Make Your TV Binge Tastier With These Food And Drink Pairings
Ever been in that classic dilemma where you're all set for a cosy night in front of the TV, snacks at the ready and then you hit a wall—what on earth to watch? By the time you've scrolled through all your options, your popcorn's turned into a sad bowl of leftovers and those crisps? They've pulled a disappearing act. But don't let that put a damper on your night. Here's a little tip to spice things up: pair your viewing with some seriously good eats and drinks. It's about turning your average TV night into a mini-gastronomic adventure. Let’s walk you through five fantastic pairings that are sure to take your binge-watching sessions up a notch.
Green Apple Vodka and Caramel Popcorn: Rom-Com Vibes
Fancy a rom-com? Why not pair it with a zingy glass of Smirnoff Green Apple vodka and some homemade caramel popcorn? This combo is a dream team—the vodka's crisp sharpness perfectly balances the popcorn's sugar rush. It's like stepping into a rom-com: you get the sweet, the zesty and everything in between. (Scroll to the bottom of this post for another romantic pairing.)
Scotch Whisky and A Cheese Platter: Thriller Essentials
If you're in the mood for a thriller, add some elegance with a glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label and a variety of cheeses. The Scotch's rich, smoky layers are a match made in heaven for creamy, rich cheeses. It's almost like you're in the thriller, deciphering clues, except these clues are deliciously cheesy.
Bloody Mary with Eggs Benedict: More Thrills-n-Chills
There are times when a Bloody Mary is the drink that best matches the onscreen shenanigans in your favourite thriller/s. Think horror anthologies, or crime dramas or gory/brooding mysteries. And we'd suggest you go for a very non-typical meal: perfectly plated Eggs Benedict. It's light enough to not distract you from the twists and turns of the thriller/s, while also being substantial enough to offset your Bloody Mary.
Mix the perfect Bloody Mary using the following directions:
INGREDIENTS: CÎROC Vodka - 60ml | Tomato Juice - 120ml | Tabasco Sauce - 2 dashes | Worcestershire Sauce - 1 tbsp | Horseradish - 1tbsp | Black Pepper - 1 pinch | Paprika - 1 pinch | Salt - 1 pinch | Lime Juice - 10ml | Celery Stick - 1 | Pickled Veggies| Olives | Cucumber Slices | Ice
METHOD: Grab a highball glass and rub a juicy lemon wedge along the rim to moisten it. Dip the rim onto a plate filled with salt to coat. Fill the glass with ice cubes and set it aside.
Next, fill a mixing glass with ice. Using a cocktail jigger or a measuring cup, measure and pour 60ml of CÎROC Vodka, 120ml of tomato juice, 2 dashes of tabasco sauce, 1 tbsp each of Worcestershire sauce and horseradish into the glass.
Next add a pinch of black pepper, paprika and salt. Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients thoroughly to combine. Stir until the surface of the mixing glass feels chilled.
Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice. This will ensure that all the unwanted particles, ice pieces and impurities are removed and the resulting drink is smooth. Garnish the drink to your liking. We would recommend celery sticks, pickled veggies, olives and cucumber slices.
Gin and Citrus Ceviche: Light and Fresh
Leaning towards something lighter, maybe a comedy? Pair it with a classy gin like Tanqueray No. 10 and a tangy citrus ceviche. This combo brings a bit of sunshine to your screen time: the gin's botanicals and the ceviche's citrus punch are like a mini holiday on your palate. And if you're skipping alcohol, a Black and White Ginger Ale or a non-alcoholic mojito made with Gordon’s tonic water can be equally delightful.
Margarita and Tacos: Comedy Night
If you're going in for something laugh-out-loud funny, like your favourite slapstick comedy series or even an eternal classic featuring a well-regarded stand-up comedian, look no further than a taco and Margarita pairing. The coolness of the Margarita perfectly offsets the crunchy-crispy tacos, and it's a flavour combination that will make you rejoice as much as the punchlines on screen!
A quip tip on mixing the perfect Margarita: Use about 45 ml of a premium tequila like Don Julio, followed by 15 ml of Cointreau or triple sec, 30 ml of fresh lime juice, lime wedges, salt (or sugar) for the rim of your glass, and ice cubes. Prep your glass by chilling it in the fridge, then rubbing a wedge of lime around its rim and placing it, rim-first, into a dish-ful of salt (or sugar). Separately, take a few ice cubes in a shaker and add the tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, and fresh lime juice along with the ice. Shake the contents well and strain it into the glass you prepared. Voila!
Irish Cream and Coffee Macarons: Bittersweet Farewells
For those emotional series finales, treat yourself to Baileys Original Irish Cream and coffee-flavoured macarons. This pairing is like a hug in a mug (and a bite) – comforting, sweet, and perfect for saying goodbye to your favourite characters.
Dark Rum and Chocolate Brownies: The Binge-Watcher’s Buddy
And for those marathon sessions, bring in Captain Morgan Dark Rum and a plate of ooey-gooey chocolate brownies. We also like to call these the emotional support brownies for obvious reasons. The rum’s deep, rich tones alongside the indulgent chocolate is just what you need for those cliffhanger moments.
Cosmopolitan with a Goat Cheese Salad: Romantic Ruminations
Whether it's the lighter side of love or the more complex emotions it evokes, you and your partner (or watch party buddy) can enjoy any and all types of romantic stories with a platter of fresh goat cheese salad, and a lovely glass of Cosmo. The cranberry, vodka and citrus notes of the Cosmo (not to mention its appealing hue) have the perfect marriage with the slight tang of the goat cheese salad. To set up your own meet-cute, follow this recipe:
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Add 45ml of CÎROC Vodka, 15ml of cranberry juice, 22ml of lime juice and 22ml of Cointreau into the shaker. Shake vigorously to combine. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist!
For your next TV chill-out, don’t just rely on the popcorn to bring the fun. Go the extra mile and make your watch sessions fancier with these food and drink pairs. You won’t be disappointed!
