The Growing Popularity of Cocktail Pairing with Food in India
In the last few years, the alcoholic beverage business has seen tremendous expansion, and India is one of the fastest-growing markets globally, with an estimated market size of $52.5 billion in 2020, expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2020 and 2023, according to the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
Hence cocktail pairing with food has gained popularity and become a popular trend in fine dining domain. The concept of pairing cocktails with food is not new, but it has taken on a new dimension in recent times, with mixologists and chefs all around the world teaming up to create unique combinations that complement each other perfectly.
Indian cuisine has been positively impacted by this trend of cocktail pairing with food and it is primarily due to its reputation for having intricate flavors that combine various spices and herbs. Pairing cocktails with Indian dishes not only helps in cutting through the heat and spice but also enhances the overall dining experience.
The Importance of Thoughtful Cocktail Pairing
Thoughtful cocktail pairing can make or break your dining experience. When done right, it can enhance the flavors of your food and elevate the entire dining experience. On the other hand, a poorly chosen cocktail can clash with the flavors of your food and leave a bad taste in your mouth.
At Juju Restaurant, our focus is to constantly deliver outstanding dining experiences for all 5 senses and to do so celebrity Chef Avinash Martins and award-winning Russian mixologist from Full Measure Consulting, Evgenya Prazdnik have collaborated to create a menu that combines the best flavors of the country. They’ve utilized modern techniques to infuse iconic Indian ingredients, resulting in a truly fresh and imaginative dining experience.
Yurii of Full Measure Consulting and the head mixologist at Juju Restaurant with 20+ years of experience in this domain has shared some insights into cocktail pairing philosophy with some examples of Indian food pairing with cocktails.
According to Yurii, here are some tips and suggestions for pairing cocktails with Indian dishes:
1. Consider the flavor profile
When pairing cocktails with Indian food, consider the flavor profile of the dish. A spicy curry, for instance, would pair well with a cocktail that has a cooling effect.
Our Coconut Beef Chilli Fry, made with braised beef in Kerala spices topped with a fried egg and served with Malabar Paratha, is inspired by god’s own country and surely is a gift from heaven with a lot of deep flavor nodes. The perfect cocktail to pair this dish with is our signature cocktail – Pahadi Sour. It is made with Apricot Scotch, Apple Juice, Passion Fruit Cordial, Citrus and Vegan Foam, and crafted to bring Himachal Pradesh straight into the heart of South Goa.
2. Spirit and ingredient selection
Choose a spirit that complements the flavors of the dish. For example, a whiskey-based cocktail would pair well with meat dishes, while a tequila-based cocktail would work well with seafood.
One such cocktail and food pairing from our menu, also a popular choice for our guests, involves seafood and a tequila-based cocktail. Our Zafrani Jhinga Tempura dish features crispy saffron-marinated prawns with an accompanying avocado crema, which pairs excellently with our Karnatakila cocktail. This cocktail is made with tamarind tequila, agave reposado, honey, tabasco, pineapple purée, and zesty salt. Its tangy and savory nodes complement the prawns perfectly.
3. Find the right balance
The key to successful cocktail pairing is balance. The cocktail should not overpower the flavors of the dish or vice versa. It should complement and enhance the flavors of the food. Cocktails that utilize refreshing herbs like mint, rosemary or fennel, like in a gin cocktail, pair very well with red meats, like roast, kebab, or steak.
Try the outstanding pairing of our Mutton Shish Kebab dish, which comes with Pesto Naan, Pickled Vegetables, and Garlic Labneh with a refreshing gin based Paan Mukhwas cocktail, known as The Betels. This cocktail is made with Mukwas, Gin, Paan Liqueur, Citrus, and Coconut Water, resulting in a herbaceous and aromatic flavor that lingers on the palate.
Conclusion
Pairing cocktails with Indian food can take your dining experience to the next level. With a little thought and planning, you can create a harmonious balance between your cocktail and your food. Whether you’re dining at Juju Restaurant or cooking Indian food at home, keep these tips in mind and experiment with different cocktails to find your perfect pairing.