The perfect dinner pairing can elevate your dining experience to new heights, especially when paired with thoughtfully crafted cocktails. At Uncle Tim's Cocktails, we believe that every cocktail deserves a carefully curated culinary companion, one that highlights and appreciates the bold flavors of its counterpart.
Our Experience In the Industry
You may have seen us in action at one of our many events, including our Salon Dinners where we work with local chefs to craft delicious pairings for each of our cocktails. In addition to these events, Uncle Tim himself also spent a good portion of his professional career, and by that, we mean more than a decade, in the service industry. From dishwashing to opening restaurants, there isn’t an aspect of the service industry that Uncle Tim isn’t familiar with, including crafting menus. With all of that in mind, here are our expert tips for pairing flavor profiles and dishes with each of our signature spirits, starting with our Negroni Series.
General Guidelines for Dinner Pairing
To get the hang of food pairing, it’s important to keep in mind that every food and beverage product is layered with complexities. In the same sense, everyone’s tastebuds are different. That said, there are a few tried and true rules to pairing foods and beverages that we swear by, as well as some we’ve made up along the way. Let’s jump into our first rule of thumb, as we like to call it, opposites attract.
Opposites Attract: Leveling Out Your Pairings
Generally speaking, our first rule to live by has to do with the overall weight of your pairings. For example, with a light cocktail like a Negroni, we might recommend a heartier pairing like a grain or meat-forward dish. When it comes to the Negroni and its siblings in particular, as aperitifs to jumpstart your appetite, you want to lean into more full-bodied pairings. This technique is great for adding variety to your meals. In addition to this practice, you might instead opt for a more traditional pairing or a like-with-like pairing as detailed in the next section.
Like with Like: Complementing Flavors in Both Dinner Components
Another great way to pair your cocktails and dinner options together is through like ingredients. Think of the botanicals in a gin cocktail like the Negroni, rosemary, anise, and sometimes sage. These ingredients make great flavor profiles in dinners as well! Borrow one of the ingredients from your cocktail to inspire the preparation of the main course.
As we work our way through each series, starting with the Negroni series, we’ll share more helpful tips and tricks for food pairings. Now, let’s take a look at some of the ways we’d pair the Negroni Series for a dinner party.
Classic Negroni Pairings
The Classic Negroni is a beloved cocktail known for its balanced bitterness and botanical complexity. Here are some pairings that complement its distinctive flavors.
Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic
The robust, slightly bitter profile of the Negroni complements the rich, savory flavors of grilled lamb. Rosemary enhances the botanical notes in the cocktail, creating a harmonious match.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Balsamic Glaze
The earthy, robust flavor of grilled portobello mushrooms pairs beautifully with the Negroni's complexity. A balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity, enhancing the cocktail’s citrus elements.
White Negroni Pairings
The White Negroni offers a lighter, more citrus-forward variation on the classic. These pairings enhance its unique, floral characteristics.
Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon Herb Butter
The White Negroni’s lighter profile and citrus notes are beautifully complemented by the delicate flavors of grilled sea bass and lemon herb butter, enhancing the botanical elements of the cocktail.
Citrus and Fennel Salad
The fresh, bright flavors of a citrus and fennel salad highlight the White Negroni’s lighter, citrus-forward profile. The fennel echoes the cocktail’s botanical notes, while the citrus enhances its vibrant character.
Boulevardier Pairings
The Boulevardier, with its rich, bitter, and slightly sweet profile, benefits from hearty, flavorful pairings like those below.
Beef Wellington
The bold, slightly sweet profile of the Boulevardier pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of Beef Wellington. The mushrooms and pastry complement the cocktail’s complex notes, creating a luxurious pairing.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts and Gorgonzola:
The roasted butternut squash brings a natural sweetness that balances the bitterness of the aperitif, while the pear adds a fresh, crisp note that echoes the cocktail's apple and pear hints. Candied walnuts and gorgonzola provide a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall experience.
Every Tastebud Satisfied
Pairing our cocktails with thoughtfully chosen dishes enhances both the drink and the meal, creating a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer the bold bitterness of a Classic Negroni, the lighter, citrus-forward profile of a White Negroni, or the rich complexity of a Boulevardier, these pairings offer something for everyone, including vegetarian options.
Elevate your next meal with Uncle Tim's Cocktails and these delicious pairings, and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite and sip. Cheers!
