Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to treat your loved one – and yourself – to something special. Whether you’re planning a relaxed evening at home or pulling out all the stops with a full feast, pairing delicious food with the right drinks makes all the difference. And at Dry Drinker, we believe that alcohol-free options can be just as indulgent and exciting. So, here’s a guide to help you create a meal to remember, featuring food and drink pairings with that unmistakable Dry Drinker flair.
1. How to Nail the Perfect Pairing
Great pairings make everything taste better. Here are a few golden rules to help you get it right:
- Match the weight: Light dishes love lighter drinks, while hearty, rich meals pairs best with something bold.
- Balance the acidity: Tangy dishes work beautifully with high-acid drinks that keep things fresh and lively.
- Sweet loves sweet: When it comes to dessert, your drink should be just a sweet as your treat – or sweeter.
- Think harmony or contrast: Go for flavours that compliment each other (like buttery notes with creamy dishes) or create zingy contrast (like crisp fizz with something rich).
2. Starters That Set the Scene
Oysters and Sparkling tea
Kick things off in style. Fresh oysters are a Valentine's classic, and nothing says celebration like some bubbles. REAL Peony Blush Sparkling Tea bring a floral, refreshing White Peony tea twist that pairs perfectly with the briny hit of oysters. Elegant and alcohol-free!
Goat Cheese Salad and Kombucha
Light and lovely, a goat cheese salad with a hint of honey, some crunchy walnuts, and peppery rocket is a winner. Pair it with a crisp, citrusy kombucha like L.A Brewery's Sparkling White Rose to balance the creamy tang of the cheese.
3. Showstopper Main Courses
Steak and Alcohol-free Red Wine
A juicy steak deserves a bold partner. Try a rich alcohol-free red like Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge. Its deep, fruity flavours and velvety tannins are perfect for cutting through the steak's richness. Add a red wine jus or some herby butter for extra indulgence.
Lobster and Sparkling Chardonnay
Lobster is the ultimate treat, especially with garlic butter. For the perfect pairing, opt for a sparkling Chardonnay like Thomson & Scott Noughty Organic Sparkling Chardonnay. Its delicate bubbles and buttery notes mirror the dish beautifully.
Creamy Pasta and Zesty White Wines
Dreaming of a velvety Alfredo or carbonara? Pair it with a crisp, alcohol-free white like Carl Jung Riesling. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness, keeping every bite as fresh as the first.
Mushroom Risotto and Alcohol-free Pinot Noir
For veggie lovers, a creamy mushroom risotto hits all the right notes. Pair it with an alcohol-free Pinot Noir like DIVIN Pinot Noir 0.0% for its earthy, fruity depth that compliments the dish's flavours.
4. Sweet Endings Made Sweeter
Strawberry Desserts and Rose
Think strawberry shortcake, Eton mess, or even just fresh strawberries dipped in cream. Pair these with a chilled, alcohol-free sparkling Rose like Darling Cellars Sauvignon Blanc-Grenache for a bubbly, berry-filled match made in heaven.
Cheesecake and Muscat wine
A slice of cheesecake and a glass of Muscat white wine? Yes, please! Try Torres Natureo Muscat white wine, which has just the right amount of sweetness to compliment the creamy richness of the dessert.
Chocolate and Alcohol-free Wine
Chocolate and Valentine's Day go hand in hand. Milk chocolate pairs well with lighter wines like Ara Sauvignon Blanc–with its light, zesty profile. It provides a balance of the sweetness from the creamy, milk chocolate. If you're a dark chocolate lover, deeper and bolder wines are the perfect match. Try the Carl Jung Cabernet Sauvignon to pair well with the flavours of the dark chocolate.
5. Alcohol-free and Fabulous
At Dry Drinker, we're passionate about showing that alcohol-free doesn't mean missing out. Our range of premium drinks offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for crisp whites, bold reds, or playful fizz. With these pairings, your Valentine's Day feast will feel every bit of special as if you'd popped the cork on a traditional bottle.
The best pairings are the ones you love. So don't be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect match. Why not turn Valentine's dinner into a tasting adventure? Pick a few different alcohol-free drinks and sample them with each course. It's a fun, interactive way to explore new flavours together.