How to Pair RTD Cocktails with Food
Ready to drink (RTD) cocktails are not only convenient but also packed with vibrant flavors that can elevate any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a casual picnic, or simply sipping a cocktail at home, pairing these expertly crafted drinks with the right food can enhance both the beverage and the meal. Just like with wine or beer, understanding how to balance flavors, textures, and ingredients is key to creating the perfect pairing.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to pair various RTD cocktails with different types of food, making your next gathering or meal an unforgettable experience.
1. Understanding Flavors in RTD Cocktails
Before diving into specific food pairings, it’s important to understand the flavor profiles of your ready to drink cocktails. Whether your cocktail is fruity, spirit-forward, or herbal will play a significant role in determining which foods complement it best.
Fruity Cocktails
Fruity RTD cocktails, like those made with citrus, berries, or tropical fruits, tend to have a bright and refreshing flavor. These cocktails often have a sweet and tangy taste, making them ideal for pairing with lighter, more delicate foods.
Herbal and Botanical Cocktails
Cocktails infused with herbs, like basil, mint, or rosemary, offer a fresh and aromatic experience. The natural, earthy flavors of these cocktails pair beautifully with green vegetables, light proteins, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Spirit-Forward Cocktails
Spirit-forward cocktails, such as gin or whiskey-based drinks, tend to have bolder, stronger flavors. These cocktails pair well with richer, heartier foods that can stand up to the intensity of the alcohol.
2. Pairing Fruity RTD Cocktails
Fruity ready to drink cocktails are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect match for a variety of foods. These cocktails often have notes of citrus, berries, or tropical fruits, which complement light and refreshing dishes.
Pairing with Seafood
Fruity cocktails, such as Jannicks Drinks’ Downtown Abbey (with its passion fruit, lime, and hint of liquorice), are a natural match for seafood. The bright citrus notes of the cocktail can enhance the flavors of grilled fish, shrimp, or ceviche. Pairing the acidity of a fruity cocktail with the rich, buttery flavor of seafood creates a balance that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Try pairing a passion fruit or lime-based RTD cocktail with dishes like:
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Lemon-butter fish fillets
- Fresh oysters with a squeeze of lemon
Pairing with Spicy Foods
Fruity cocktails can also balance the heat in spicy dishes. The sweetness of the fruit helps cool down the spiciness, while the acidity cuts through the rich flavors of the dish.
Great pairings include:
- Tacos with spicy salsa
- Thai curry
- Spicy chicken wings
3. Pairing Herbal and Botanical RTD Cocktails
Herbal and botanical cocktails offer a fresh and aromatic flavor profile, making them an excellent match for savory dishes with herbs, vegetables, or light proteins.
Pairing with Mediterranean Dishes
Herb-based RTD cocktails, like Jannicks Drinks’ Green Gin (an herbaceous gin sour with basil), work beautifully with Mediterranean dishes that feature fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, olive oil, and basil. The herbaceous flavors in the cocktail will enhance the freshness of dishes like salads, grilled vegetables, or pasta with pesto.
Perfect pairings include:
- Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
- Grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Pasta with basil pesto and pine nuts
Pairing with Light Proteins
Herbal cocktails also pair well with light proteins like chicken, turkey, or tofu. The fresh and green notes of the cocktail will complement the subtle flavors of the protein without overwhelming them.
Try these pairings:
- Grilled chicken breast with lemon and rosemary
- Herb-marinated tofu skewers
- Turkey meatballs with basil and garlic
4. Pairing Spirit-Forward RTD Cocktails
Spirit-forward cocktails, like those made with gin, whiskey, or bourbon, have bold, rich flavors that pair well with hearty, robust foods.
Pairing with Grilled Meats
When it comes to spirit-forward cocktails, you want to match them with foods that have enough depth to stand up to the alcohol. Grilled meats, such as steaks, burgers, or lamb chops, are a great option. The charred, smoky flavors from the grill pair well with the boldness of the spirits, creating a delicious and balanced combination.
Ideal pairings include:
- Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter
- Charred lamb chops with garlic and rosemary
- BBQ burgers with caramelized onions
Pairing with Rich, Savory Dishes
In addition to grilled meats, spirit-forward cocktails are also an excellent match for rich, savory dishes like stews, roasted vegetables, and cheesy dishes. The intensity of these foods complements the strong, bold notes of the cocktail, creating a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Some tasty pairings include:
- Beef stew with root vegetables
- Roasted potatoes with garlic and thyme
- Macaroni and cheese with sharp cheddar
5. Pairing Sweet RTD Cocktails
Sweet RTD cocktails, such as Jannicks Drinks’ Strawberry Aperitivo (a sweet and fruity cocktail with an aromatic finish), can be a wonderful match for both sweet and savory dishes. When pairing sweet cocktails with food, it’s important to find a balance between the sugar in the drink and the flavors in the dish.
Pairing with Desserts
Naturally, sweet cocktails pair wonderfully with desserts. Look for desserts that share similar flavor profiles with the cocktail, such as fruit-based or creamy desserts.
Perfect pairings include:
- Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream
- Cheesecake with fresh berries
- Chocolate mousse with a hint of mint
Pairing with Savory Dishes
Sweet cocktails can also complement savory dishes by providing a contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the cocktail can balance out the saltiness or richness of the dish, creating a harmonious pairing.
Try these pairings:
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Goat cheese crostini with honey
- Roasted pork with a balsamic glaze
6. Pairing RTD Cocktails with Snacks and Appetizers
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, RTD cocktails can pair perfectly with an array of snacks and appetizers. The key is to match the intensity of the cocktail with the snack’s flavor profile.
Pairing with Cheese and Charcuterie
For a more sophisticated spread, pair your cocktails with a cheese and charcuterie board. Fruity cocktails pair well with soft, creamy cheeses like brie, while spirit-forward cocktails complement aged, sharp cheeses.
Some ideal pairings include:
- Brie with a fruity cocktail
- Aged cheddar with a gin-based cocktail
- Prosciutto with a sweet or herbal cocktail
Pairing with Finger Foods
For casual gatherings, pair RTD cocktails with finger foods like sliders, bruschetta, or vegetable skewers. The light, refreshing flavors of fruity or herbal cocktails pair well with these easy-to-eat bites, making them perfect for casual snacking.
7. Pairing RTD Cocktails with Salads and Light Fare
RTD cocktails can also complement light fare like salads and vegetable-based dishes. Fruity and herbal cocktails are particularly well-suited for these meals, as they enhance the freshness of the ingredients without overpowering them.
Try pairing a bright, citrusy cocktail with salads featuring:
- Mixed greens, goat cheese, and candied walnuts
- Arugula, shaved parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled peaches, feta, and balsamic glaze
Conclusion
Pairing your favorite ready to drink cocktails with food can elevate your entire dining experience, creating a harmonious balance between flavors, textures, and ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a fruity cocktail with seafood, an herbaceous drink with Mediterranean dishes, or a spirit-forward cocktail with grilled meats, there are endless pairing possibilities that can make your meal unforgettable. So the next time you’re sipping on a Jannicks Drinks cocktail, don’t forget to pair it with the perfect dish and enjoy a delightful culinary journey.
