Skip to content
Hello and welcome to A Curious Pair!
While we’re confident that Curious Elixirs are delicious on their own, we also think they play pretty nicely with a good meal. But, with their bold flavors, you want to make sure your bev of choice isn’t going to clash with your food. Have no fear—we’re swooping to the rescue with a series of blogs that will help you pair your favorite Curious Elixirs with some truly scrumptious dishes. Let’s dive in so we can eat up!
Curious Elixir No. 1 is a play on a Negroni, full of bitter citrus notes riding on a base of pomegranate. Because this drink is packed with strong flavors, we recommend enjoying it alongside a dish that can hold its own. Since this is our first installment in this series, we thought we’d open with an appetizer—and what could go better with the sweet and bitter citrus of No. 1 than a well-curated charcuterie board?
The beauty of a charcuterie board is that it’s super customizable. Though the name implies a plate covered with meat, you can really craft this appetizer to fit any dietary preference. Meats and cheeses are a great start, but the secret to a truly transcendent charcuterie board lies in its range of textures and flavors. Slices of smoky prosciutto and wedges of sharp parm or cheddar deliver salty goodness, but their soft and creamy textures have to be balanced out. Make sure to compensate by introducing a variety of crackers, nuts, and even fruit (pomegranate seeds, anyone?). These elements can also be accompanied by spreads such as jam or honey. They say variety is the spice of life, but we’d like to add that it’s also the spice of charcuterie boards.
This medley of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy will give you plenty of snacking options while you enjoy your cool glass of No. 1. The drink’s underlying bitterness will be complemented by the sharp cheeses, which will in turn be mellowed out by the sweet jams. What a harmonious combo!
If you’re looking for a full meal to accompany your drink instead of an app, consider these delish alternatives:
- Margherita pizza: This dish introduces acidic marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and floral basil to the party. These classic Mediterranean flavors get along great with the sweet pomegranate and zingy citrus notes of No. 1, while still keeping everything light.
- Contrarily, a luxurious mac and cheese brings a welcome richness to the bold No. 1 flavor profile. Consider mixing in some bacon and/or adding breadcrumbs on top to pack in an extra punch of savory texture. If you’re feeling really wild, you can throw in a little bleu cheese along with the more traditional mac and cheese ingredients. Its funkiness will play well with the fruity No. 1.
- Feeling fancy? Go the whole nine yards with a wheel of baked brie in a pastry crust. Top it off with some slices of warm poached pear and a drizzle of truffle honey. The flakey pastry, smooth cheese, and full-bodied honey will give your taste buds a rich, sweet walloping, keeping you coming back for refreshing sips of No. 1. Heavenly!
Let us know if you try any of these meal pairings. We’re always Curious to hear your thoughts. Until next time, cheers and bon appétit!
