Curious about the secrets behind a killer food and drink pairing? Our guide is here to break down the basics.
Your Guide to Effortless Food and Drink Pairing
Updated on May 19, 2023
Pairing food with a drink is a handy skill that absolutely anyone can learn-it’s not as hard as you may think! The same general guidelines apply whether you’re deciding what to enjoy with a glass of wine, a refreshing cocktail, or a non-alcoholic libation like juice, tea, or can of pop. Use this helpful guide to master the art of pairing and you’ll be able to take every meal to the next level.
Acid Brightens Up Your Day
Pro Tip: Acidic drinks are always a good bet. Pair with seafood, salads and heavier food.
Top on your list of considerations when it comes to food and drink pairing is acid. (Think citruses like lemon or lime!) Acid is your best friend, the not-so-secret weapon when you’re tackling pairings. In drinks, whether alcoholic or otherwise, acid refreshes the palate just the way it does when you squeeze some lemon juice on food to brighten up a dish.
Richer fare like pasta with cream sauce or chow mein benefits from high acid drinks, as does salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. Seafood like grilled salmon, crab cakes and shrimp cocktails are a few of my personal favorites to pair with a crisp citrus drink.
A citrus-driven cocktail like a mojito, greyhound, or classic daiquiri is an excellent option, or if you’re in the mood for wine, grab a bottle of Italian white. Think pinot grigio, Vermentino, or Verdicchio. A zesty sauvignon blanc would be fantastic as well. Not in the mood for booze? Whip up a fresh batch of lemonade or a fabulous pitcher of punch. You can play around with flavors to complement whatever is on the table.
Alcohol Levels Matter
Pro Tip: Beverages with a high alcohol content can make spicy dishes taste spicier.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more, shall we say, spirituous, you’ll want to make note of the alcohol percentage of your drink. Most of the time this won’t be a problem, but if you’re serving up something with a spicy kick, be sure to avoid beverages that are high in alcohol. A big, full-bodied cabernet sauvignon or Zinfandel is a no-no. Alcohol turns up the heat whenever spice is involved and makes you long for a glass of milk. Instead, have a beer or try something a little sweet, which brings us to…
Sweetness!
Pro Tip: Sweet drinks complement spicy and salty foods.
Whether you’re tucking into a hot stir-fry, fajitas, or spicy barbecue, that touch of sweet will go a long way to tame the heat of your dish. An ice-cold glass of sweet tea, off-dry Riesling or Chenin blanc, lemon drop or a rum and coke-all of these drinks should rank high when you’re chowing down on chilies. Serving up a sweet beverage alongside a salty main is ultra satisfying. Just think of the joys of a milkshake and fries. We recommend this stunning strawberry spritzer with soy glazed pork ribs.
Pro Tip: Keep your drink sweeter than your dessert.
This category is also an absolute must when you’re digging into dessert. Rule of thumb: the contents of your glass should have a higher sugar content than whatever is on the end of your spoon. Try pairing a bubbly Moscato (or sweet non-alcoholic spritzer) with stuffed strawberries. Or serve this light almond fudge cake with a glass of port.
Tannins Tantalize
Pro Tip: Fatty foods-like duck and steak-pair well with tannin-laden drinks.
While tannins are mostly associated with red wines (like cabernet, Nebbiolo, or Sangiovese), believe it or not, you’ll find them in plenty of unexpected places. Breaking it down to basics, tannins are natural compounds that taste slightly bitter and astringent on the tongue. Tea, both cranberry and pomegranate juice, even chocolate, all have tannins. So what about food? The answer is fat; tannins and fat essentially make each other better. A marbled steak or roast duck would be out of this world with a glass of wine or fruit juice with tannins. Cocktail lovers, check out this cranberry pomegranate margarita which is also easy to tweak to make a delightful mocktail. Tea with steak? It can be done! Strong black teas are the way to go.
Other Helpful Tips
- Pairing like with like. If a recipe calls for a specific ingredient, you can incorporate that into the beverages you serve alongside the dish.
- Texture. Bubbles are brilliant with crunchy, fried foods. Seriously. Crack open a bottle of sparkling wine and dig into some fried chicken. You can thank us later.
- Beware bitterness. Avoid pairing bitter with bitter. Trust this: The results aren’t pleasant.
Remember, pairing should never be a chore. It’s a fun opportunity to play around with different flavors, get creative, and even learn a thing or two about your own tastes.
Up Next: 13 Easy Food and Wine Pairings Everyone Should Know
Start Your Party Planning with One of These Dinner Recipes
Pork Chops with Parmesan SauceTender skillet chops make a speedy weeknight meal. These ones are finished with a creamy and flavorful Parmesan sauce. Here’s a new family favorite! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dill Sauce for SalmonDill sauce for salmon is a classic pairing. The easy baked salmon is full of lemon flavor, and the tangy, creamy sauce brings the whole dish together.
Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed PotatoesI was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Cauliflower & Tofu CurryCauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Salmon LinguineOur salmon linguine recipe is incredibly delicious and just as easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes to whip up the entire thing. This tasty linguine dish features bites of broccoli, salmon, capers, garlic and basil in a scrumptious homemade cream sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a little extra tang to the dish for added flavor. Enjoy!
Parmesan Chicken with Lemon RiceI like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This easy-peasy meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Rosemary Lamb ChopsMy father loves lamb, so I make this rosemary lamb chop recipe whenever he visits. It's the perfect main course for holidays or get-togethers. —Kristina Mitchell, Clearwater, Florida
Honey Chicken Stir-FryWho needs takeout when you've got this quick and delicious honey chicken stir-fry! Simple ingredients and a full-proof method mean dinner will be ready in a flash.
Fettuccine CarbonaraMake restaurant-caliber fettuccine carbonara with its simple, creamy sauce in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Spicy Lemon Chicken KabobsWhen I see Meyer lemons in the store, it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Creole Shrimp & SausageAdd diversity to weeknight meals and get a taste of low-country cuisine with this simple take on a Louisiana Creole classic that uses bulgur instead of rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sausage and Mushroom PastaTake a trip to Italy—with your tastebuds, that is. Sausage and mushroom pasta is a creamy, comforting ode to la dolce vita.
Chinese Pepper SteakThis Chinese pepper steak is the ideal stir-fry to make for dinner, served with tender beef and crisp vegetables on a bed of hot rice. Plus, it all comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Meatball PizzaMeatballs, tomato sauce, cheese, pizza dough—a recipe for meatball pizza heaven.
Herb Grilled SalmonThis creamy herb grilled salmon recipe is rich but still light-tasting, thanks to its fresh herbs. It's fast enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for company.
Thai Red Curry ChickenThai red curry chicken is a take on your favorite restaurant curry dish, and on busy nights, the frozen stir-fry veggies speed things up.
Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato PastaFlavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
Cashew ChickenThis quick cashew chicken recipe is great as a weeknight timesaver that you won’t find yourself compromising on flavor. If you’ve never cooked with nuts before, prepare for a pleasant surprise. They really bring the best out of the chicken breast.Â
Vegetarian Pad ThaiWith this vegetarian pad thai recipe, you can make a sweet-and-tangy Thai takeout classic at home.
Pan-Fried Chicken ThighsPan-fried chicken thighs are the easiest, tastiest weeknight dinner you can make. Dress them up with your favorite spices and sides and you have got a meal in a flash.
Southwestern Pork ChopsThis recipe came out of necessity! I love to cook but hate to grocery shop, and one day I found myself with nothing but some pork chops, canned black beans and canned tomatoes. This is the dish I came up with, and my husband loved it.—Vicki L. Blaine, Plymouth, Michigan
Beef Lo MeinThis simple beef lo mein is easy to toss together with the veggies you have on hand. And since it uses spaghetti, you won't have to go searching for special noodles.
Easy Fish TacosSearching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Thai Beef Stir-FryA distinctive peanut sauce complements this colorful combination of tender sirloin strips, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli and mushrooms. I like to dish it up over spaghetti, but you could use fried noodles instead. —Janice Fehr,
Austin, Manitoba
Lemon Baked CodLemon baked cod delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a natural go-to for weeknight or date-night dinners. Pairing it with roasted vegetables or a grain salad will complement the flavors nicely.
Chimichurri SteakThis flavorful chimichurri steak recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Spoon the bright, zesty, herbaceous sauce over any type of grilled steak, like flat iron, top sirloin, ribeye, flank or skirt steak.
Tortellini with Asparagus & LemonThis is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Beef with BroccoliDelicious beef, crisp yet tender broccoli and a simple sauce make this beef with broccoli recipe one you'll remember. It's a speedy recipe if you have little time to prepare dinner, and it's easy to double if needed.
Ravioli with Snap Peas & MushroomsTopped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Maple-Pecan Pork ChopsFor a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Easy Orange ChickenYou'll say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade once you try this easy orange chicken recipe.
Shrimp Asparagus PastaShrimp and asparagus pasta sounds fancy and tastes incredible—but even home cooks who shy away from seafood can easily master it.
Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard SauceThis simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Beef StroganoffA classic beef stroganoff braise, the long cooking time in this recipe softens economical round steak to a juicy texture as it cooks down in beefy mushroom sauce with velvety sour cream.
