This week has seen the Pickle chefs team up with our favourite drinks mixologist, the lovely Richard Maxted from Mix and Muddle, to create some wonderful canapé and cocktail menus for you to enjoy.
So often a delightful bite can be spoilt by the accompaniment of the wrong beverage, and vice versa! So Richard has helped us to come up with some complimentary cocktails that perfectly match our canapés to get your taste buds singing in perfect harmony.
Hot Spices:
Tandoori chicken served on a popadum with a cucumber and yoghurt dip
Asian style mackerel fish cakes with a chilli dipping sauce
Chilli and ginger prawns with a spicy crème frâiche
Richard says, 'Spicy food is perfect for an accompanying cocktail. With the food being punchy and memorable, the cocktail needs a combination of sweetness and tartness to marry with the spice. A simple but affective Strawberry Margarita does this beautifully.'
Suggested Cocktail: Strawberry 'Milk-Bottle' Margarita
Jose Cuervo Especial Tequilla, Triple Sec, lime juice, strawberry syrup or purée served in a mini milk bottle glass
Fish with Citrus:
Smoked salmon blinis with lemon and crème frâiche
Lime marinated sea bass cerviche with mango salsa
Smoked trout on toasted walnut bread with parsley-caper salsa
Richard says, 'The floral, slightly sweet tones in Lavender work really well alongside citrus foods. A simple Lavender Martini can be supplemented beautifully by a light and fresh orange foam.'
Suggested Cocktail: Ladies in Lavender (Lavender Martini with Orange Foam)
MARTINI, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Dry Vermouth, lavender syrup, Orange Bitters served in a straight glass with a foam of Cointreau, egg white, sugar syrup, Orange Bitters
Red Meats:
Fillet of venison on a parsnip and potato rosti and a red currant compote
Rare Aberdeen Angus beef on a mini Yorkshire pudding with horseradish cream
Organic pork sausages with a honey and mustard aioli
Richard says, 'Ale cocktails used to be quite popular in certain parts of the UK. Cognac and ale is a relatively new, inspirational pairing that brings woody tones together with hops and barley. Add to this a flair of lemon and a twist of ginger and you get an earthy punch perfect for meats.'
Suggested Cocktail: British Bumpkin
British Ale, Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, lemon juice, ginger syrup served in a stainless steel cup
Sweet Stuff:
White and dark chocolate brownies
Sticky orange cake with Greek yoghurt and pomegranate seeds
Lemon polenta cake
Richard says, 'This slight alternative on the classic Espresso Martini introduces Frangelico, a hazelnut liqueur. This acts to bring out the nuttiness of the coffee and give it a boost alongside these beautiful canapés.'
Suggested Cocktail: Espresso Martini Nightcap
Vodka, Frangelico, Kahlua, Espresso, honey in an espresso cup
Mix & Muddle is a bespoke cocktail barman service, set-up by mixologist Richard Maxted, for small-scale private events and parties. To contact Richard visit http://www.mixandmuddle.com