There’s no shortage of advice when it comes to pairing wine with food, but what about cocktails? For those who prefer a perfectly shaken drink over a glass of red, knowing which cocktails complement your dinner can be just as important, especially when spice is on the table. When the heat is on, how do you make sure those bold, complex flavours don’t clash, but instead chill out and enhance each other?
When it comes to pairing spicy dishes with cocktails, the key is in the balance. Look for drinks that mirror some of the dish’s flavour notes, while offering a refreshing contrast to cool things down. We’ve put together three sizzling food and cocktail pairings which just make sense.
Thai Green Curry & Mojito
Searching for the perfect pairing on a hot summer’s day? Served over Crushed Ice, a Classic Mojito, bursting with fresh mint and zesty lime, delivers instant cooling refreshment that soothes the palate between bites. Its subtle sweetness gently offsets the bold, spicy flavours of Thai dishes like green curry or larb, creating a bright, balanced harmony that keeps the heat in check while letting the vibrant flavours shine.
Tacos & Margarita
This zesty, tequila-based cocktail infused with fresh lime offers the perfect counterbalance to spicy dishes, delivering a crisp, refreshing burst that lifts and cools the palate. While the ever-popular spicy margarita can sometimes compete too fiercely with bold flavours, a classic margarita, or better yet, our very own Aperol Margarita, served over Super Cubes, introduces a zingy sweetness that complements rather than clashes. It’s a smooth, layered sip that enhances every fiery bite with a vibrant, mouth-watering contrast.
Jerk Chicken & Dark ’n’ Stormy
The fiery kick of ginger beer in a timeless Dark ’n’ Stormy beautifully mirrors the bold, smoky heat of jerk seasoning, creating a harmonious blend of spice and zest. Meanwhile, the rich depth of dark rum adds a smooth, tropical layer that enhances the aromatic spices and charred edges of jerk chicken, making each bite-and-sip combo feel like a flavour-packed Caribbean getaway.