Pairing The Piña Colada: 7 Indian Snacks Which Go Well With Pineapple And Coconut Flavours
One of the more well-known tropical cocktails served often at tiki parties and summertime island-themed gatherings, the piña colada is complete with the dense notes of coconut cream and the tangy flavours of pineapple which are an integral element of this cocktail. The fruity, tart note in the drink comes through about 30 ml white rum which is added to the blend, layering it with a bit more complexity.
The piña colada has over time become such a popular drink that 10 July each year is marked by mixologists and bartenders to celebrate the flavours of this cocktail. If you are also hosting an evening featuring this classic cocktail on its special day, you can serve some tropical Indian snacks with this drink.
Read on below to know more about some of the Indian regional snacks that pair exceedingly well with the creamy and tangy notes of the piña colada:
Spicy Aloo Chaat
A classic piña colada is a tropical favourite made using ingredients which are a staple in these regions. Indian snacks, which also make use of these tropical flavours tend to undoubtedly pair well with the cocktail. One such snack is a spicy aloo chaat complete with a hint of chilli and the tang of tamarind chutneys, all of which are complementary pairings with the creamy, sour qualities of the cocktail.
Raw Mango With Chilli Salt
When raw mangoes are around, look no further than these tangy offerings as suitable snack pairings with a piña colada. These green mangoes with their sharp, sour flavours offer an interesting spicy, salty and tangy contrast to the creaminess of the coconut in the piña colada. As well, the tanginess of the raw mangoes and their light crunch echoes the sour and chewy properties of the pineapple inherent to this recipe, that is often also used as a sweet garnish for adorning the piña colada glass.
Grilled Prawns
A classic beach-side snack well-suited for serving at an evening gathering where the piña colada shines, grilled prawns on skewers served with a sweet chilli dip become a crunchy, creamy and slightly sweet compliment to the sweet and sour notes of the pineapple juice added to the cocktail. Grilled shrimp can also be used as a savoury garnish atop the drink to lend it more complexity.
Also Read: 10 Classic Indian Snacks Paired With Modern Cocktails For Match Parties
Mini Gunpowder Idlis and Coconut Chutney
Soft, butter laden idlis served warm with a sprinkling of gunpowder have a spicy and savoury flavour profile which surprisingly goes well with the coconut-forward flavours of the piña colada. Serve a classic coconut chutney alongside to build into the spicy, creamy contrast of tropical flavours.
Coconut Crusted Fried Fish
Another beachside recipe which brings forth the crunchy and nutty elements of coconuts in a sharp contrast to its creamy, silky qualities present in the piña colada, coconut crusted fried fish is an excellent cocktail accompaniment at an island party. Introduce the spice of red chillies in the fried fish for a more interesting flavour combination.
Patoli
A Goan-style sweet dish which is essentially akin to a dumpling, patoli is nothing but rice, coconut and jaggery steamed in turmeric or banana leaves. Its earthy sweetness and light savoury touch come forth when served warm and nicely complement the slightly cool and densely creamy properties of the piña colada.
Coconut Ice
One more sweet, coconut dessert inspired by Portuguese culinary cultures is coconut ice or a coconut fudge prepared using coconut, sugar and milk. This chilled dessert is often layered as a pink and white treat served like petit fours. While pairing this creamy sweet dish with a piña colada, it can also be used as a tiny, cool and crunchy garnish adorning the serving glass.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
