Did you know that the botanicals in your gin glass are often the same ones used in your favorite curry or sushi? Instead of reaching for a beer out of habit, discover how quality craft gin complements spices and umami, offering a completely new flavor experience.
Why do gin and Asian cuisine go so well together?
The secret to the harmony between gin and Asian food lies in the overlap of ingredients. Gin is essentially a flavored spirit with juniper as its backbone, but it is often complemented by coriander, ginger, citrus, and peppers. These are the same components that set the tone in Thai, Indian, Japanese, and Vietnamese kitchens.
Gin botanicals create a bridge between the drink and the food. Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai has noted that gin has so many different flavor profiles that it is extremely versatile when paired with food. The botanicals mesh perfectly with the spices used in Indian cuisine, creating a comprehensive flavor bouquet that other drinks rarely offer.
Practical recommendations for choosing a gin
To ensure a perfect taste experience, you must consider the dominant nuances of the food – is it fatty, spicy, or sour? The right choice of gin helps highlight the food’s flavors rather than competing with them.
Sushi and seafood
With fatty fish, like salmon, or tempura, you need a drink capable of cleansing the palate. Gin’s citrus notes are a great match for seafood and sushi, as they add freshness similar to white wine but offer significantly more aromatics. Our Summer Edition Gin, with its fresh and sunny notes, is the ideal choice for this.
Spicy curries and Thai food
When the menu features a fiery green curry or Indian *tikka masala*, the food needs a companion that won’t get lost in the whirlwind of flavors. The natural freshness of gin helps balance the spiciness, but stronger flavors also require stronger alcohol or a clearer juniper and pepper profile. In such situations, the best choice is our award-winning Navy Strength Gin or the classically juniper-forward Blended Dry Gin.
Pad Thai and sweet-and-sour dishes
Dishes playing on the border of sweet and savory, like Pad Thai or dishes with teriyaki sauce, pair well with gins containing cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom. Surprisingly, berry-infused gins also work well here, adding fruity depth to the food. We recommend trying Rhubarb Edition Gin alongside these dishes; its rhubarb acidity and slight honeyed note create a wonderful contrast with Asian sauces.
Cocktail recommendations to go with Asian food
You don’t always have to drink neat gin or a strong martini with Asian food. Often, the best choice is a *highball*-style long drink that quenches thirst and soothes the heat of chili.
Classic G&T with an Asian “twist”
The easiest way to bring Asian flavors into your glass is to tune your gin cocktail with corresponding garnishes. Add a slice of fresh ginger for heat, or a stalk of lemongrass to achieve a citrusy aroma. Also, kaffir lime leaves—a staple of Thai cuisine—give the cocktail an intense and perfumed aroma. For spicier foods, it pays to swap regular tonic for ginger beer or a specialty tonic. Ramen and *pho* soups, known for their umami richness, pair best specifically with drinks containing ginger notes.
Serving tips
Arvin Tucker, owner of Chufang Asian Kitchen and Bar, has emphasized that the keyword in Asian cuisine is balance between delicate flavors, silky noodles, and the spiciness of chili oil. Therefore, the cocktail shouldn’t be too sweet, so as not to overshadow the food’s nuances. Always serve drinks with plenty of ice, as a cold, bubbly drink is the best antidote to spicy food. Use a *copa* glass or a taller *highball* glass, as seen in the how to taste gin guide, to let the aromas truly shine.
Find your favorite flavor
The best way to find your favorite combination is by experimenting with pure base gin and different garnishes. If you wish to experience top-level cocktail art and get inspiration directly from the masters, we welcome you to visit the Junimperium bar in the Telliskivi quarter of Tallinn. Our bar offers a wide selection of drinks created specifically with the unique characteristics of our gins in mind. For home experimentation, you can find everything you need among the gift sets and drinks in our e-shop.