Savor the Flavor: New Orleans-Inspired Food and Drink Pairings

The bold and spicy flavors of Jambalaya find a perfect match in the Sazerac, a classic New Orleans cocktail. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters provides a robust counterpart to the melting pot of flavors from this hearty rice dish.

Sazerac Cocktail Recipe:

1 1/2 oz Rye whiskey

1/4 oz Absinthe

One sugar cube

Three dashes Bitters

Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with the absinthe, and add crushed ice. Stir the remaining ingredients over ice. Discard the ice and any excess absinthe from the prepared glass, and strain the drink into the glass. Add the Lemon peel for garnish.

The beer’s refreshing qualities help balance the richness of the traditional po’boy sandwich, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Consider trying the Cowboy Poet American Lager by Archetype Brewing.

The light and citrusy French 75, made with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup, provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, tomato-based goodness of Crawfish Étouffée.

French 75 Cocktail Recipe: 

2 oz gin

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)

Champagne or sparkling wine

Lemon twist, for garnish

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake the ingredients well to chill the mixture. Strain the shaken mixture into a chilled champagne flute or a coupe glass. Top off the glass with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish the cocktail with a twist of lemon peel.

The beignets’ sweetness and the slight bitterness of chicory coffee make for a classic New Orleans dessert pairing. The coffee’s bold flavor cuts through the sugary goodness of the beignets, creating a harmonious finale to your meal.

Consider spiking your coffee with the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream.