Best Drinks to Pair with Coastal Dishes

There’s nothing quite as tantalizing as seafood and cocktails near me. The mix of fresh seafood, succulent fruits and vegetables, and spices from around the world makes for a unique culinary experience. But what should you drink with it? Here are some of our favorite drink pairings for coastal dishes!

1. Crab Pairs Best with Mojitos & Gimlets

A mojito and gimlet are the perfect cocktails to pair with Mediterranean food. The light, crisp flavors of these cocktails complement the natural sweetness of crab meat. The acidity in both drinks helps to cut through any grease or heaviness and brightens up the overall flavor profile. In addition, the abundance of fresh herbs, like mint in a mojito or lime juice in a gimlet, provides an aromatic experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, their relatively low alcohol content won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the crab.

For those who want to take their pairing to the next level, try adding some tropical fruit juices to your cocktails. A bit of pineapple or guava juice can bring out even more sweetness in the crab while also giving added depth and complexity to the cocktail’s flavor profile. A splash of sparkling wine adds brightness and effervescence that makes it a perfect match for seafood dishes like crab. When it comes to selecting wines, choose something dry with a good structure that won’t compete with the delicate flavors of your dish.

Mojito Recipe:

- 2 oz white rum

- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- 1 teaspoon sugar (or more to taste)

- 8–10 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

- 2 slices of lime, plus an extra slice for garnish

- Club soda or sparkling wine (optional)

Gimlet Recipe:

- 2 oz gin or vodka

- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- 1 tsp sugar (or more to taste)

- 2 slices of lime, plus an extra one for garnishing.

2. Salmon Pairs Best with Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay

Sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are two of the best wines to pair with a dish of salmon. The rich, full-bodied flavors of these wines will bring out the natural sweetness in the fish while also providing an acidic counterpoint that cuts through any fat or oiliness. For those who want something a bit more aromatic when looking for seafood and cocktails near me, try adding some fresh herbs (think basil, dill, or parsley) to your glass for extra complexity.

When it comes to white wines, look for ones with a good amount of acidity but not too much oakiness. This balance helps to bring out the delicate flavor of salmon without overwhelming it. For reds, opt for lighter varieties like Pinot Noir that have subtle berry and earthy notes that will compliment the fish without overpowering it.

3. Oysters Pair Best with Sparkling Wine & Chablis

The briny flavor of oysters pairs perfectly with sparkling wines and Chablis. The effervescence and subtle sweetness of these drinks lift the salty umami notes in the seafood while also providing a refreshing backdrop for their creamy texture.

When it comes to selecting sparkling wines for your greek food wine pairing, look for ones that have higher acidity levels but still maintain a light body. This balance will help to pick up on the subtleties of the oyster’s salinity without overwhelming it. For Chablis, select bottles that are light-bodied with moderate acidity. This will ensure that the fruit notes from the wine don’t overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood.

4. Shrimp Pairs Best with Gin & Weissbier

The natural sweetness of shrimp pairs well with both gin and Weissbier. Gin cocktails such as the classic martini or a spritz provide a refreshing backdrop for the delicate flavor of shrimp while also bringing out its subtle sweetness. The juniper notes in gin add an herbal complexity that rounds out the seafood’s natural flavors, while its dryness helps to lift any umami notes.

Weissbier, on the other hand, provides a mild yet complex flavor profile that complements the shrimp’s sweetness and texture. In addition, the beer’s crisp carbonation helps to cut through any grease or oiliness from sauces or seasonings without overwhelming the dish. For extra depth, try adding some fresh citrus juice (such as lime or lemon) to the glass for an added layer of complexity.

No matter which beverage you choose, remember that seafood dishes pair best with light-bodied drinks that won’t overpower their delicate flavor. By selecting wines and beers with high acidity and low tannins, you can ensure that your seafood is always accompanied by a delicious drink! Explore our menus for Naxos Taverna and The Oyster Bar and get excited for your new favorite pairing!