Cheers to another #SeafoodSunday, Seafoodies!
We think it’s time for a spirited conversation … about seafood and cocktails! Beer and wine are the adult beverages we often pair with seafood. Crab with chardonnay, tilapia with sauvignon blanc, even salmon with pinot noir. Plus there is a reason beer-battered fish appears on so many delicious menus! But did you know that seafood can be well-matched with spirits as well? It’s true! So shake things up this holiday season and mix up a batch of craft cocktails to go with your seafood apps and dinners!
If you’re new to pairing cocktails with fish, just follow the same principles you would with wine selection. Lighter spirits such as vodka enhance delicate seafood while heavier-bodied spirits like rye and bourbon are best enjoyed with boldly flavored fare. The mixers matter, too. Just as citrus and other acidic ingredients enhance the fish you’re serving, they add a complementary note to whatever you are sipping alongside of it.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of our most festive seafood recipes that pair well with favorite types of cocktails. Whether you’re enjoying appetizers and drinks by the fire or sitting down for a full meal, these dishes definitely will put you in the holiday spirit! Plus, you’ll be staying on track to get your recommended two to three servings of seafood a week.
So, cheers, Seafoodies! Salud! Santé! However you celebrate the season, we raise a glass to you and hope you enjoy these spirited seafood/cocktail pairings!
Whiskey: Char-Grilled Honey Parmesan Oysters
These cheesy-good oysters are an excellent match for your whiskey cocktail of choice, whether you prefer a N’awlins Sazerac or a classic Manhattan. Serve them with a grilled baguette for a hearty hors d’oeuvre your guests will eat up!
Bourbon: Shrimp and Cheesy Chive Grits
Cocktails made with super-smooth bourbon deserve equally luscious food! These creamy grits topped with an aromatic shrimp gravy are a snap to make with an Instant Pot, leaving you more time for craft mixology.
The botanicals in gin pair well with dishes with a similarly distinctive taste, like our popular smoked trout dip. Serve this simple, protein-packed spread with crackers or red pepper strips for a yummy and healthful snack.
Rum cocktails and seafood are a combination that’s hard to beat. We especially love a lime-laced mojito served with these succulent crab cakes, which will transport you to the islands!
Most spirits would overwhelm tender scallops, but vodka lets their buttery sweetness shine through. These seriously scrumptious scallops are brined overnight, then air-dried and smoked on the grill. Try them with a citrusy Moscow mule!
Tequila pairs well with boldly spiced food. If you’re in a margarita mood, you’ll love this sheet-pan salmon. The honey-sriracha glaze nicely balances sweet and heat, and the quick prep ensures this meal will be ready in 30 minutes!
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