Liquors And Prawn Dishes That Are Simply Made For Each Other
Prawn dishes are incredibly popular across the world, and more so in Asia. This low-calorie, high-protein seafood is super-versatile and can be cooked in various ways in a wide range of spices, sauces, curries, pickles etc. Prawns have a subtle sweetness to them but when cooked with different seasonings and sauces, they imbibe a whole new flavour profile. Their taste can range from a tad bit saccharine and creamy to super spicy, depending on how you prepare them.
Based on the prawn dish, one matches the booze to serve with it. Different prawn dishes complement different types of alcoholic beverages. Wine, champagne, whisky, and gin can be paired with a variety of prawn dishes.
Wine
White Wine
For spicy prawn dishes
Just as most seafood, prawn and white wine pair fabulously well together. Prawn dishes with Asia-inspired sauces call for dry white. If the prawn dish is on the spicier side, like Chili Prawn for instance, then white wine fits the bill perfectly as it will not dominate the taste of the dish and it has a light and refreshing texture which contrasts well with the heavily-flavoured seafood.
You can also opt for Prosecco or Dry Champagne if your prawns have a good amount of heat. These sparkling white wines are compatible with most seafood. They are light, crisp, and citrusy which balances the spiciness of the dish.
Pinot Gris and Riesling also work well as their sweetness balances the heat of the dish. If these white wines aren't available, you can also pair a spicy prawn dish with chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. The acidity and sweetness neutralise the strong notes of the dish.
The versatility of drinks like sherry and rosé also complements most spicy prawn dishes.
When it comes to prawn cocktails, especially the ones with lighter sauces and dressings, unoaked chardonnay works well with this dish. Its acidity and fruity notes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. They enhance the dish's flavours without overpowering it.
Oaked chardonnays have a certain creaminess and a complex flavour profile which matches the richness of prawn cocktails made with heavier, creamy sauces.
Sauvignon Blanc's zesty and tangy notes contrast the succulent prawns, thereby accentuating the experience of consuming the dish. The drink also cleans the palate between bites due to which every bite feels fresh and delicious. The bright character matches the tanginess of the cocktail sauce or dressing.
Champagne also works well with the subtle sweetness and briny notes of the prawns. Its toasty, yeasty undertones provide depth and complexity and balance with the cocktail sauce or dressing.
The light-bodies prosecco fruit-forward profile heightens the natural sweetness of the prawn cocktail, making prosecco and prawn cocktail a great combination
Pink Wine
Provence Rosé also serves as a great pairing with prawn cocktails. It is dry, crisp, and light-bodied which complements for light and delicate flavors of a prawn cocktail. Its complex flavours with a mix of tarty, citrusy and floral notes go beautifully with the sweetness of the prawns. This wine also acts as a palate cleanser, due to its acidity, giving you a fresh mouthfeel every time you have a bite of the dish.
Spanish Rosado's fruity notes harmonize the taste of the succulent prawns, enhancing their natural sweetness. It also, due to its acidity, acts as a palate cleanser, so you can get a renewed experience of your prawn cocktail after every sip of this wine.
Whisky
A good spicy, earthy, peaty single malt scotch whisky like the Talisker works well with the spiciness in the dish. The sea salt aroma and sweetness of the whisky complement the heat in the prawn dish.
Bourbon and spicy prawn dishes are also a great marriage.
For larger, meatier prawn dishes, whisky with a lot of depth works wonders. You can pair the dish with a multigrain Canadian whisky or Irish whiskey.
For non-spicy prawn dishes
Rye Whisky
If your prawn is dressed in cheese or cream cheese then a rye-forward whisky serves as a flavour foil to the dish.
Gin
Asian-style marinated prawns which are grilled or deep fried go well with gin. London Dry Gin is also a spirit to have with many types of prawn dishes.
For a classic dish like prawn cocktail, gin and tonic is the way to go. The timeless drink is a refreshing pairing with this dish. The gin's crisp and botanical flavours complement the delicate texture and subtle sweetness of prawns
While it's great to learn about making cocktails and alcoholic beverages, it is important to 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.
