Flavor Harmony: How to Perfectly Pair Cocktails with Your Meal

Wondering how to tell when you’ve nailed the perfect cocktail pairing? It’s all about harmony—when the flavors of the drink and the dish enhance each other seamlessly. At Slowly, our extensive craft cocktail menu is thoughtfully designed to complement our Mediterranean-Baja Fusion dishes, creating a dining experience that’s perfectly in sync.

Let’s dive into some of the most iconic cocktail pairings and discover how you can recreate these exceptional combinations with the outstanding food and drinks at Slowly. From timeless classics to innovative fusions, our menu offers the perfect match to elevate your dining experience.

Serene White Sangria with Oysters

Why It Works: The light and fruity profile of the Serene White Sangria, with notes of pear, grape, and citrus, perfectly complements the briny freshness of oysters. The sparkling water adds a refreshing effervescence that enhances the delicate flavors of the oysters, while the herb mignonette sauce ties the pairing together with a subtle brightness.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon to both the oysters and the Sangria to elevate the fresh flavors even more.

Spicy Pineapple Margarita with Slow Dancin’ Shrimp

Why It Works: The Spicy Pineapple Margarita’s blend of jalapeño liquor and pineapple juice pairs exceptionally well with the sweet and spicy profile of the coconut-crusted shrimp. The cocktail’s vibrant kick highlights the sweet coconut chili sauce, creating a playful balance of sweet, spicy, and tropical flavors.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, garnish the margarita with a chili rim to enhance the pairing’s bold notes.

Lazy Lavender Lemon Drop with Tuna Crudo

Why It Works: The floral lavender and citrus notes of the Lazy Lavender Lemon Drop complement the fresh, delicate flavors of the Tuna Crudo. The cocktail’s bright and zesty character cuts through the richness of the tuna and aioli, while the lavender adds an aromatic touch that enhances the dish’s complexity.

Pro Tip: A hint of lavender or lemon zest on the crudo will tie the pairing together beautifully.

Whispering Ember’s Old-Fashioned with Sweet & Slow Pork Chop

Why It Works: The smoky and slightly sweet notes of Whispering Ember’s Old-Fashioned pair wonderfully with the marinated pork chop’s guajillo pepper sauce and roasted veggies. The cocktail’s rich bourbon base highlights the pork’s savory and sweet flavors, while the cherry bitters add a subtle fruity note that complements the sweet potato puree.

Pro Tip: Consider a small smoked salt rim on the Old-Fashioned glass to mirror the smoky elements of the pork.

Negroni with Arrachera (Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak)

Why It Works: The bold, bitter, and herbaceous notes of the Negroni complement the rich, savory flavors of the marinated skirt steak. The Negroni’s bitterness helps cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the smoky, charred notes of the steak and the bright, fresh flavors of the chimichurri sauce.

Pro Tip: The herbaceous quality of the Negroni pairs beautifully with the chimichurri sauce, creating a balanced and sophisticated dining experience that plays with contrasts of bitter, savory, and fresh.