Serving Shrimp Cocktail At Your House Party? Here Are 5 Gin-Based Cocktails To Pair With it
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetiser made by cooking prawns in a tomato and clam-based cocktail sauce, traditionally presented in a cocktail glass. The appetiser is generally served cold and is known for its chilled, tangy and slightly acidic notes, coupled with a light creaminess that comes from the shellfish.
Such a bright and fresh starter passed around at your house party can be complemented with cocktails which cut through its richness, yet highlight in good measure its delicate seafood flavours. And one spirit which can work well as the base for crafting such drinks is the crisp and herbaceous gin. Its adequately fresh, botanically infused flavours makes gin an interesting pairing with the shrimp cocktail, especially when accompanied by citrusy and bright mixers and flavour accents.
Classic Gin Martini Cocktail
One of the drinks which works exceedingly well alongside the seafood appetiser is the classic gin martini cocktail. The drink has a clean, dry character which makes the shrimp’s flavours appear more prominent without overpowering it with the cocktail’s own savoury essence. In fact, the lightly umami drink, with the addition of an olive garnish, acquires a briny nuance that goes well with a shrimp cocktail finished off with a lemon twist.
Cucumber Basil Gimlet
A slightly crisp and savoury version of the classic gimlet, this gin-based cocktail tends to undercut the more robust notes of the tangy cocktail sauce and the rich shrimp flavours of the appetiser. Basil brings a fresh and aromatic layer to the blend whereas cucumber lends it a slight crunchy effect, which balances out the more acidic notes in the shrimp cocktail.
Blood Orange Gin Spritz
Citrusy cocktails tend to contrast the slightly deeper flavours of the cocktail sauce used to make the shrimp appetiser. The bright, acidic flavours in a drink like the blood orange gin spritz become interesting opposing flavours that seem to go well with the shrimp’s savoury notes. Additionally, the spritzy, fizzy texture of the cocktail also makes it a drink that pairs beautifully with the pronounced flavour profile of the shrimp cocktail.
Elderflower Collins
Another interesting pairing with the shrimp cocktail, this one works because the floral element coming from the elderflower manages to bring out the shrimp’s briny and delicate undertones. The drink becomes a fresh and spring-like contrast to the seafood’s creamy and rich nuance.
Rosemary And Grapefruit Gin Sour
A sour cocktail complete with the herbal and bittersweet notes emanating from rosemary and the citrusy quotient of grapefruit juice, this drink is actually a well-suited pairing with shrimp cocktails that are made using robustly flavoured sauces. The herbal and citrusy combination elevates the roasted flavours, particularly in charred or grilled shrimp cocktails.
*All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
