnish.
Spiced Gin And Tonic
Recommended Pairing: Awadhi/Lucknowi Mutton Biryani
Of the varied biryani variations popular in the Indian subcontinent, the Lucknowi version stands out for its blend of spicy masalas and rich textures. The mutton in this dish is cooked in such flavourful and aromatic masalas that the biryani acquires a lot of layered complexity. What pairs exceedingly well with the spicy flavours of this mutton biryani is a spiced gin and tonic prepared using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice, 60 ml tonic water and just a hint of cardamom and clove infusion for the spicy effect.
Red Wine Sangria
Recommended Pairing: Kashmiri Mutton Biryani
Kashmiri mutton biryani is known simply for its rich colours and its exquisite fragrance which spells sheer grandeur. Such a mutton biryani complete with mildly spicy yet complex flavours goes well with the citrusy yet spice-forward flavours of a red wine sangria prepared with the addition of ingredients such as orange peels and cinnamon syrup that lend the cocktail much flavour depth.
Coconut Water Margarita
Recommended Pairing: Kerala-style Mutton Biryani
Made in a tempering of coconut and curry leaves, a spicy Kerala-style mutton biryani resonates with coastal flavours that lift up the mutton dish with their nutty and umami notes. This rice dish many times brought together with a green chilli and coriander masala goes well with the similar tropical notes of a coconut water margarita cocktail prepared with the addition of 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila of choice.
Also Read: Indian Chicken Biryani And Cocktails: 7 Perfect Pairings For Regional Recipes
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
