Perfect pairings
Pairing gets easier when you stop looking for rules.
Richness wants freshness. Sweetness needs care. Roast can echo cocoa. Bubbles are very good at rescuing fried food. Start with what is actually on the plate — or in the glass — and work from there.
Christmas edit
From the first snack to the cheese board, keep the flavours working together.
Turkey, smoked salmon, cheese, mince pies, pudding and chocolate all ask different things of a drink. Start with the food in front of you rather than forcing one festive bottle to do every job.
Start with what you have
Pick a food or a drink, then see where it leads.
Start with steak, chocolate or cheese — or with the bottle already open. A spirit can lead to something good beside the glass, a mixer or garnish, and a cocktail you can make from it.
Swipe sideways to browse pairing families.
What works
A few good places to start
Six varied ideas to get you started. Choose a family above or search for something specific to go deeper.
Exceptional pairing
Tanqueray London Dry Gin + Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water
Why it works: Classic tonic bitterness and citrus lift juniper and coriander.
Explore the drinkExceptional pairing
Union Revelation Signature Espresso + Crosta & Mollica Almond Cantucci
Why it works: Almond crunch gives structure against espresso bitterness and roast.
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Laphroaig 10 Year Old + Lindt Excellence Dark Sea Salt
Why it works: Dark cocoa and salt stand up to peat while echoing the whisky's coastal character.
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Twinings Earl Grey + Whittard Stem Ginger & Lemon Biscuits
Why it works: Lemon echoes bergamot while ginger adds a fresh aromatic contrast.
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Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve + Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
Why it works: Ginger's heat and carbonation lift orange, spice and molasses notes.
Explore the drinkExceptional pairing
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva + Lindt Excellence Dark Orange Intense
Why it works: Orange and dark cocoa echo the rum's orange peel and rich sweetness.
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