Whether it’s a special Valentine’s Day celebration or an intimate date night, the art of selecting the right cocktail to accompany your dinner is a crucial element. Much like a successful partnership, the synergy between a well-prepared meal and a thoughtfully paired drink can make all the difference in creating a truly memorable and delightful dining experience.
We crafted five cocktails using our Bluegrass Distillers products to pair with five killer dinner choices. Whether it is a night out fine dining, something more laid back or you and your partner are just grabbing takeout, we have the perfect cocktails to elevate your experience together.
#1 LOBSTER RAVIOLI & MANHATTAN
We’ve chosen to complement this elevated meal with a delicious Manhattan using our Midway Distilling Company Vermouth Finished Rye Whiskey. The delightful sweetness of the vermouth combined with the robust character of a well-bodied whiskey serves to enhance the nuanced flavors of this dish, creating a harmonious pairing that elevates the overall dining experience.
#2 STEAK & OLD FASHIONED
Indulging in a steak on date night? Nothing says ‘Old Fashioned’ quite like this classic pairing. Order up and savor the timeless delight of a perfectly cooked steak alongside the sophistication of an Old Fashioned cocktail, making your evening a celebration of both culinary tradition and refined taste. For a delightful balance of sweetness to complement your savory dish, we recommend trying our Bluegrass Distillers Toasted Oak Bourbon.
#3 SUSHI & KENTUCKY MULE
Planning on sharing a few rolls this date night? Maybe some sashimi? What better drink to pair with sushi than a Kentucky Mule! Our curation of ginger beer and lime with our Midway Distilling Company Rum Finished Rye Whiskey. With sweet notes of apple, banana, and molasses, this whiskey will pair great with a spicy roll for your spicy date!
#4 CHINESE TAKEOUT & “PERFECT MATCHA”
The best kind of nights are the “nights in” with your special someone. What better way to make staying at home fun like creating a delicious cocktail to pair with your favorite, hidden gem Chinese restaurant. We urge you to get adventurous and curate something new. “The Perfect Matcha” is a cocktail that contains 2 ounces of Midway Distilling Company Sauternes Finished Rye Whiskey, ½ ounce of honey, 1 ounce green tea and 2 dashes of bitters.
#5 TUSCAN CHICKEN & WHISKEY SMASH
There is nothing more romantic than cooking a date night dish together in the privacy of your own kitchen. We found not only a cocktail you will love, but a Tuscan Chicken recipe that is chef’s kiss! As for the cocktail, we chose a Whiskey Smash. Using fresh squeezed lemon juice, 2 ounces of our Bluegrass Distillers Mash Bill #1 Bourbon and muddled mint leaves, this drink is the perfect partner for your creamy and savory home-cooked creation. Keep it casual, keep it fun, and enjoy the flavors of a perfect night in.
As you embark on this culinary journey, we hope our recommended pairings add a dash of flavor and excitement to your date night. Whether you’re savoring the sweetness of our Toasted Oak Bourbon or shaking up a Whiskey Smash to complement a home-cooked Tuscan Chicken, let the shared experience of cooking and enjoying a delicious meal bring you even closer. Cheers to creating lasting memories and flavorful connections, one delightful bite and sip at a time. Here’s to many more delicious date nights to come!
