What's Old Can Be New

Sometimes, the best pairings are the old fashioned tried & trues. I say this, because mixology and cocktail pairings aren't always about the new, or the fad, or the creative exciting. Sometimes, the best possible pairing with a dish, is one that's been around for ages.

A good example: the culinary team is doing a special appetizer in which the shining star is a beef tartare. The mixologist side of me wants to create something completely new and interesting, but the realist side of me knows beyond a doubt, that the biggest seller drink pairing will definitely be a classic semi-dry martini with bleu cheese olives.

Now, that doesn't mean an eclectic twist can't be put on that classic martini. Bleu cheese olives have a strong flavor that pair well with vodka or gin cocktails, and steak tartare with its pepper and coriander spicing is also a strong flavor that lends itself to this strongly flavored cocktail. Basil or lemongrass infused in the gin or vodka are a nice, sweet citrusy compliment to both flavors. Another creative option would be to place the stuffed olives on a sprig of rosemary for the combination of flavor and aromatic.

My point is, just because it's not new, or a fad, or massively creative, doesn't mean that it's not the perfect cocktail pairing for your dish. If you want to get creative with an old favorite, great! If not, don't sweat it. Like many things in life, sometimes the best stuff has been in your wheelhouse all along!

Happy Cocktailing!