Top 10 drinks (other than wine) that go with food
When I'm at a Chinese-American restaurant, I crave a whiskey sour. When I'm eating Tex-Mex food, a margarita is what I want. Of such stuff Top 10 lists are made.
Yesterday a frequent commenter, The Baltimoron, who is a local bartender, sent me such a good Top 10 list I decided to use it today rather than the boring one I was working on. It's a list of great food and drink pairings, excluding wine.
He also added this postscript:
substitutes:
key lime pie martini and cheesecake; I make a martini with key lime juice, cream and 2 oz of 43 liqueur, rim the glass with graham cracker crumbs and serve with plain cheesecake, yum!!
cosmopolitans with tapas; the reason this works is while enjoying cosmos or tapas, you are actually enjoying friendly conversation, not a meal, and both cosmos and tapas complement the atmosphere you set with your company.
things that complement nothing:
grappa, ouzo, jagermeister, any more?
Now here's his list of drinks that do complement food, and the food they go with:
* Zen Press with a summer dinner salad. A Zen Press is muddled seedless cucumber with lemongrass, Hendrick's gin and either soda water or Sprite, garnished with fresh mint. It goes great with any dinner salad.
* Mojito with Southwestern/Mexican food. What could be better on a hot day than flautas and a mojito?
* Orange Manhattan with a steak. Use a better bourbon and orange bitters instead of sweet vermouth, or both, for this one. Great with a steak in a reduction or topped with blue cheese. It will cut right through it, you won't need a knife!
* Natty Boh and crabs. I can't leave that out, might get lynched.
* Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and anything beurre blanc. The nutty hoppiness of this beer will complement and cut the sweet cream buttery goodness of the sauce.
* Keyoke coffee with dessert, tiramisu for me. Brandy, Kahlua and coffee topped with whipped cream. I just came back from La Tavola; it was a great ending. Dinner was good, too!
* Hot sake with sushi. Need I say more? (Not a wine. Calling it rice wine doesn't make it wine.)
* Guinness and Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage. We're all Irish on St. Patty's day, aren't we?
* Milkshake with a burger and fries. It's the all-American meal we all grew up on, and still indulge in from time to time. Vanilla for me!
* Jager bombs and chili cheese fries. Just kidding. That was for those who are reading and are 21 years old to 21 1/2.
(Algerina Perna/Sun photographer)
Categories: Top Ten Tuesdays, Wine and Spirits
Comments
a bloody mary and oysters on the half shell
Posted by: unbelievaboh | August 25, 2009 4:49 AM
Okay, the Baltimoron delivered! I do take exception to his scorn of grappa though. I had my first grappa shortly after we arrived in Switzerland many years ago. A group of us climbed a mountain, and when we reached the summit, our leader from the Ticino pulled out his grandfather's homemade grappa to go with whatever we were eating for lunch. I don't remember lunch, but I do remember the grappa! I will occasionally order a grappa instead of dessert to this day, and it brings back many memories.
Posted by: Dahlink | August 25, 2009 5:45 AM
A Mimosa with eggs benedict at a liesurely Sunday brunch -- providing that a drink that's partly champagne doesn't violate the no wine edict.
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | August 25, 2009 6:13 AM
I like Arabic coffee or properly made espresso with sweet things. Homemade ginger ale or a good Jamaican ginger beer go well with beef and with Mexican food.
Posted by: Lissa | August 25, 2009 6:48 AM
Gotta go with the coffee and desert or coffee with breakfast sandwich. I am not much for alcohol.
I don't eat food with milkshakes because they are too filling by themselves.
Posted by: NotableM | August 25, 2009 7:44 AM
Apple cider and pretzels.
Posted by: Gabriel Oak | August 25, 2009 7:51 AM
I don't see whole hog BBQ and Cheerwine on this list.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | August 25, 2009 8:07 AM
A glass of port wine (I like Boordy's for the local win) and a dark chocolate dessert.
Posted by: Misha the Veggie Lover | August 25, 2009 8:23 AM
How about a top ten of non alcoholic drinks?
Posted by: Earl | August 25, 2009 10:31 AM
Cocoa with graham crackers.
Posted by: Filbert E. Winchester | August 25, 2009 10:37 AM
-Beer and crabs
-Good sturdy bitter beer (IPA or similar) with spicy Thai, Chinese, or Indian
-(Gin) Martini and steak tartare
Posted by: Skewed Tomato | August 25, 2009 10:38 AM
lots of great additions!, apple cider and pretzles? sounds good! port I would consider a wine, a mimosa, i'll ive ya that one, technically it is a mixed drink the way sangria would be. cheerwine? I don't know what that is but what a greay name. I looked it up, cherry soda? I was expecting something different. I could do a non alcoholic list earl, but I warn you, i'm gonna throw fresca in there! of course #1 on that list would be coffee and a dunkin doughnut! unbelieaboh, I can't believe I didn't put bloody mary and oysters, (facepalm) it's the 1 and only drink that I have actually combined to make a drink, oyster shooters! They were $3 at Crabby Dicks on broadway when I was there and man were they good! thanks for all the additions, I hope there are more to come!
