Seafood Dishes That Go Well With Certain Drinks

Finding the right drink to pair with your seafood meal can really enhance the flavors. When dining at your local seafood restaurant, consider matching lighter seafood dishes with crisp white wines while going for bolder reds with strongly flavored catches. Follow this simple guide on which beverages complement popular menu items best.

Complement Light Seafood with Crisp Whites

If you order gentle tasting options at a seafood restaurant, like sole or tilapia, choose a wine that won’t overpower the delicate notes. Opt for a crisp sauvignon blanc that will highlight the light flavors with its bright citrus and grassy profile. The tartness cuts through any mild fish while letting its gentle taste shine. For shellfish like shrimp and scallops, a dry Italian pinot grigio adds enough acidity to balance the sweetness.

Match Rich Seafood with Weighty Reds

Are you craving a more robust seafood dish like salmon or tuna? Give it a worthy liquid counterpart by pairing it with a fuller-bodied red wine like a cabernet sauvignon or malbec. The oak vanilla undertones and dark berry flavors stand up to oilier fish. Just as a ribeye calls for a heartier glass, so too do these fattier catches. For briny oysters and mussels, nothing beats a fruit-forward Beaujolais red. Its combination of lightness and depth is perfect with their saline taste.

Mix Up Cocktails for Seafood Tacos and Ceviche

When sitting down to lighter Latin seafood dishes like ceviche and tacos, forgo wine for a zesty cocktail instead. The acidity of a pisco sour plays off the lime juices often found in the marinades and salsas. And an icy margarita blends smoothly with the Tex-Mex flavors found in tacos with its balance of sweet and salty. According to The Spirits Business, in 2022, the margarita topped the Google search list in 30 countries, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Germany, Japan, and Vietnam. Just be careful not to overwhelm the seafood with an overly boozy or sugary mixed drink. Keep it light to let the fresh ingredients speak for themselves.

No matter your seafood of choice at the restaurant, the right sip alongside can make all the difference. From crisp whites to smooth cocktails, match strengths and flavors wisely. Then sit back and enjoy the taste of the sea perfectly complemented. If you love seafood, we invite you to make a reservation at our seafood restaurant. Jaguar Restaurant can even help you pair the perfect drink with your meal.