What You Need To Think About Before Pairing Cocktails With Salmon

Food and drink go hand in hand, and there's just something exciting about creating the perfect beverage and entree combination. Whether you are dining out at a restaurant or selecting a signature cocktail for your dinner party, there are several elements that contribute to complementary food and beverage pairings. When done right, the complementary (or contrasting!) flavors in your drink and meal can elevate the entire dining experience.

Certain food and drink combinations are obvious — like steak and red wine, or a burger with a beer. However, if your food and beverage of choice are salmon and a cocktail, there are a few considerations for creating the perfect pairing, regardless of whether you are dining out or eating in. Salmon has a distinct flavor, but choosing its ideal match depends on a number of other factors as well, such as the type of salmon, how it is prepared, and the other flavors in the meal. Different cuts of salmon have varying fattiness and flavor profiles, and dishes can differ from simple, to complex, to savory, to sweet. All of these elements determine whether a cocktail "works" well with a specific salmon dish.

Some things to ask yourself include: What type of salmon is featured in the dish? Is it more rich or delicate? How is the salmon being served (grilled with just salt and pepper, crusted with a garlic parmesan breadcrumb topping, covered in sauce over a bed of pasta, etc.)? What other flavors are dominant in this dish? You may also want to consider, would this dish pair better with a glass of wine? White wine traditionally pairs well with fish, and as a beefier filet, salmon can also stand up well to lighter red wines, like a pinot noir or Merlot.

If you do decide that a cocktail is the way to go, we have some tips for determining a perfect pairing. Once you have taken stock of the various flavor elements in your entree, you can start narrowing down your cocktail choice. The main thing you'll want to ensure is balance: You don't want to overpower the flavor of your salmon by selecting a cocktail that is too bold, just as you don't wash out a subtle cocktail with a punchy salmon dish.

For simpler dishes, like roasted or grilled salmon with a side of vegetables and rice, we recommend a cocktail with simple, subtle flavors, like a gin and tonic or vodka soda. The bite of the liquor and the brightness of the carbonation will contrast well with the salmon's savory mouthfeel without completely overpowering it. These lighter options also work well with more delicate salmon varieties, like the mild coho salmon. Bolder salmon varieties, like sockeye and king salmon, and more complex meals can stand up to a stronger-tasting cocktail. Consider a negroni, made with Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth, whose big flavor profiles and bitterness contrast well with a bold salmon dish.

Ultimately, the cocktail and salmon pairing likely comes down to personal preference. With balance in mind, there are several combinations that will complement each other nicely.

Now that you've thought through the various considerations that go into selecting a cocktail for your salmon dish, we have some pairing recommendations. First up, how about citrus teriyaki salmon with a mojito? The citrus in both food and beverage complement each other well, and the mint brings a little tang to the seafood. Another complementary combo is pesto-baked salmon and a gin basil smash. The pesto in the entree mirrors the basil in the cocktail for a full-circle, food-and-drink experience.

You could also try salmon burgers with Moscow mules, a salmon and shrimp poke bowl with an Aperol spritz, and pecan and cranberry-crusted salmon with an old fashioned. For the breakfast and brunch crowd, you can't go wrong with a smoked salmon and cream cheese tart and a bloody mary on the side. 

And if you are interested in a mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage pairing, consider a glass of lemonade or, for something less sweet, sparkling water with some lemon wedges. Lemon is known to work well with a variety of seafood, salmon included, so you can still explore complementary food and beverage pairings with a non-alcoholic spin.