5 inspired ways to pair gin and food

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In the same way that specific foods bring out the best in wines, gin can reach new heights when served with certain dishes. Gin, with its fragrant, botanical notes is actually the perfect spirit to sip while you snack. Here are five of the best ways to pair gin with food.

Pâté

Gin is most recognised by its juniper base notes, which are known for working well with rich, meaty flavours such as those in a chicken liver or venison pâté. This impressive pâté is the ultimate drinks party dish – perfect for snacking on as you sip on a classic gin martini.
Get the recipe here.

Seafood

Another flavour prominent component in gin is a delicate briny, almost salty note, reminiscent of seafood and shellfish. Embrace this, and bring out even more of those soft aromas by serving proper fish and chips alongside your gin and tonic. Not only will the flavours meld together beautifully, the crisp finish of gin (along with the tonic) will counter the rich, oiliness.
Get the recipe here.

Cucumber

You've already become accustomed to seeing a couple of cucumber slices floating in your gin cocktail, so why not take that tried-and-trusted pairing to the next level? Cucumber sandwiches are the very definition of gin-loving Britain, making them the ideal snack to alongside a gin and tonic or Tom Collins. The addition of smoked trout here also taps into that seafood-friendly flavour profile too.
Get the recipe here.

Fried foods

Rich, spicy fried food will always need something crisp and cool to refresh the palate. So, if you're serving something punchy like Korean-style fried chicken wings, a chilled gimlet (or even an old faithful gin and tonic) will go down a real treat.
Get the recipe here.

Cheese

The contrast of creamy cheeses with fresh gin notes is a combination made in heaven, and cheese is always going to be a hit at any drinks party. These bite-size grilled Camembert, artichoke and basil pesto sandwiches are a breeze to put together, look impressive and will work perfectly with a French 75.
Get the recipe here.

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin is the first gin distilled in Co. Donegal. The coast around Sliabh Liag holds an extraordinary bounty for such foragers with their centuries-old knowledge of harvesting and harnessing the qualities of these natural products. An Dúlamán bottles are reminiscent of those found along the Donegal coast during the wrecks of the Spanish Armada. 

An Dúlamán contains five seaweeds including Sweet Kombu, Dulse, Pepper Dulse, Dulaman and superfood Carrageen Moss, bringing an authentic and innovative “umami” twist to the gin category. The palate has incredibly bright and soft juniper to the fore and as it subsides An Dúlamán’s complexity is revealed in rich umami, brisk salt and then a buttery oyster smoothness with hints of chestnut and firm tannin. Given time, sweet notes of turkish delight ebb to a comforting warmth. An Dúlamán works well with any premium tonic water, especially with lemon tonic or bitter lemon. A dash of elderflower cordial and An Dúlamán topped up with soda water is a tasty alternative. Classic gin cocktails are a must try with An Dúlamán – our own favourite is the Negroni, the soft earthy tones of An Dúlamán stand up to the bitterness of Campari, and of course it makes a mighty martini, with a good splash of vermouth.

sliabhliagdistillers.com