Posted by: the baltimoron | August 25, 2009 11:02 AM
My favorite: Hi-C and turkey. Followed closely by Dr. Pepper and trout.
Posted by: BA | August 25, 2009 11:05 AM
"A book of verses underneath the bough,
A jug of wine, a loaf of bread and thou"
Omar K.
Posted by: Hue | August 25, 2009 11:19 AM
Oreos and milk.
Posted by: Campbell M. | August 25, 2009 11:22 AM
Absinthe and potato chips.
Posted by: *◄:o)╥╥~YumPorchetta | August 25, 2009 11:27 AM
Chai and alu tikki.
Posted by: Laura Lee | August 25, 2009 11:38 AM
Akavit and a good Danish cheese on slabs of dark bread with a dab of Loewensenft.
Posted by: Cleatus | August 25, 2009 11:50 AM
the best available beer with the best available pizza.
and speaking of pizza, I'm with Dahlink --Baltimoron, you delivered.
Posted by: jl | August 25, 2009 11:50 AM
Misha just reminded me -- port and Stilton. Is there a better combination to polish off a Xmas dinner?
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | August 25, 2009 11:54 AM
Moving right along, how about Brown's Celery Tonic and the Stage Deli's Hymie's Special? (Hmm...maybe some shrink can tell me why I now include the Hymie's Special sandwich in nearly every other post.)
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | August 25, 2009 11:59 AM
beer and sausage that isn't breakfast sausage.
Also, Natty Boh does not go with anything. It's awful. A Clipper City Gold Ale and some steamed crabs is a perfect Baltimorian pairing!
Posted by: Bruce | August 25, 2009 12:22 PM
YumPo, are you serious? Absinthe and *potato chips?* Frites, maybe, but I'd think the salt on chips would clash with the herbal bitterness of the absinthe.
Posted by: Lissa | August 25, 2009 12:43 PM
soy milk and a spoonful of peanut butter.
Posted by: flying nanando | August 25, 2009 1:04 PM
When I make anything with a tomato sauce base (e.g. pizza, lasagne, spaghetti, etc.) I like a glass of ICE COLD milk.
Posted by: chris | August 25, 2009 1:51 PM
Well-chilled vodka and caviar.
Posted by: El Generalissimo | August 25, 2009 2:25 PM
Iced tea (sweet with lemon) and picnic food, especially fried chicken
Posted by: Mary Roby | August 25, 2009 2:31 PM
Speisebraten(Pork loin marinated, then grilled over an open fire) and Mulled Red Wine....outdoors in the winter of course!!!!
Posted by: MasonDixonDude | August 25, 2009 3:04 PM
Lissa, in Rome and Florence the potato chips were not as salty. Then again, what I like, others may not, especially since absinthe is an aquired taste anyway.
Posted by: *◄:o)╥╥~YumPorchetta | August 25, 2009 3:48 PM
Should have known you wouldn't joke about absinthe, YumPo. I've not had it, but I suspect it'd take about 1 sip for me to acquire the taste for it.
I don't think I'd like Italian potato chips, though. Got to keep the blood pressure up.
Posted by: Lissa | August 25, 2009 4:11 PM
Water is my favorite liquid accompaniment to food.
-It doesn't fill you up, allowing you to eat as much as possible
-There's no carbonation to screw with your digestive process
-It washes down whatever you're eating
-It goes with EVERYTHING
-When you spill it on your pants and shirt it doesn't stain or make them any dirter than they were before
-It's good for you!
Posted by: Corey | August 25, 2009 4:12 PM
Corey - Water is my favorite accompaniment to food, also. Another plus is that it doesn't stain or corrode your teeth, either.
Posted by: NotableM | August 25, 2009 4:32 PM
After enjoying it last week, I have to endorse pot roast & Bass Ale.
Posted by: ColumbiaBill | August 25, 2009 5:42 PM
YumPo and Lissa, just remember that Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder. And just to stay on topic, it goes nicely with steak and pomme frites.
Posted by: Michael A. Gray | August 25, 2009 6:18 PM
Friends report that a pork loin roasted with Magner's cider and then accompanied by a Magner's is to die for.
Posted by: Misha the Veggie Lover | August 25, 2009 6:47 PM
MAG, that would be the last thing I need.
Alas, I guess I'll have to remain sober.
Posted by: Lissa | August 25, 2009 6:56 PM
wow, did I really forget oreo's and milk? in my defense, I was thinking of drinks in a restaurant to pair with restaurant prepared foods, but non the less I still cant eat oreo's withought milk, does anyone else put ice in their milk? it's the only way I drink it, and I drink alot of milk. cleatus, akavit and a danish blue on a pumpernickle cracker or toast, excellent! and bruce, I hate to agree, but I do, natty boh I wouldn't even steam shrimp in. I like crabs with hannsen's gueze, and amazingly complex beer. Michael, "absinthe makes the heart grow fonder" now thats just funny! magners cider I think would go great with any BBQ or ribs, I need to stop reading this blog while i'm hungry, i'm going to the grocery store now, I need a danish blue cheese and some oreo's.
