Kebabs Deserve Better Than Your Average Whisky Cocktail: Here’s What To Sip With Them
Kebabs are very popular appetisers across several Indian regions and are known for their smoky flavours, umami tasting notes and a heightened spicy touch. Most often than not, kebabs are served as appetisers alongside a salad or some warmed pita bread and naan bites.
And these kebabs are often accompanied by drinks made out of whisky such as simple highballs or even sour cocktails. This is primarily because whisky cocktails have a smoky touch which compliments the charred effect of the kebabs whereas their tart and acidic tastes cut through the spiciness in the appetisers to make for a well-balanced flavour mix.
Yet, over time, mixologists have come up with several other cocktail combinations too that tend to go well with different kinds of kebab offerings. Each of these cocktails either provides contrasting tastes which cut through the richness of this appetiser or make for complimenting flavours that build into the tasting notes of this favoured component of Indian and south east Asian cuisine.
Read on below to know more about some of the cocktails that can be paired with kebabs beyond whisky blends and straightforward highballs and some recommended kebab options:
Smoky Mezcal Margarita
Recommended Pairing: Lamb Kebabs
A slightly aged and smoky liquor variation, mezcal brings a lot of depth into the cocktails which use it as their base. Margaritas prepared using 30 ml good quality mezcal coupled with a dash of lime juice, a tablespoon of simple syrup and about 10 ml honey or agave syrup then carry a lot of citrusy and acidic flavours and a layer of smokiness which goes well with soft and succulent, spicy kebabs. An excellent pairing with smoky mezcal margarita, perfectly cooked lamb kebabs are one such variation that blends well with the earthy effect of the cocktail.
Spiced Mango Mojito
Recommended Pairing: Malai Chicken Kebabs
Made using a dash of mango pulp and about 30 ml good quality white rum, a mango mojito puts a seasonal, tropical twist on the classic cocktail recipe. This tangy and sweet drink finished off with the spiciness of a chilli and salt garnish can be paired with malai chicken kebabs. The creamy and soft flavours of the kebabs coupled with their charred and smoky textures become a rather dense and rich flavour combination that can be paired with the tropical notes of the sweet and spicy mango mojito.
Spiced Rum And Ginger Smash
Recommended Pairing: Chicken Tikka Kebabs
One of the cocktails that can be served with kebabs because of its balanced caramelised, tart and spicy flavours is a spiced rum and ginger smash. This drink can be blended using 30 ml good quality, premium spiced rum, along with a bit of shaved ginger and a dash of lime juice, all of which is finished off with 60 ml club soda and a mint leaves garnish. The peppery and tart qualities of the drink would cut through the spiciness of grilled chicken tikka kebabs, leading to a pairing of contrasting herbal, acidic and smoky notes.
Masala Bloody Mary
Recommended Pairing: Tandoori Dhingri Kebabs
Prepare a classic bloody mary using 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice and about 60 ml of tangy tomato juice. Add a touch of spiciness to this blend with the inclusion of a pinch of garam masala or cumin powder to the recipe. This will not only imbue more robust flavours in the drink but also lend it a layered curry-like quality which goes well with the light and smoky flavours of tandoori dhingri or mushroom kebabs.
Citrus Gin Fizz
Recommended Pairing: Spicy Seekh Kebabs
The role of citruses in undercutting some of the more overpowering notes in spicy kebabs cannot be overstated. Tanginess of citruses coupled with the herbaceous notes of gin will bring about an interesting balance of contrasting flavours when paired with spicy mutton seekh kebabs finished off with a touch of aromatic and robust masalas. Make this cocktail using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice and top it off with 60 ml of club soda to create a bubbly effervescence that highlights the spicy flavours of the seekh kebabs.
Also Read: Whisky Cocktail Pairings: 5 Mutton Kebabs That Go Well With The Drinks
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
