Wine and food pairings are a social staple, but what about other alcohol? Like wine, each variety of alcohol comes with distinct flavors that can elevate the dining experience when paired with the right food. When the night calls for whiskey, we’ve got you covered. Whether you enjoy the burn and drink it neat, or sip it on the rocks, here are seven excellent whiskey and vegan food pairings for when wine just won’t do.
7 Vegan Recipes Perfect for Whiskey Pairing (When Wine Won’t Do)
1. Artisanal Vegan Cheese and Lagavulin Scotch
Strong malts go extremely well with the smokey, slightly sweet, and somewhat funky taste of vegan cheese. Opt for a selection of smoked vegan gouda or a sharp hard-rind variety, such as Miyoko’s Kitchen Smoked Farmhouse or Violife’s Just Like Blue Cheese. Pair with Lagavulin Scotch.
2. Highland Harvest Organic Single Malt and Vegan Bahn Mi
Wash your sandwich down with a few sips of this organic spirit. Bahn mi with caramelized tofu, spicy pickled jalapeno, and fresh vegetables are surprisingly complimentary to this young beverage. The refreshing notes of this malt balance out the sweet heat of the bahn mi, making for a unique yet delicious pairing.
Find a recipe here.
3. Elijah Craig 18-Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon and Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
The powerful “smoke and oak” flavor profile of this Elijah Craig bourbon compliment the slightly charred flavors of grilled, meaty vegetables. For a sophisticated date night in, try these grilled portobello mushroom steaks with avocado chimichurri sauce. Serve with some charred broccoli or maple-roasted carrots for a steakhouse-inspired vegan meal.
Get the recipe here.
4. Dark Orange Chocolate and Benromach Single Malt Whiskey
This 10-year-old Benromach is known for its distinct citrus notes, which make it the perfect partner for a bar of orange-infused dark chocolate. No matter what life has thrown at you, it’s sure to be a good night with a bit of whiskey and a whole bar of chocolate.
Try Theo Chocolate’s Organic Fair Trad Orange in 70% Dark.
5. Ardbeg Scotch and Vegan Sushi
The Ardbeg brand has salty and slightly briny accents in addition to its full-bodied flavor. The beverage has just a hint of the sea, which is elevated when paired with vegan sushi or a seaweed salad. Check out this vegan sushi roundup for how to recipes on everything from plant-based nigiri to vegan California rolls.
Get the recipe here.
6. Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch and Vegan Pumpkin Pie
You could save this one for fall… or use it as an excuse to whip up a spring pumpkin pie. After all, canned pumpkin is sold year-round. The warm vanilla and sweet spice notes of this scotch make it the perfect pumpkin pairing. Treat yourself to this combination on a gloomy April showers day for that warm fuzzy fall feeling.
Get the recipe here.
7. Tyrconnell 10-Year-Old Single Malt Madeira Irish Whiskey and Crème Brûlée
Compared to some, this whiskey is fairly mellow. The mild taste goes well with a simple yet luscious vegan crème brûlée. We chose one with a few warm spices to it to further enhance the gentle warmth of this spirit.
Get the recipe here.
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