Posted by: the baltimoron | August 25, 2009 7:31 PM
Tea and sympathy.
Posted by: Deborah Kerr | August 25, 2009 8:04 PM
A plain original Dunkin Donut and coffee. And, let us not forget Oreos and milk!
Posted by: Joyce W. | August 25, 2009 9:00 PM
Brown's cream soda with pastrami or corned beef sandwich
Weissbier with Binkert's German sausages
Ice cold milk with PBJ
Iced tea (or lemonade) with a BLT
Posted by: Dottie | August 25, 2009 10:20 PM
A massive Rioja with mussels in cream, garlic, and butter with a good crusty bread to tie it all together.
Posted by: Cleatus | August 25, 2009 11:55 PM
Oops! You said OTHER than wine...Sorry. I just got carried away.
Posted by: Cleatus | August 25, 2009 11:57 PM
dont worry cleatus, I get carried away talking food / drinks too!
Posted by: the baltimoron | August 26, 2009 12:32 AM
@Gabriel Oak: Also, apple cider and popcorn. But not microwave "popcorn", it has to be popcorn popped on the stove. One of my favorite fall snacks! And truth be told, when I was single it would often do for dinner.
Posted by: mitzi | August 26, 2009 5:15 AM
@Gabriel Oak: Also, apple cider and popcorn. But not microwave "popcorn", it has to be popcorn popped on the stove. One of my favorite fall snacks! And truth be told, when I was single it would often do for dinner.
Posted by: mitzi | August 26, 2009 7:15 AM
Hey baltimoron, I put ice in my milk.
Posted by: chris | August 26, 2009 8:20 AM
Iced tea and a club sandwich.
We refer to this as a classic 'Joyce' (my mother) meal in the summer. Pretty safe to order, no matter where you are...truck stop, diner, chic cafe.
Posted by: B'More Cat Lover | August 26, 2009 8:50 AM
hey, B'More Cat Lover, that's pretty funny because much to the dismay of my frequent dining companions, my drink of choice is good old iced tea.
I actually rank restaurants bassed on how good their iced tea is. Mt Washington Tavern, yours is very good indeed, but still do something about your ladies room!
Posted by: Joyce W. | August 26, 2009 10:45 AM
Rumpleminze & Bar munchies.
Posted by: RayRay | August 26, 2009 12:14 PM
You oreo and milk lovers should pick up a box of these.
We had them at work the other day (with milk) and everyone had a great time.
Posted by: Bob | August 26, 2009 2:49 PM
Rumpleminze, RayRay? Is that what Rumplestiltskin drinks?
Posted by: Dahlink | August 26, 2009 3:07 PM
For some reason, I am left with an uneasy feeling that "Bob" at 2:49 PM may be little more than a planted shill for Nabisco
I checked the IP address, and he's our regular Bob. EL
Posted by: hmpstd | August 26, 2009 3:10 PM
Rumpleminze is peppermint schnapps - 100 proof. It tastes like real peppermint, not like rail schnapps which has a cardboardy flavor.
Posted by: RayRay | August 26, 2009 3:25 PM
If Corey can say "dranken" I can say "cardboardy":-)
Posted by: RayRay | August 26, 2009 3:27 PM
Sorry, EL -- I had forgotten that we still had any regulars left who would dare post as just plain old "Bob" after all the confusion over the years that led to RtSO, RoCK, Piano Rob, Bob UU, etc. Besides, who drinks milk at work these days, anyway? ;-)
Posted by: hmpstd | August 26, 2009 3:41 PM
You're right hmstd. While at work, I stick strictly to the vodka.
Posted by: Trixie | August 26, 2009 3:57 PM
We bought the milk to go with the oreo straws.
Our motto: Work is what we do; fun is what we have.
Posted by: Bob | August 26, 2009 3:57 PM
Trixie, you have vodka? At my office we sip the bitter tears of sorrow and oppression.
Posted by: *◄:o)╥╥~YumPorchetta | August 26, 2009 4:04 PM
Point to YP.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | August 26, 2009 4:08 PM
Good one YumPo!
Sounds like that drink is the office coffee.
Posted by: PCB Rob | August 26, 2009 7:17 PM
I feel like we're trading in Klingon proverbs today.
Apparently, professional angst, like revenge, is best served cold.
Now there's a heady beverage and food pairing for you.
Posted by: El Generalissimo | August 26, 2009 9:16 PM
Kool Aid (any flavor) and bologna sandwich.
Qualifier: must be eaten outside on a sunny day with friends.
Posted by: Lone Lady | August 27, 2009 12:10 PM
Cold apple cider while picking turkey from the carcass Thanksgiving evening.
Posted by: LEC | August 27, 2009 3:03 PM