Fries and Drinks: Unlikely Pairings You Must Try

If you love fries, wait until you pair them with these drinks! Dive into my favorite combos that will surprise your taste buds!

The Unexpected Joy of Fries

When it comes to food, fries have undoubtedly secured their place in our hearts. But what if I told you that pairing fries with the right drink can elevate this beloved snack to an entirely new level? Enter the trend that’s been sweeping across bars from New York City to London: cocktails and fries! This combination, dubbed the ‘New York Happy Meal,’ has taken off like wildfire, but there’s a treasure trove of delightful drink pairings waiting for you beyond just Martinis.

Imagine sitting at a chic bar in NYC, crispy fries on your plate, and a perfectly mixed Martini in hand. The salty crunch of the fries paired with the crispness of a dry Martini creates an experience that’s both sophisticated and approachable. As Flavio Carvalho, bar manager at Covent Garden Hotel, puts it, "A dry Martini is one of the most consumed cocktails globally. Now add fries into the mix – you have a foolproof combination!"

Exploring Drink Pairings Beyond Cocktails

While Martinis may be stealing the spotlight currently, let’s not forget about other incredible options. For instance, sake is an often-overlooked gem that pairs beautifully with fries. Erika Haigh, a seasoned sake educator, passionately shares that “dryness plus saltiness is a match made in heaven.” Her pick? The Ultra Dry Junmai sake from Yonetsuru Brewery. Served chilled in a wine glass, this sake enhances the rich flavors of fries while maintaining a clean finish.

I remember the first time I tried this combo; I was skeptical but curious. As soon as I took that first sip alongside my thick-cut potato wedges, I was hooked! The minerality and cereal tones of the sake harmonized perfectly with each bite.

Bubbles and Chips: A French Connection

What could be more quintessential than enjoying Champagne with your fries? Giuseppe D’Aniello, head sommelier at Edition Hotels recommends GH Mumm Champagne’s RSRV Cuvée 4.5 as the ultimate pairing for those who appreciate bubbles. The acidity of Champagne cuts through the oily sensation of the fries beautifully.

Imagine hosting friends for a dinner party and serving gourmet truffle fries alongside flutes of this exquisite Champagne; it’s sure to impress! Trust me; there’s something magical about watching your friends’ eyes widen as they experience this delightful pairing for the first time.

Beer: The Classic Companion

Now let’s talk about another classic – beer! On those chilly Sunday afternoons when you’re cozied up in your local pub surrounded by friends and laughter, nothing pairs better with freshly cooked chips than a light brown beer. Jane Peyton, an accredited beer sommelier, suggests Vienna Lager or Brown Ale as excellent choices.

Here’s where it gets interesting: when these beers meet our crispy friends during cooking (thanks to something called the Maillard Reaction), they create complementary flavors that make each bite utterly satisfying. Who hasn’t craved those salty chips after one too many pints?

What’s Next for Pairing Trends?

As we explore these exciting pairings today, it begs the question—what’s next? According to Carvalho at Covent Garden Hotel, we might see an Espresso Martini paired with ice cream emerging as the next big thing this summer. Can you imagine indulging in creamy ice cream after enjoying a coffee-flavored cocktail? It sounds like bliss!

So whether you’re indulging in trendy Martinis or exploring unexpected beverages like sake or Champagne with your fries, don’t hesitate to experiment. Each pairing tells its own story—one worth sharing over good food and great company.

Photo by igor constantino on Unsplash