Whether you are organizing an intimate drink at your home or celebrating a pleasant evening with family and friends, a well-composed drinks board cannot be missed. But which drinks do you open to perfectly complement the flavors? Don't worry, in this blog post we are happy to share our tips and suggestions so that you can confidently choose the right drinks for your homely drinks board. Sit back, grab a drink and discover how you can take your drinks experience to the next level. Cheers!
Wine and cheese: the classic combination
Have you ever wondered which wine goes best with the different types of cheese you find on your snack board? The combination of wine and cheese can be a real pleasure for the senses, when done right. Discover here how to choose the right wine to complement the flavors of various cheeses and create an unforgettable taste experience.
The art of pairing wine and cheese
Pairing wine and cheese is a centuries-old tradition that requires a delicate balance between the aromas and textures of both. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
Fresh cheeses
- Goat cheese: Combine with a fresh white wine such as a Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Mozzarella: Try it with a light red wine such as a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.
Hard cheeses
- Parmesan: Go for a full-bodied red wine such as a Chianti Classico or Barolo.
- Gouda cheese: Choose a strong red wine such as a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Blue cheeses
- Roquefort: Complement with a sweet wine such as a Sauternes or a powerful red wine such as a Syrah.
Soft cheeses
- Brie: Try it with a sparkling wine such as Champagne or Prosecco for a perfect combination.
- Camembert: Go for a fruity red wine such as a Merlot or Shiraz.
Examples of combinations
A few concrete examples to help you get started:
- Goat cheese with a glass of Domaine Fournier Sancerre
- Parmesan with a bottle of Marchesi di Barolo Barolo
- Roquefort with a Sauternes from Château d'Yquem
- Brie with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne
Enjoy the magic of wine and cheese by creating clever combinations that will delight your taste buds. Experiment with different wines and cheeses to discover your ideal combinations and surprise your guests with an unforgettable culinary experience.
Special beers and savory snacks: a perfect combination
The art of combining beer and snacks
Choosing the right specialty beer to pair with your savory snacks can take your drinks experience to new heights. Discover how to perfectly match the flavors of beer and snacks for an unforgettable tasting.
Sausages with a twist
- Beer: A spicy IPA like La Chouffe is the perfect companion for spicy chorizo sausages. The hoppy notes of the beer contrast beautifully with the spiciness of the sausages.
- Appetizers: Try roasted garlic sausages or dry salami for a surprising flavor combination.
Olives and beer: a Mediterranean treat
- Beer: A refreshing white beer such as Hoegaarden harmonizes excellently with the salty taste of olives. The citrusy aroma of the beer enhances the natural flavor of the olives.
- Appetizers: Go for marinated green olives with lemon and thyme for an extra touch of freshness.
Nuts and the perfect beer
- Beer: A robust stout such as Guinness makes a tasty combination with roasted nuts. The beer's roasted malt notes pair well with the nutty flavor of the nuts.
- Appetizers: Choose a mix of walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts for a varied and crunchy element on your snack board.
Enrich your drinks experience
By consciously combining specialty beer and savory snacks, you can enhance the taste sensations and surprise your guests with a unique tasting. Experiment with different beer styles and snack combinations to take your drinks board to the next level. Cheers to a successful tasting!
Cocktails and finger food
If you are organizing a drinks party and want to surprise your guests with delicious drinks and tasty snacks, combining cocktails and finger food is highly recommended. By serving the right cocktail with specific types of finger food, you create a unique taste experience that your guests will not soon forget.
Aperitifs with flair: Cocktail and finger food pairing
When selecting the perfect cocktails for your drinks platter, it is essential to take the flavors of the finger food into account. Here are some suggestions for which cocktails go well with different types of appetizers:
Gin and tonic with seafood
- Cocktail: Hendrick's Gin with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic
- Finger food: Oysters with mignonette sauce
- Combination advantage: The fresh and spicy notes of the gin and tonic perfectly complement the salty character of the oysters.
Mojito with bruschetta
- Cocktail: Bacardi Superior Rum with fresh mint and lime juice
- Finger food: Bruschetta with tomato, basil and olive oil
- Combination advantage: The refreshing taste of the mojito forms a delicious contrast with the savory bruschetta.
