How do you pair drinks with a drinks board full of sushi?

Sushi is a true delicacy that is increasingly found on our snack platters. However, combining these refined snacks with the right drinks can be a challenge. After all, you want to offer your guests an unforgettable experience in which the flavors of the sushi come into their own. In this blog post, we will help you make the best choices for drinks that can complement and enrich your snack platter. Whether you are an experienced sushi lover or are just starting to explore this culinary world, we offer practical tips and recommendations to create the perfect combination. Let's discover together how you can take your snack moment to the next level!

The Basics of Sushi and Drinks

Sushi is a culinary experience that is not only about the flavors of the fish and rice, but also about the complementary drinks that can complement these dishes. In this section, we will discuss the different types of sushi that are popular on a snack platter, the flavors and ingredients that go with them, and how these influence the choice of drinks. We will also highlight the basic principles of drink pairing, with a special focus on balance and harmony of flavors.

Types of Sushi on a Snack Board

With a snack platter there are different types of sushi that lend themselves perfectly to a shared experience. The most popular are:

Nigiri

Nigiri consists of a hand-formed ball of sushi rice topped with a slice of fish or other ingredients. This type of sushi offers a direct taste experience of the fish.

• IngredientsFresh fish such as tuna, salmon or shrimp is often used.
• Taste: The combination of the umami flavour of the fish and the sourness of the rice provides a rich taste experience.

Maki

Maki is sushi rolled in seaweed (nori) with rice and various fillings, such as vegetables or fish. It is a versatile choice that is easy to share.

• Ingredients: Common fillings include cucumber, avocado, and crab.
• Taste: Maki has a crunchy texture due to the vegetables and a fresh taste due to the combination of ingredients.

Sashimi

Sashimi consists of thin slices of raw fish, served without rice. This type of sushi emphasizes the quality of the fish.

• Ingredients: Can consist of different types of fish such as sea bass, salmon or octopus.
• Taste: The pure and intense flavours of the fish are fully expressed without the influence of other ingredients.

Flavours and Ingredients in Sushi

The flavors and ingredients of sushi can vary greatly, which will affect your drink choices. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Umami: This savory flavor is found in fish, soy sauce and seaweed and can be complemented well with certain wines or beers.
• Sourness: The vinegar in sushi rice adds a fresh acidity. This can pair well with sparkling wines such as Prosecco.
• spiciness: Ingredients like wasabi can give a spicy kick. This can be balanced out with sweeter drinks like a Riesling.

Pairing Drinks with Sushi

When pairing sushi with drinks, it is important to strive for balance and harmony. Here are some guidelines and examples:

Wines

• White wine: A Sauvignon Blanc, like that of Cloudy Bay, goes well with the fresh flavors of maki.
• Red wine: A light Pinot Noir, like Meiomi, can be an excellent choice for nigiri with oily fish such as salmon.

Beers

• Lower: A refreshing lager like Heineken can complement the flavors of sushi well without dominating.
• Season: A more complex saison, such as Saison Dupont, can go well with the various flavors of a drinks platter.

Sake

• Junmai Sake: This unsweetened sake, like Hakutsuru Junmai, is ideal for an authentic sushi experience.
• Nigori Sake: A cloudy sake like Tozai Snow Maiden provides a silky texture that accentuates the flavors of sashimi.

Basics of Drink Pairing

Pairing sushi with drinks requires attention to some basic principles:

• Balance: Make sure the flavors of the food and drink complement each other and don't overwhelm each other.
• Harmony: Choose flavors that enhance each other, such as the umami of sushi and the fruitiness of wine.
• Texture: Consider the texture of both the food and the drink. A creamy wine can pair well with the soft texture of nigiri.

Key Considerations

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a delicious sushi experience with matching drinks that perfectly complement the flavors.

Wine and Sushi: A Perfect Match

The pairing of wine and sushi is a topic that is gaining more and more attention. Due to the delicate flavors of sushi, it is essential to choose the right wine that complements and enhances these flavors. In this section, we explore the different wines that go well with sushi, as well as practical tips for serving it.

Dry White Wines

Dry white wines are often the best choice for sushi. Their crisp acidity and fruity aromas elevate the flavors of the sushi. Here are some wines that pair particularly well with different types of sushi:

• Sauvignon Blanc: This wine, with its citrus and green apple characteristics, goes very well with sushi with fresh fish such as salmon or tuna. A recommendation is the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, known for its vibrant flavours.
• Pinot Grigio: The light and fresh taste of Pinot Grigio, like that of Santa Margherita, harmonizes nicely with sushi with crab or shrimp for example. The mineral tones of this wine complement the umami flavor of the fish.
• Chablis: For a more refined choice, one can opt for a Chablis, such as William Fevre Chablis, which accentuates the rich flavors of seaweed and octopus sushi.

Rose

Rosé is a versatile wine that is not only refreshing but also offers a wide range of flavors. This makes it an ideal choice for sushi lovers. Examples of rosé wines that go well with sushi are:

• Miraval Rosé: This Provencal rosé is light and fruity with a hint of strawberries. It is an excellent choice for sushi with vegetables or light sashimi.
• Bieler Father and Son Rosé: With its fresh flavours of raspberries and melon, this rosé goes perfectly with maki with avocado or cucumber.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines bring a fun and festive atmosphere to the sushi experience. They are perfect for sushi dinners and can be a pleasant surprise for your guests. Consider these options:

• Prosecco: A light Prosecco, like The Brand Prosecco, can be a great pairing with sushi rolls that are fried or have a creamy sauce, such as the dragon roll.
• Champagne: For a luxurious experience, Champagne, like Veuve Clicquot Brut, an excellent choice. The complexity and bubbles of the wine complement the richness of sushi with salmon or ebi.

Tips for Serving Wine

Correct Temperature

The temperature of the wine is crucial to the taste experience. Here are some guidelines:

• Dry White Wines: Serve between 7-10°C.
• Rose: A temperature of 8-12°C is ideal.
• Sparkling Wines: Serve cold, between 5-8°C.

Glasses

Using the right glass can enhance the flavor of the wine. Here are some tips for choosing glasses:

• White Wine Glasses: Choose glasses with a slim, tall shape to concentrate the wine's aromas.
• Champagne Glasses: Use flute glasses to better preserve the bubbles and accentuate the aroma.
• Rosé Glasses: A wide glass can help to bring out the fruity aromas.

Example of a Sushi and Wine Combination

These pairings and tips provide a solid foundation for creating a harmonious sushi experience with the perfectly selected wines. By making the right choices, you can enjoy both the sushi and the wine to the fullest.

Conclusion: The perfect drinks for your sushi experience

In conclusion, pairing drinks with a sushi platter is an art that requires attention to flavors and balance. By experimenting with different options such as wine, beer, and cocktails, you can discover which combinations best suit your personal preference and the unique flavors of the sushi. Remember that the right pairing not only enhances the meal, but also creates an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy the process and let your taste buds guide you to the perfect combination.