It's a Match: 11 Food and Drink Pairings You Have to Try

Get ready to find the perfect food and drink pairings for your next get-together or hosted dinner. If you're not a chef, creating a delicious pairing may not always be easy, as the winning prize lies in combining a range of flavors and balancing the intensity of the dish and the drink. However, once you get it right, the result is a revelation for your taste buds — and an unforgettable experience that will make you the most talked about host in town.

So, prepare to explore 11 sensational snacks and alcohol combinations that will tantalize your palate, broaden your gastronomic horizons and take your senses on a journey like never before.

1. Cheese Board and Pinot Noir

Looking to elevate the flavors of your cheese board? Do it with the versatile pinot noir, whether it's for a cocktail party or a leisurely weekend afternoon. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the creaminess of soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, while its red fruit notes complement the nutty flavors of hard cheeses, like Gruyère or Comte. For blue cheeses, pinot noir's earthy undertones provide a counterpoint to the cheese's tangy, robust taste.

2. Charcuterie and Red Zinfandel

A well-crafted charcuterie board is a feast for the senses. When paired with a bold red zinfandel, with its jammy fruit character and peppery notes, it's pure harmony. This wine's complexity and full body can stand up to the rich, salty and spicy flavors of the charcuterie, making it a great match for a weekend brunch or a cozy evening at home.

3. Truffle Fries and Champagne

With their heady, earthy aroma, truffle fries are a luxuriously indulgent snack that pairs beautifully with the effervescence and elegance of Champagne. The wine's crisp acidity cuts through the fries' richness, creating a delightful contrast. This is a pairing fit for a glamorous party or a special treat-yourself moment.

4. Salted Pretzels and Lager

In the world of salty snacks, few can top the classic pretzel. Pair these crunchy delights with a crisp, clean lager, and you've got an unbeatable match. The malty sweetness of lager tames the saltiness of the pretzels, making for a delightful contrast of snacks and alcohol that's perfect for a game night or a casual gathering with friends.

5. Shrimp Cocktail and Champagne

The refreshing effervescence and delicate citrus notes of Champagne make it a classic pairing for seafood, and shrimp cocktail is on top of the list. The sparkling wine's crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the shrimp, while its fine bubbles enhance the cocktail's texture. It's an ideal choice for celebratory occasions or elegant dinner parties.

6. Buffalo Wings and IPA

With their hot, vinegary sauce, buffalo wings are a great match for the hoppy flavors of an IPA. The beer's bitterness helps to tame the wings' spiciness, while its citrus notes mingle well with the tangy sauce. It's a casual yet flavorful pairing for a Super Bowl party or a weekend barbecue.

7. Smoked Salmon and Vodka Martini

The silky, smoky flavors of smoked salmon have an elegant partner in a crisp vodka martini. The cocktail's clean, smooth taste lets the salmon's flavors shine, while its bracing chill complements the fish's oily texture. This pairing is ideal for a sophisticated cocktail party or a gourmet picnic.

8. Sushi and Sake

The delicate, savory notes of sushi find a harmonious partner in sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine. Its clean, umami taste complements the sushi's flavors without overpowering them. This pairing is perfect for a refined dining experience or an Asian-themed dinner party.

9. Loaded Nachos and Tequila-Based Cocktails

With their layers of melted cheese, beans, guacamole and salsa, nachos deserve a drink that's just as festive and full-bodied. Enter tequila-based cocktails. The vibrant spirit enlivens the palate, cutting through the richness of the nachos and adding a touch of festivity. This snack and alcohol pairing is fit for a night of revelry or a fun get-together with friends.

10. Mini Sliders and Stout Beer

Mini sliders make a delicious pairing with a stout beer's rich, malty notes. The beer's sweetness complements the caramelized onions on the sliders. At the same time, its roasted undertones add depth to the dish's beefy flavors. This match-up is great for a casual cookout or a hearty snack during a cold winter night.

11. Pork Sausages and Hard Cider

The alliance of pork sausages and hard cider is an all-time favorite in food and drink pairings. The crisp, fruity notes and gentle sweetness of hard cider offset pork sausages' rich, savory flavor. The cider's effervescence and subtle acidity deftly cut through the richness of the sausage, making the duo perfect for a barbecue or a cozy evening.

With these flavor-packed food and drink pairings, you've covered the gamut from the casual to the elegant, the subtle to the robust, and the comforting to pure luxury. So, whether you're hosting a lively gathering or relishing a quiet evening, get ready to mix it up and savor the culinary journey. Bon appétit!