What Drink Goes With Fish? Pairing Aquatic Delights with the Perfect Pour
The best drink pairing for fish depends on the fish’s flavor profile and preparation, but as a general rule, crisp, dry white wines are the ideal complement. However, there are many delicious possibilities beyond white wine when considering what drink goes with fish.
Understanding Fish and Drink Pairings
Matching food and drink is an art, and fish is no exception. The delicate flavors and textures of seafood require careful consideration when choosing a beverage. The right pairing enhances the dining experience, while a poor choice can overpower or clash with the dish.
The Golden Rule: Matching Intensity
The most fundamental principle is to match the intensity of the drink with the intensity of the fish.
- Light and flaky fish: Pair with lighter-bodied wines or refreshing cocktails.
- Rich and oily fish: Pair with wines that have more acidity and structure to cut through the richness.
- Spicy fish dishes: Consider wines with a touch of sweetness or off-dry styles to balance the heat.
Wine: The Classic Choice
Wine remains the most popular and arguably the most versatile choice for pairing with fish.
- White Wines:
- Light and Crisp: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño. These are excellent choices for delicate white fish like cod, flounder, and sole.
- Medium-bodied: Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked), Vermentino. These pair well with richer fish like halibut, sea bass, and trout.
- Aromatic: Gewürztraminer, Riesling. These can complement spicy or aromatic fish dishes like Thai-inspired salmon or blackened catfish.
- Rosé Wines: Dry rosés, particularly those from Provence, can be surprisingly versatile with fish, especially grilled or pan-fried varieties.
- Red Wines: While generally avoided, lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can work with certain oily fish like salmon or tuna, especially if prepared with richer sauces or grilled over smoky flames.
Beyond Wine: Exploring Other Options
Don’t limit yourself to just wine. A variety of other drinks can complement fish beautifully.
- Beer:
- Light Lagers and Pilsners: These are great with fried fish, seafood boils, and lighter preparations.
- Wheat Beers (Hefeweizen): These offer a refreshing citrusy note that pairs well with citrus-marinated fish or seafood salads.
- IPAs: The bitterness of an IPA can cut through the richness of oily fish or spicy preparations. However, choose carefully, as some IPAs can be overpowering.
- Cocktails:
- Gin & Tonic: The botanical notes of gin and the bitterness of tonic make a refreshing accompaniment to many types of fish.
- Margarita: The citrus and saltiness of a margarita pair well with grilled fish tacos or ceviche.
- Dry Martini: A classic martini can be surprisingly good with oysters or other shellfish.
- Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Sparkling Water with Lemon or Lime: A simple and refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea can provide a subtle counterpoint to the flavors of the fish.
- Herbal Infusions: Certain herbal infusions, like mint or lemon verbena, can enhance the flavors of the dish.
The Impact of Preparation
The way the fish is prepared dramatically affects the best drink pairing.
- Fried Fish: The richness of fried fish calls for a high-acidity drink to cut through the grease. Light lagers, crisp white wines, or even a dry sparkling wine work well.
- Grilled Fish: The smoky flavors of grilled fish pair well with slightly richer wines or beers. Consider an oaked Chardonnay or a hoppy IPA.
- Steamed or Poached Fish: These delicate preparations require light and crisp wines or refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water are excellent choices.
- Spicy Fish Dishes: The heat of spicy dishes calls for wines with a touch of sweetness or off-dry styles. Gewürztraminer, Riesling, or a light-bodied rosé can help balance the spice.
What Drink Goes With Fish?: Choosing by Species
| Fish | Preparation | Recommended Drink(s) |
|---|---|---|
| ————— | —————– | ——————————————————- |
| Cod | Fried | Lager, Pilsner, Sparkling Wine |
| Salmon | Grilled | Pinot Noir, Oaked Chardonnay, Dry Rosé |
| Tuna | Seared | Pinot Noir, Dry Rosé, Light-bodied red |
| Shrimp | Grilled | Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Dry Rosé |
| Sea Bass | Pan-Seared | Chardonnay (lightly oaked), Sauvignon Blanc |
| Oysters | Raw | Dry Martini, Champagne, Muscadet |
| Halibut | Baked | Chardonnay (unoaked), Vermentino |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I only drink red wine?
Even though white wine is the classic pairing, lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can work with certain oily fish like salmon or tuna, especially if grilled or prepared with rich sauces. Avoid overly tannic reds, as they can clash with the fish’s delicate flavors.
I’m having sushi. What should I drink?
Sake is a traditional pairing for sushi and sashimi, but crisp, dry white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer can also be excellent choices. Alternatively, a light and refreshing beer like Asahi or Sapporo works well.
What’s the best drink to pair with fish and chips?
The classic pairing is a light and refreshing lager or pilsner. The bubbles and crispness help cut through the grease of the fried fish. Vinegar-based condiments will also affect your choice, so consider how the vinegar interacts with the beverage.
What drink goes with fish tacos?
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo is an excellent choice. The citrus notes in the wine or beer will complement the flavors of the fish tacos, especially if they’re topped with lime or cilantro.
Can I pair sparkling wine with fish?
Absolutely! Dry sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava can be fantastic with fish, especially fried fish, oysters, or other shellfish. The bubbles help cleanse the palate and the acidity cuts through any richness.
What’s a good non-alcoholic option for pairing with fish?
Sparkling water with lemon or lime is a simple and refreshing choice that won’t overpower the flavors of the fish. Unsweetened iced tea or herbal infusions like mint or lemon verbena are also good options.
What should I drink with a spicy fish curry?
An off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer is an excellent choice for spicy fish curry. The slight sweetness in the wine helps balance the heat of the dish. A light-bodied rosé can also work well.
What if I’m serving a fish stew or chowder?
A medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked) or Vermentino is a good choice. The richness of the stew or chowder calls for a wine with a bit more body and structure.
What kind of drink goes with smoked salmon?
Champagne or a dry sparkling wine like Cava is a classic pairing for smoked salmon. The bubbles and acidity help cut through the richness of the salmon. A dry Riesling can also work well.
What’s the best drink for grilled tuna?
Grilled tuna can handle a lighter-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, especially if it’s prepared with richer sauces. A dry rosé or a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay can also be good choices.
I’m serving ceviche. What should I drink?
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican lager is an ideal choice for ceviche. The citrus notes in the wine or beer will complement the acidity of the ceviche. A margarita also pairs very well.
What if I don’t like wine or beer?
Consider a gin and tonic. The botanical notes of gin and the bitterness of tonic make a refreshing accompaniment to many types of fish. You can also experiment with other cocktails or non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with fruit.