Pairing your next G&T

G&T Pairings For Your Next

Just a gentle warning, even if you are not hungry, these snappy suggestions for pairing your gin are going to make your tummy rumble. We never think to pair our spirits with food, mostly because wine has dominated. But don’t get us wrong, we love a good glass of wine but sometimes something different can open up a new experience. Pairing spirits with food can be as tricky as pairing food with wine. It is all about balance, and more importantly, your preferences. Below you will find some delicious suggestions for you to try, or they might just inspire you to what can work.

1. Smoked salmon blinis

Seafood’s flavour profile complements the floral and herbal notes in gin beautifully. If you’re looking for an elegant appetiser to serve with gin, smoked salmon blinis go down a treat. Add a touch of cream cheese, a thin slice of a cucumber and garnish with a squeeze of lemon before serving as an aperitif at gin o’clock.

2. Nuts

Most types of nuts can be served with gin and tonic or indeed, any alcoholic drinks! The fatty saltiness of nuts balances the citrus, floral flavours in a gin and tonic. Experiment with different combinations – you can serve hazelnuts, almonds, salted peanuts and Brazil nuts in small bowls at your next gathering.

3. Ginger prawns

Marinaded in ginger and garlic with a hint of coriander, grilled or deep-fried prawns are an excellent small dish to serve with gin. The heat of the ginger and citrus and the spicy and slightly floral quality of the coriander brings out the body and intensity of gin for a powerful mouth experience.

4. Berries

Berries are used as garnishes for your gin and tonic for a reason. The sweetness of the berries – whether it’s blueberries, blackberries, or cranberries balance out the sharpness of juniper and tone down the pine-like flavour in some gins. A medley of berries makes a great healthy snack to go with your gin cocktail. Got a sweet tooth? Satisfy it with a berry cheesecake for dessert alongside a gin cocktail.

5. Meat and cheese platters

Herb infused cold meats are always a failsafe accompaniment for gin. The rich, salty and earthy flavours

in cold meats mingle with gin’s citrus undertones. Gin stands up to strong extra mature cheeses like Manchego or Stilton, and the spirit can also cut through creamier goat cheeses and smoked cheeses. A well-mixed gin and tonic makes a refreshing drink to sip alongside a grazing board. That’s Friday night’s supper sorted, eh?

6. Indian curries

Ah, an Indian take-away and a G&T: one of the greatest combinations in life, surely? You’re not just imagining it though – gin really does go well with Indian cuisine! Spicy foods work brilliantly against the crispness of gin and tonic. Many gins use spices from all over the world to provide a greater depth of flavour and aroma, so this one’s a no-brainer.

7. Lamb kofta

If you’re having guests over and struggling for a main dish to serve with gin and tonics, you can’t go wrong with a lamb main. Every gin contains juniper, and this is a botanical that chefs often use in lamb dishes to enhance the red meat’s flavour. Serve this Middle Eastern delicacy with flatbreads, salad, plenty of dips and a nice glass of gin. 8. Rhubarb & ginger syllabub

Angelica root is one of the more unique botanicals used in gin. We use it to add a woody undertone that gives the gin its dryness. When candied, angelica root pairs well with rhubarb making a rhubarb and ginger syllabub with candied angelica root a beautiful dessert to eat with gin! Go on, try it.

9. Pâté

Pâtés are often seasoned with juniper berries, so of course the pâté makes the ideal snack to eat with gin cocktails. Seafood or red meat pâtés work especially well. Serve with warm crusty bread to add more sophistication your charcuterie!

10. Chocolate

Chocoholics, rejoice. Chocolate is the perfect thing to eat with gin! What better excuse to curl up in the sofa with a large G&T and a box of chocolates? If you fancy taking a walk on the wild side, try dark mint chocolate with gin, it will bring out the refreshing leafiness in a gin’s botanical blend.

Now if you managed to read through these suggestions without salivating, I would be surprised, but maybe you a stronger person than I. In the meantime, I must pop off and pick up a few treats to go with my G&T.