Are you planning a delicious pork dish for your next dinner party or family gathering?
Don’t forget to pair it with the perfect cocktail!
Whether you’re cooking up a classic Cuban-style pork tenderloin or a smoky BBQ pulled pork, there’s a cocktail out there that will perfectly complement your meal.
From refreshing beer cocktails to rich, dark liquors, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of pork and cocktails together.
What Cocktail Goes With Pork?
When it comes to pairing cocktails with pork, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider the flavors of your pork dish. Is it sweet and tangy, or smoky and savory? This will help guide you towards the right type of cocktail.
For example, if you’re cooking up a classic Cuban-style pork tenderloin with lime and cilantro, a mojito is the perfect choice. The combination of sweet and sour in the cocktail will enhance the flavors of the pork and make for a refreshing summer meal.
If you’re serving up spicy pork with black beans and rice, try a whiskey-based John Collins or Lynchburg lemonade. The bold flavors of the BBQ pork require a refreshing drink with a darker spirit base, and aged whiskeys are an excellent choice.
For Italian-style roast pork with garlic, fennel, and herbs, consider pairing it with a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Rosso di Montalcino. The richness of the wine will complement the flavors of the pork and herbs perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, why not mix up a beer cocktail? A michelada is an excellent choice for pork dishes with bold flavors like cayenne pepper and Mexican oregano. Begin with a chilled Mexican lager and add hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and black pepper for a spicy kick.
Beer Cocktails For Pork
Beer cocktails are a fun and unique way to pair your pork dishes with a refreshing drink. Here are a few beer cocktail suggestions that are perfect for pork:
1. Pineapple Pale Ale Spritz: This beer cocktail combines sweet-tart pineapple juice with pale ale and Prosecco for a refreshing and fruity drink. The pineapple flavor pairs well with pork dishes that have a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
2. Dunkel Weisse: This dark wheat beer is an excellent choice for stuffed pork chops or any pork dish with earthy flavors like pecans and onions. The sweetness of the beer complements the apples and onions while bringing out the sharpness of spices like cayenne.
3. Michelada: As mentioned earlier, a michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail that pairs well with bold flavors like cumin and cayenne pepper. The addition of hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and black pepper creates a spicy kick that enhances the flavors of the pork.
4. Beer Bloody Mary: If you’re looking for a bold and flavorful cocktail to pair with your pork, try a beer bloody Mary. This cocktail combines your favorite bloody Mary mix with your choice of beer for a unique twist on a classic drink. It’s perfect for pork dishes with smoky and savory flavors.
Remember to experiment and find the perfect cocktail to complement your favorite pork dishes. Cheers!
Classic Cocktails For Pork
When it comes to classic cocktails for pork, there are a few tried and true options that never disappoint.
First up is the mojito, a classic Cuban cocktail made with lime, mint, and white rum. This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with Cuban-style pork tenderloin cooked with lime and cilantro. The combination of sweet and sour in the mojito will enhance the flavors of the pork and make for a classy summer meal.
Another classic cocktail that pairs well with pork is the Old Fashioned. This whiskey-based drink is perfect for pairing with pork tenderloin with apple, a classic combination that never fails. The sweetness of the apple complements the bold flavors of the whiskey, making for a perfect match.
For those looking for something a little more unique, the Oranj-a-bloom is a great option. Made with orange juice, gin, and elderflower liqueur, this cocktail is light and refreshing, making it perfect for pairing with lighter pork dishes like grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin.
For those who enjoy a little spice with their pork, the Michelada is an excellent choice. This beer cocktail stands up to bold flavors like cayenne pepper, Mexican oregano, and cumin. Begin with a chilled Mexican lager and add hot pepper sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and black pepper for a spicy kick.
Last but not least, hot apple cider with rum is a perfect fall cocktail to pair with your pork dishes. The sweetness of the cider complements the savory flavors of the pork, making for a cozy and comforting meal.
Dark And Rich Cocktails For Pork
For those who prefer darker and richer cocktails, there are plenty of options to choose from when pairing with pork dishes.
One classic choice is the bourbon lemonade. The smoky flavors of bourbon pair perfectly with BBQ pork dishes like brisket and pulled pork. The tart taste of lemons in the cocktail cuts through the smokiness of both the bourbon and BBQ, making for a refreshing drink. Add a sprig of mint for an even more refreshing take.
Another great option is the Oranj-a-bloom cocktail, made with Belgian white beer, lemon, lime, ginger syrup, rum, orange liqueur, and orange bitters. This refreshing drink provides a contrast to rich pork tenderloin dishes heavy on spices such as cumin, allspice, or cloves.
If you’re looking for a wine pairing for your pork dish, consider a rosé. Rosé is one of the most flexible wines as it complements all sorts of flavors. The richness of smoked pulled pork cooked in a smoker will match well with the versatility of a rosé.
Lastly, herbs can be an easy way to pair mixed drinks with pork dishes. Garnish a simple gin and tonic with a sprig of fresh rosemary when serving it with herb-roasted lamb. The aroma of rosemary will enhance the flavors of the dish and make for a delightful sensory experience.
Fruity And Refreshing Cocktails For Pork
If you’re looking for a fruity and refreshing cocktail to pair with your pork dish, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One great choice is the Oranj-a-bloom, which is made from Belgian white beer, lemon, lime, ginger syrup, rum, orange liqueur and orange bitters. This refreshing drink provides a great contrast to pork dishes that are heavy on spices such as cumin, allspice or cloves.
Another option is the Cava Sangria, which is perfect for a light and quick poolside drink. This 5-ingredient sangria has the perfect combination of flavors from the strawberries and mint leaves. After the first sip, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
For those who prefer rum cocktails, the Anejo highball mixed with ginger beer is a great choice. The spicy ginger beer pairs well with the sweetness of the rum and provides a refreshing complement to pork dishes.
Mocktail Options For Pork
For those who prefer mocktails, there are plenty of options that pair well with pork dishes. One great choice is a non-alcoholic mojito. Simply omit the rum and use club soda or sparkling water instead. Muddle fresh mint and lime juice together, add a touch of simple syrup or honey for sweetness, and top with soda water. The bright flavors of the lime and mint will complement the pork’s tanginess.
Another option is a mocktail version of a Lynchburg lemonade. Mix together fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of orange juice. Top with ginger ale or ginger beer for a spicy kick. This refreshing drink will balance out the smoky flavors of BBQ pork dishes.
For Italian-style roast pork, try a non-alcoholic spritzer made with sparkling water, grapefruit juice, and a splash of elderflower syrup. The tartness of the grapefruit will cut through the richness of the pork, while the floral notes of the elderflower add a touch of elegance.
Finally, for a spicy pork dish with Mexican spices, a mocktail michelada is an excellent choice. Use non-alcoholic beer or sparkling water as the base and add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, and black pepper for flavor. This drink will complement the bold flavors of the pork while providing a refreshing and spicy kick.
When hosting guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, be sure to include these mocktail options to ensure everyone feels included and can enjoy their meal to the fullest.