We all know about food pairings for our favourite wines but most of us aren’t so confident when it comes to pairing foods with spirits, such as gin.
Given the immense popularity of gin, the chances of you downing a gin-based cocktail as you’re reading this are pretty high. At some point, you’re going to need something to eat so what kind of food can you pair with it?
Mushrooms are loaded with earthy qualities and aromas. The same can be said about gin.
For the vegans (and non-vegans) out there, we’ve compiled a list of mushroom dishes to enjoy with a selection of craft gins from South Africa.
Chorizo, Corn & Portabellini Bowls
Throughout history, versions of portabellini mushrooms have been used in many different ancient cultures. In Egypt, they were revered by the Egyptians, who believed the mushrooms gave the consumer sp
Gin Pairing
Notes of rooibos combined with the elements of spicy chorizo and sweet corn to present a unique flavour combination. The fresh flavours of the lime juice deliver a cleaner finish to the dish.
The earthy tones from the mushroom’s cap off this perfect pairing as they mingle with hints of rich fynbos.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Mirari Amber Gin
- Orange zest
- 150ml tonic water
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Fill desired glass with ice, a ribbon of orange zest and a sprig of thyme. Pour in the Mirari Amber Gin and top with tonic.
Vegan Mushroom Tacos
Mushrooms make great tacos because of the texture, taste, and look. These vegan mushroom tacos are a delicious meatless alternative to the traditional version of this classic crowd pleaser.
Gin Pairing
Juniper notes from the Six Dogs Gin work well with the strong flavors from the mushroom tacos. Its added punch is a great balance to the tangy notes of the pickled red onion and the sweet hints from the pineapple. The Six Dogs’ bold flavor is a perfect match for these tacos, the crisp and clean botanical notes in the gin complement as well as stand up to the spiciness of the food.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Six Dogs Karoo Gin
- Wedge of pineapple
- 150ml ginger ale
Instructions:
- Fill desired glass with ice and add a wedge of pineapple. Pour in the Six Dogs Gin, top with ginger ale and garnish with a piece of the pineapple crown.
Gin Pairing
The spicy flavours found in this dish are the perfect complement to the herbaceous, dry flavours in an Inverroche G&T. The fresh and cooling notes of the Inverroche provide a refreshing contrast to the bold and powerful flavours emanating from the mushrooms bravas. The botanicals in this gin lend themselves to be paired with this spicy dish.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Inverroche Classic Gin
- Dried Chillies
- 150ml tonic water
Instructions:
- Fill desired glass with ice and add 2-3 dried chillies. Pour in the Inverroche Classic Gin and top with tonic.
Artichoke And White Button Mushroom Salad
This earthy salad starring marinated mushrooms is perfect for autumn.
Gin Pairing
Perfect for a hot summer’s evening, this fresh summer meal is well complemented by the floral bouquet of Cape Fynbos Gin. The earthy tones from the mushrooms and the mild lemony taste from the artichokes harmonise and add complexity to this Gin and Tonic. The Cape Fynbos Gin’s sweet smoothness works well with the acidity of the dressing, creating a sumptuous pairing.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Cape Fynbos Gin
- 150ml pink tonic water
- Fresh sprigs of local fynbos
Instructions:
- Place the gin in the freezer for a few hours to cool before making your salad. Or… Fill a shaker with ice and quickly shake the gin over ice to cool. Pour into a coupe and top with pink tonic. Garnish with fresh fynbos.
