10 Delicious Cocktails for Your Next Asian Food Adventure

Published on 27 February 2023
10 Delicious Cocktails for Your Next Asian Food Adventure

Of all the culinary delights in the world, Asian cuisine is among the most diverse and flavorful. Whether you're enjoying a bowl of hot and spicy ramen or savoring the delicate flavors of sushi, there's something about the unique blend of spices and ingredients that sets Asian food apart.

To take your dining experience to the next level, consider pairing your meal with a delicious cocktail. In this article, we'll explore ten cocktails that perfectly complement the flavors of Asian cuisine.

Sake Martini

Sake Martini is a great pairing with Asian cuisine. The crisp and clean taste of sake complements the delicate flavors of many Asian dishes, while the addition of vermouth and garnishes in a Sake Martini can add depth and complexity to the cocktail.

A Sake Martini can be a great pairing with Asian dishes with delicate flavors like sushi and sashimi. The lightness and subtle sweetness of sake can complement the subtle flavors of these dishes, while the dryness and complexity of the martini can balance out any richer or spicier components.

Sake Martini cocktail
Sake Martini cocktail

Lychee Martini

Lychee Martini is a popular cocktail to pair with Asian cuisine due to its light and refreshing taste that can balance the bold flavors commonly found in Asian dishes, and the sweetness from the lychee fruit can complement the spice and umami flavors in the food.

The lychee flavor in the martini can complement the sweet and tangy flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine. Additionally, the light and refreshing nature of the cocktail can help balance out spicier dishes. The fruity aroma of the lychee also adds an extra dimension to the dining experience.

Lychee Martini cocktail
Lychee Martini cocktail

Thai Basil Margarita

Thai Basil Margarita can be a great option with Asian food due to the fragrant and herbaceous notes of Thai basil, which can complement the complex flavors of many Asian dishes. The sweetness and tartness of the margarita mix can also balance the spiciness and saltiness of the cuisine, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

The margarita's refreshing and citrusy notes can also help cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Thai Basil Margarita cocktail
Thai Basil Margarita cocktail

Mai Tai

A Mai Tai is a classic Polynesian cocktail made with rum, curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, and while it's not traditionally an Asian cocktail, its tropical flavors can complement many Asian dishes.

The fruity and tropical flavors of the cocktail can complement the bold and spicy flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine, such as Thai or Vietnamese dishes. The sweetness of the Mai Tai can also balance out the heat and spice of these dishes, making it a refreshing and enjoyable pairing.

Mai Tai cocktail
Mai Tai cocktail

Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that can be a great option to pair with Asian dishes. This cocktail was first created in the early 1900s in Singapore and features a blend of gin, cherry brandy, triple sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine.

The fruity and refreshing flavors of the Singapore Sling can complement the spicy and bold flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine, making it a popular choice for pairing with dishes such as stir-fry, noodles, and curries.

Singapore Sling cocktail
Singapore Sling cocktail

Green Tea Sour

Green Tea Sour is a unique and flavorful cocktail that can complement a variety of Asian dishes. The green tea infusion provides a subtle and refreshing flavor that pairs well with the bold and spicy flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine.

The sour component of the cocktail can help balance out rich and fatty dishes, making it a versatile option for a wide range of Asian dishes.

Green Tea Sour cocktail
Green Tea Sour cocktail

Wasabi Bloody Mary

A Wasabi Bloody Mary is a spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail that incorporates wasabi, soy sauce, and other Asian-inspired flavors. The spiciness of the wasabi pairs well with the bold and complex flavors of many Asian dishes, while the tomato juice base can complement the savory flavors commonly found in the cuisine.

The Wasabi Bloody Mary's refreshing and cooling qualities can help balance out spicier dishes.

Wasabi Bloody Mary cocktail
Wasabi Bloody Mary cocktail

Shochu Highball

Shochu Highball is a Japanese cocktail made with shochu, a distilled spirit, and soda water. It is a popular drink in Japan and is often enjoyed with Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, and other seafood dishes. The light and refreshing taste of the highball complements the delicate flavors of Asian dishes without overpowering them.

Shochu has a lower alcohol content than many other spirits, making it a good choice for those looking for a lighter cocktail option.

Shochu Highball cocktail
Shochu Highball cocktail

Korean Soju Cocktail

Korean Soju Cocktail is a blend of Korean Soju, fruit juices, and other ingredients. Soju, a clear distilled spirit made from rice or other grains, is a popular alcoholic beverage in Korea and has a mild taste similar to vodka.

When mixed with various juices and flavors, it creates a delicious and refreshing cocktail that pairs well with spicy, savory, and umami-rich Asian dishes. The light and smooth taste of Soju blends well with the flavors of Asian cuisine, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and authentic pairing experience.

Margarita cocktail
Margarita cocktail

Japanese Whisky Highball

A Japanese Whisky Highball is a simple yet elegant cocktail made with Japanese whisky and soda water over ice, typically served in a tall glass. Its refreshing and delicate taste makes it a great choice to pair with Asian cuisine, particularly sushi and sashimi dishes.

The light and crisp flavor of the cocktail complements the subtle flavors of the seafood, while the whisky adds a slight smokiness and depth to the overall taste.

Margarita cocktail
Margarita cocktail

How to select a cocktail to drink with your Asian dish?

When it comes to selecting a cocktail to pair with your Asian dish, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll want to think about the flavors and ingredients in your dish. Are they spicy, sweet, or savory? Do they have any specific flavors or spices that stand out?

Then, you'll want to consider the characteristics of the cocktail. Does it have similar flavors or ingredients that complement or contrast with the dish? Is it light and refreshing or bold and complex?

By considering these factors, you can choose a cocktail that will enhance the flavors of your Asian dish and make for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

What to drink with your Chinese takeout?

When it comes to pairing cocktails with Chinese takeout, there are several great options to consider. A classic Mai Tai is always a popular choice with its tropical notes, while a Green Tea Sour can add a refreshing and slightly bitter element to your meal.

For something with a little kick, a Wasabi Bloody Mary can complement spicy dishes, and a Korean Soju Cocktail can bring a unique twist to your meal.

It's best to consider the flavors and spices in your specific takeout dish when selecting a cocktail to pair with it.

Which cocktails should you have with your Asian noodles?

When it comes to pairing cocktails with Asian noodle dishes, you want to consider the flavor profile and spice level of the dish. Spicy noodle dishes like pad thai or ramen pair well with refreshing and citrusy cocktails such as a Tom Collins or a classic Margarita.

For milder noodle dishes, a lighter and fruit-forward cocktail like a Lychee Martini or a Green Tea Sour can be a good choice. Don't forget to also consider the alcohol base of the cocktail and the dominant flavors of the dish to create a complementary pairing.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, there are numerous cocktails that pair well with the complex and varied flavors of Asian cuisine. From classic drinks like the Mai Tai and Singapore Sling to more unique offerings such as the Wasabi Bloody Mary and Korean Soju Cocktail, there is a drink for every palate.

The key to selecting the right cocktail is to consider the ingredients and flavors of your dish, and then match them with complementary flavors in the drink.

Whether you're dining out at your favorite Asian restaurant or whipping up a homemade dish, these 10 cocktails are sure to enhance your dining experience and bring out the best in your food!