Your Guide to Delicious Brightside Pairings

Welcome to our guide for creating perfect food and drink pairings! Exploring these combinations can elevate your dining experience and unlock new flavors. While personal preference always reigns supreme, here are some classic and exciting pairings to get you started:

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Wine Pairings

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Light & Crisp White Wines (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Dry Riesling)
Food Suggestions:

• Salads with vinaigrette
• Light seafood like grilled shrimp or flaky white fish
• Goat cheese and fresh herbs
• Spicy Asian cuisine (the slight sweetness of Riesling can be wonderful here!)

Rich White Wines (e.g., Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc)
Food Suggestions:

• Creamy pasta dishes
• Roasted chicken or pork
• Lobster and other richer shellfish
• Buttery sauces

Light-Bodied Red Wines (e.g., Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Rhone Blends)
Food Suggestions:

• Roasted poultry and game birds
• Earthy mushrooms
• Salmon or tuna
• Light-bodied pasta sauces

Medium-Bodied Red Wines (e.g., Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese)
Food Suggestions:

• Grilled or roasted red meats (beef, lamb)
• Tomato-based pasta sauces
• Hard cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère
• Pizza

Full-Bodied Red Wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec)
Food Suggestions:

• Rich, fatty cuts of beef (steak, ribs)
• Game meats like venison
• Hearty stews
• Dark chocolate

Rosé Wines (Dry)
Food Suggestions:

• Grilled vegetables
• Charcuterie boards
• Mediterranean cuisine
• Light summer fare

Sweet Wines (e.g., Sauternes, Moscato d’Asti, Gewurtztraminer)
Food Suggestions:

• Fruit tarts and pies
• Blue cheese
• Chocolate desserts
• Foie gras

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Beer Pairings

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Light Lagers & Pilsners
Food Suggestions:

• Salads
• Light seafood
• Spicy dishes (the crispness cuts through the heat)
• Salty crispy snacks (pretzels are a classic)
• Mild cheeses

Wheat Beers (e.g., Hefeweizen, Witbier)
Food Suggestions:

• Salads with citrus dressings
• Seafood with lemon
• Spicy Thai or Vietnamese food
• Fruity desserts

Pale Ales & IPAs
Food Suggestions:

• Grilled burgers and sausages
• Spicy Mexican or Indian food (the bitterness can complement the spice)
• Strong cheeses
• Fried foods

Stouts & Porters
Food Suggestions:

• Grilled or smoked meats
• Chocolate desserts
• Rich stews

Sour Beers
Food Suggestions:

• Goat cheese
• Salads with vinaigrette
• Charcuterie
• Fruity desserts

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Spirit Pairings

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Gin
Food Suggestions:

• Smoked salmon
• Cured meats
• Herb-focused dishes
• Strong cheeses

Vodka
Food Suggestions:

• Caviar
• Lightly flavored fish
• Clean and simple dishes
• Can be a neutral base alongside many cuisines
• Oysters on the half shell

Rum
Food Suggestions:

• Tropical fruits
• Grilled pineapple
• Spicy Caribbean cuisine
• Caramel desserts

Tequila
Food Suggestions:

• Mexican cuisine (tacos, guacamole)
• Citrus-marinated dishes
• Spicy foods
• Grilled shrimp or fish

Whiskey (Bourbon, Rye, Scotch)
Food Suggestions:

• Grilled or smoked meats
• Rich cheeses
• Dark chocolate
• Caramel or toffee desserts