Margarita with guacamole and nachos
- Cocktail: Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila with Cointreau and fresh lime juice
- Finger food: Guacamole with crispy nachos
- Combination advantage: The citrus flavor of the margarita complements the creamy guacamole perfectly, while the saltiness of the nachos tantalizes the taste buds.
Mix and match for an unforgettable drinks experience
The secret to a successful cocktail and finger food pairing lies in creatively mixing and matching flavors. Try different combinations and discover which ones work best for your guests and their taste preferences.
Tips for mixing and matching:
- Experiment with different types of drinks, from classic cocktails to trendy mixes.
- Try to combine contrasting flavors, such as sweet and salty, fresh and savory.
- Consider the texture of both the cocktail and finger food for an optimal eating and drinking experience.
By serving the right cocktails with your favorite finger food creation, you can take your drinks to the next level and provide an unforgettable experience for all your guests. Cheers to a tasty and pleasant evening!
Mocktails and vegetarian options: perfect combinations for a snack board
Creative and refreshing mocktails
For non-alcoholic drinkers, mocktails are the ideal option to enjoy a refreshing drink without the addition of alcohol. Here are a few creative mocktail options that pair perfectly with vegetarian appetizers:
- Virgin Mojito with lime, mint leaves, sparkling water and sugar syrup.
- Pineapple Ginger Fizz with pineapple juice, ginger beer and a hint of lime juice.
- Cucumber Cooler with cucumber, lime juice, sparkling water and a sprig of mint.
Vegetarian snack board
A vegetarian snack board is all about tasty and varied snacks. Combine different flavors and textures for a delicious experience. Some suggestions for your drinks board:
- Goat cheese with honey and walnuts: a classic that is always a success.
- Grilled vegetable skewers: think of peppers, zucchini and mushrooms marinated in herb oil.
- Hummus with crispy vegetable sticks: Carrots, celery and cucumber are perfect dips for hummus.
Perfect pairings
To ensure that the mocktails go perfectly with the vegetarian snacks, it is essential to match the flavors well. Here are some ideal combinations:
- Virgin Mojito with goat cheese and walnuts: the freshness of the lime and mint matches perfectly with the creaminess of the goat cheese and the crunch of the walnuts.
- Pineapple Ginger Fizz with grilled vegetable skewers: the spice of the ginger and the sweetness of pineapple complement the roasted vegetables perfectly.
- Cucumber Cooler with hummus and vegetable sticks: the refreshing taste of cucumber goes well with the creamy hummus and crispy vegetable sticks.
Cheers to the perfect match
Choose the perfect combinations of wine, beer, cocktails or mocktails to surprise your guests with an unforgettable and tasty drinks experience at your home. By serving the right drinks, you enhance the taste experience of the delicious snack board and make every occasion a success! Cheers! 🍹🍷🍻
Frequently asked questions about drinks boards at home
Yes, hot drinks such as mulled wine certainly go well with a drink at home! Mulled wine is a popular choice during cold winter evenings and provides a warm and cozy atmosphere. The spicy taste of mulled wine can go well with the different flavors of snacks on a snack board, such as cheese, nuts and meats. Adding mulled wine to your drinks board will certainly be appreciated by your guests. Cheers!
Yes, there are different types of beer that go well with a drink. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pilsner: A light, refreshing beer that many people like and goes well with various snacks on a snack board.
- Blond beer: A fuller and spicier beer that goes well with cheese, nuts and other savory snacks.
- IPA (India Pale Ale): A hoppy beer with a somewhat bitter taste, which goes especially well with spicy cheeses and meats on a snack board.
- Wheat beer: A fresh, light beer with often a citrusy touch. This beer goes well with dishes with fish, crustaceans and shellfish on a snack board.
It's always fun to experiment with different types of beer and flavors to discover what suits your drink best. Cheers!
For a drinks platter at home you can serve different cocktails that fit well with an informal drinks setting. Some suitable options are the classic Gin Tonic, Mojito, Aperol Spritz and Moscow Mule. These cocktails are fresh, easy to make and loved by many guests. Also don't forget to offer some non-alcoholic options like Virgin Mojito or Virgin Aperol Spritz for those who don't drink alcohol. Cheers to a successful drink!