It's that time of year again when we gather with loved ones, enjoying the limited English sunshine and firing up the BBQ whenever we can.
The smell of barbecued food fills the air. With glasses of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks in hand, relax and enjoy the day. It's all about good company, great food, and soaking up the simple joys of summer.
We know that enjoying a great meal isn’t just about the food – it’s also about the perfect drink to complement it.
And when it comes to non-alc, we’ve got some fantastic pairings that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a BBQ, having a casual meal at home, or just looking for new ways to enjoy your favourite dishes, these pairings are sure to impress.
Knowing the Basics
Before we jump into specific pairings, let’s talk about the basics. The key to a great pairing is balance. You want your drink to complement, not overpower, the flavours of your food. Consider the intensity, acidity, sweetness, and overall flavour profile of both the drink and the dish. Now, let’s explore some delightful combinations!
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with Summer Salads
Its crisp complexity, floral hops and elderflower notes, and hint of rhubarb, pairs excellently with summer salads. Its delicate dryness enhances leafy greens and citrus dressings, complements the sweetness of summer fruits, and harmonizes with herb-infused salads. The effervescence cuts through grain and roasted vegetable salads, while the rhubarb note pairs well with tangy cheeses and crunchy nuts, making it a versatile and refreshing companion for any summer salad.
Its unique blend of coastal herbs and seaweeds makes it an excellent match for summer salads. Enhance the fresh, botanical character of the tonic with green salads dressed in citrus, avocado, or fresh herbs. The vibrant notes of the drink will elevate the salad's flavours, creating a refreshing dining experience.
Its refreshing profile and aromatic complexity make it a versatile companion to many dishes. The wine's green highlights pair beautifully with leafy salads, especially those with goat cheese and vinaigrette dressing. Its crispness also complements asparagus spears drizzled in lemon butter or a refreshing Greek salad.
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with Fish & Seafood
The palate offers a delightful mix of crunchy redcurrant, wild raspberry, and white stone fruit flavours, enhanced by vibrant acidity and subtle herbaceous notes. It pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or a light fish dish such as tilapia or cod.
Captivating with pure aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and fresh apple, this wine is carbonated during bottling to add a delightful sparkle. The fine, lively bubbles enhance its elegant finish, making it a refreshing choice. This sparkling wine pairs perfectly with delicate oysters or light creamy garlic pasta. Its crispness and effervescence make it a versatile companion to a variety of dishes, especially seafood and mild cheeses.
A harmonious blend of botanicals, spices, and citrus fruits gives this beer its unique character. Subtle hints of coriander and Curaçao orange mingle effortlessly with the soft malted barley notes. It pairs wonderfully with grilled white fish, lemon and herb roasted chicken, or classic Belgian moules-frites.
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with Grilled Meats
This harmonious blend combines the richness of traditional red wine with the versatility of a non-alcoholic beverage, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. It complements the richness of grilled steak, lamb, or roast beef, enhancing the flavours with its depth.
A robust hop profile leads the taste, offering notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and balanced bitterness. This is complemented by a biscuity malt backbone, providing a touch of sweetness to counter the hoppy bite. The beer's robust hop profile complements the smoky flavours of grilled steak, sausages, or barbecued ribs.
It delivers a harmonious blend of hoppy bitterness and citrus zest, with notes of grapefruit, lemon peel, and slight tropical fruitiness, balanced by mild malt sweetness. The bold flavours pair well with grilled meats like barbecued chicken or steak, where the grill's caramelization complements the beer's hoppy bitterness.
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with BBQ Ribs
Ideal for everything from relaxed barbecues to celebratory toasts, this beverage offers lively lemon tanginess balanced by gentle malt sweetness. The low bitterness and subtle hop notes provide a clean, crisp finish. It pairs well with BBQ ribs, as the tanginess and sweetness complement the smoky flavours, while the crisp finish refreshes the palate between bites.
It has a smooth, velvety texture with robust flavours of roasted barley, caramel, and dark chocolate. The balanced bitterness and sweetness create a satisfying taste. This makes it an excellent pairing with BBQ ribs, as the rich, roasted flavours complement the smoky notes of the ribs, while enhancing the caramelized glaze.
The robust flavours of DC Red Shiraz harmonize beautifully with the smoky richness and charred notes of grilled steak or BBQ ribs. Its bold and complex profile enhances the savory, caramelized flavours of the ribs, making it an excellent pairing option.
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with Chicken
The cider's subtle sweetness and balanced acidity complement the mild, savory flavours of chicken, enhancing its taste without overpowering it. Its effervescence cleanses the palate, making each bite more enjoyable. This makes it an excellent choice for pairing with grilled, roasted, or lightly seasoned chicken dishes.
The wine has a crisp acidity with flavours of lemon, pear, and subtle minerality typical of Chardonnay. A gentle sweetness enhances the fruit-driven profile, leading to a harmonious finish. It pairs well with roasted chicken with herbs, turkey breast in cream sauce, or pork tenderloin with apple compote, showcasing its versatility.
Pairs perfectly with chicken due to its clean and crisp flavour, balancing sweetness and zesty citrus. The sugar-free nature ensures a light, refreshing experience without lingering sweetness, complementing the savory and mild flavours of chicken. Whether grilled, roasted, or lightly seasoned, the zesty citrus notes enhance each bite.
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with Sausages
Its natural sweetness and crisp pear flavour complement the savory, juicy taste of the sausages. The cider's refreshing, clean finish balances their richness, making each bite more enjoyable.
Pairs excellently with sausages due to its subtle sweetness, herbal and floral notes, and refreshing bubbles. Its natural acidity cleanses the palate, balancing the savory and spicy flavours of sausages. Whether paired with mild pork, spicy chorizo, or herb-infused chicken sausages, this sparkling mead enhances the dish's richness without overpowering it, making it a versatile and sophisticated choice.
Due to its citrus and tropical fruit flavours, subtle malt sweetness, and crisp finish. These elements complement the savory and spicy flavours of sausages while refreshing the palate, enhancing the overall tasting experience without overpowering the dish.
Non-Alcohol Drink Pairings with Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Botivo's bittersweet backbone complements the natural sweetness and char of grilled vegetables, enhancing their flavours without overpowering them. Fresh botanicals add complex herbal and citrus notes, leading to a long, dry, and refreshing finish.
The well-balanced acidity offers a zesty and refreshing taste. It pairs well with vegetable stir-fries, fresh salads, and pasta with light sauces, complementing the wine's light and refreshing profile.
This wine offers a crisp and refreshing experience with flavours of ripe mango, passion fruit, elderflower, and lychee. It pairs well with fresh salads with citrus dressings, grilled vegetables, or vegetable-based pasta dishes like spinach and ricotta stuffed shells, enhancing its vibrant flavours.
Take Your Dinner to the Next Level
Exploring the world of non-alcoholic drink pairings with various foods opens up a realm of sophisticated and flavourful possibilities. Whether you're enjoying a fresh summer salad, savoring succulent seafood, indulging in grilled meats, relishing a perfectly cooked chicken dish, delighting in a sweet dessert, or appreciating a vegan or vegetarian meal, there is a perfect non-alcoholic beverage to enhance your dining experience.
So, next time you plan a meal, consider the non-alcoholic options available. Experiment with different combinations and discover new favorites that bring out the best in your culinary creations.
