When we talk about the word “pairing,” the combination of food and wine quickly comes to mind. However, there are other types of pairings that are becoming very popular today.
Tequila pairing, for example, is one of them, and in fact, the tequila industry is gaining a lot of importance worldwide. So much so that tequila is no longer just known as the king of shots; it is also used to make delicious cocktails, dishes and complete pairings.
What is tequila pairing?
Now, what is pairing? What does tequila pairing consist of? Pairing is the process of matching food with the drink that best “matches” it, meaning the one that complements it the best. The ultimate goal of pairing is to create new sensations, both when sipping the drink and when tasting a bite of the dish. The perfect pairing enhances both the food and the selected drink.
In the case of tequila pairing, as the name suggests, it is done with this drink. Foods are chosen that pair well with the intense flavour of tequila, so that it ultimately adds a subtle, even delicate touch—something very characteristic, but difficult to achieve if not done correctly.
What types of tequila pairing can we talk about?
We can distil it to two types of tequila pairing: affinity pairing and contrast pairing:
Affinity Pairing
We speak of affinity pairing, when the notes of the drink and the notes of the food complement each other, meaning they are similar. This means that if, for example, we select a tequila with citrus notes, the selected foods, or at least some of them, should also have those same citrus notes to create the perfect combination.
Contrast Pairing
In contrast pairing, as the name suggests, different flavours and notes are sought in both the drink and the food. This means that if we select a tequila with citrus notes, for example, we will look for foods with sweet or salty notes. This would create a very interesting contrast for the palate.
How to achieve a good tequila pairing?
To successfully pair tequila, it is essential to know the different types of tequila to match them based on their specific characteristics.
Pairing with Blanco Tequila
Due to its direct bottling after distillation, the result is a “base” drink of the brand. For instance, a blanco with a light potency and subtle notes of spices and almonds, could be matched with citrus flavours, or fresh seafood dishes, such as ceviche.
Pairing with Reposado Tequila
This type of tequila is more complex than a blanco. It is usually aged in barrels for between two to several months, which imparts a range of notes such as smokiness, wood, or fruity flavours. It is typically served with meats or stronger dishes.
Pairing with Añejo Tequila
Aged for more than 12 months, but never more than three years, añejo tequila offers a sweeter flavour, making it a perfect match for desserts.
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