The apropos rule of alcohol-free dessert pairings is: No Rules. The concept of rule implies a way to do something in a prescribed procedure; whereas eating and drinking are some of the most subjective experiences people can relish to their core—so, as long as the experience is enjoyable, it can in no way be wrong.
That said, there are some general principles that many find useful, especially if you’re just starting out and exploring what your preferences are. The most helpful principle is of matching intensity: lightly flavoured and textured food usually pairs well with similarly light drinks; there are certain elements of wine, sugar, acid, fruit, tannins, and alcohol and there are also flavour components of food there are fat, acid, salt, sweet, bitter, and texture. So, when we think about pairing, we need to think about how these flavour elements are going to work together. Let's talk about some of the basic rules of pairing.
- Thomson & Scott Noughty Organic Sparkling Chardonnay (or Rosé ) with Fruity Desserts
Flavour: Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay is a celebration in itself: layers of complexity emerge on the palate as the wine reveals crisp ripe apple flavours that are perfectly balanced with a delicate minerality that provides depth. This is an experience that revels a harmonious blend of fruit and acidity. Unlike other non-alcoholic sparkling wines, this one is joyously dry and crisp too.
Pairing: Fruity Desserts (lemon tart, panna cotta), Fruit salad. Serve this sparkling wine alongside light, fruity desserts like lemon tart, panna cotta, or a mixed fruit salad.
If a touch of sweetness in the wine is more your thing. Why not try Noughty organic sparkling Rosé nstead? This alcohol-free sparkling wine certainly sings with salted and spicy nibbles as well as complementing Asian food and a wide variety of dishes for those choosing something elegant mollusk dish such as kalamarakia tiganita, without alcohol.
Vegan Suggestion: Beans and Peas, Herbs. A well-balanced vegan diet can be healthy for people at all stages of life. Noughty sparkling chardonnay is absent from animal components and it suits effortlessly with beans and peas, such as lentils, navy, pinto, and chickpeas curry. Furthermore, Noughty sparkling chardonnay is a good pick for herb-flavoured foods - including desserts!
- Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge with Chocolate mousse
Flavour: Deep ruby red in colour, gluten free Noughty Rouge is a beautifully well-balanced red wine with hints of candied cherries, crushed black pepper, dried rose petals, and luscious red fruit combined with French oak tannins. Great alternative to any elegant alcoholic red wine.
Pairing: Tiramisu, Chocolate mousse. The sweet taste of ripe fruits in this wine is a perfect combination for tiramisu and chocolate museum.
Vegan: Alliums, Nightshades, and Funghi. Noughty Rouge is free from any animal products. It goes gracefully with any dish that has main ingredients such as alliums, nightshades, and funghi.
- Wilfred's Spritz with Peach Cheesecake or Chocolate cake
Flavour: Bitter Orange. Rosemary. Rhubarb. Made from a carefully blended mixture of exclusively natural herbs, this combination has a hint of rhubarb, zesty bitter orange, and aromatic rosemary. Wilfred Spritz is very popular for after dinner when you're not in the mood for something sweet. Wilfred’s Aperitif pairs impeccably with tonic to create the perfect nonalcoholic spritz.
Pairing: Passionfruit, Peach cheesecake, and Lemon tart. The citrusy bittersweet test combines accordingly with lemon, passionfruit, or peach cake. It has a bit of everything that makes you feel euphoric bliss.
Vegan: Green vegetables, Beans and peas, Herbs. If you are a vegan and looking for something healthy, not so sugary with the meal, Wilfred's Spritz is to quench your thirst.
- Pentire Adrift with Summer berry trifle
Flavour: A botanical distilled beverage free of alcohol and sugar, Pentire Adrift is created from unique plants found along the coast of North Cornwall. The key botanicals that give this drink its distinct flavour include Rock Samphire, Sage, Pentire plant mix, Citrus, and Cornish Sea salt.
Pairing: Summer berry trifle, Lemon tart, and Chocolate mousse. Pentire Adrift pairs well with light meals with uplifting flavoursome desserts namely summer berry trifle or chocolate mousse.
Vegan: Herbs, Olive, Nuts & Seeds. Combine Pentire Adrift with cucumber slices for a light and refreshing drink. Such a healthy combination takes you into the sea of freshness with just a sip. An ambrosia among beverages.
- Wild Eve with Lemon bars
Flavour: Wild Eve has a deep red-pink color with a hint of orange, and is similar to a top-shelf cocktail infusion. Opening with citrus brightness, moving into a floral, tannin-rich body with notes of camomile, rose, and honeysuckle. It has a full-bodied flavour. Top with alcohol-free bubbles like the delicious REAL Drinks Dry Dragon.
Pairing: Lemon bars and Summer berry trifle. A hit of briny sugar kelp makes it a pick with dessert. Wild Eve, is a unique addition to the alcohol-free drinks and offers an engaging drinking experience.
Vegan: Herbs, Nuts and Seeds. When you are in the countryside in nature, the serenity of Wild Eve pairs seamlessly with the aroma of roasted nuts and seeds.
- Feragaia with non-alcoholic Limoncello-Ricotta Cheesecake
Flavour: The well-balanced flavours of Feragaia evolve with every sip. It begins with the well-known citrus notes of lemon verbena, kaffir lime, and blackcurrant leaf. A drawn-out herbaceous body with a delicate touch of pink peppercorn, chamomile, and serrated wrack. This takes you all the way to a light smoky ecstasy.
Pairing: Non-alcoholic Limoncello-Ricotta Cheesecake, Lemon tart. The earthy taste of Feragaia accompanied by the citrusy touch of Limoncello-Ricotta Cheesecake gives a stroke to the core of an individual. These two together remind you of your native land.
Vegan: Alliums, Nuts & seeds, Beans & peas. if you have earthier food like mushrooms, roasted nuts, seeds, beans, and peas. If rowing your boat out somewhere in between land & lake, botanicals with Feragaia are quite a special shoot!
Here, I’ve put together a small collection of drinks that are my non-alcoholic pairing go-tos. If you are just getting started you will find this tried-and-tested practice to be extra helpful as you get more familiar with different nonalcoholic options.
Remember the no-rules rule: the beauty of alcohol-free pairings lies in the endless possibilities. Whether you're craving something sweet or savoury, light or indulgent, there's a perfect match waiting to be discovered. So, let your taste buds be your guide as you embark on this culinary adventure.
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