Wine tends to steal the limelight when it comes to food-and-drink matching, says delicious. magazine's wine editor, Susy Atkins, but there are alternatives.
As much as we love wine, there’s a tendency to head for it every time we match drinks with our favourite dishes. Sure, wine is tremendously food-friendly, but what about those other bottles on the shelves? Beer, cider, even soft drinks can make inspiring partners for food, too, so here’s a round-up of some of the best on the shelves this autumn, along with ideas on how to match them to your cooking.
Cider
Cider’s popularity has soared of late, helped by big-brand advertising. But the best ciders are often those made by smaller producers. If you live in a cider-producing area, always buy local.
Dry and medium-dry cider is great with ham, pork and chicken. And never forget the classic Cheddar and cider combo (note that hot cheese and cider works, too).
My favourites include the fruity, full-flavoured and organic Black Fox, made by Dunkertons in Herefordshire (£47.76 for a case of 24; Vintage Roots) and the fine, elegant and dry Polgoon Aval from Penzance in Cornwall (£19.90 plus P&P for two 75cl bottles; Polgoon).
Beers
Never underestimate the ability of beer to work as a food partner. Yeasty wheat beer is terrific with home-made bread, crusty pizzas and pastries. The stronger real ales work with spicy sausages, coarse pork terrines and full-flavoured cheeses, and top-quality, crisp lagers really do make a natural marriage with smoked sausages and bacon.
A rather wicked favourite of mine is cherry- or raspberry-flavoured fruit beer, served cold, with plain chocolate. Try Bacchus Kriekenbier, Belgium (£2.41; Sainsbury’s), which has a cherry tang, and Kasteel Cru Rosé from Alsace in France (£1.79; Morrisons), a more delicate brew with a hint of elderflower.
Soft drinks
Plain orange juice is a boring offer for teetotal guests. To fire them up, try a grown-up, peppery-hot ginger beer from Fentimans (£1.10; widely available). It’s great for cold evenings and works well with spicy chicken. Lemongrass and ginger cordials are a wow with Thai dishes.
M&S Traditional Lemonade (£1.45) is another good buy, with intense lemony flavour and a funky retro label. And don’t miss the fabulous Pixley Berries blackcurrant cordials. My favourite is the Blackcurrant & Cox’s Apple (£3.19; Waitrose), which has an autumnal purple glow. Watch kids and adults lap it up.