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The best food to pair with gin

Gin isn’t just for cocktails—it’s a perfect partner for food too. Whether you’re putting together the menu for a cocktail party, snacking with a G&T in hand, or creating a luxurious gin hamper as a gift, there’s plenty to explore.

The best food to pair with gin depends on the flavours of both the gin and the dish. Classic pairings include seafood, cheese, fruit, and nuts. But there’s also plenty of fun, modern meals like pizza, curry and sweet treats that work just as well.

From laid-back summer barbecues to cosy nights in, gin is the ultimate crowd-pleasing way to mix things up. Let’s dive into some of the best gin and food pairings and how to serve them.

Nuts

Nuts are a simple yet satisfying pairing for gin, offering a balance of texture and flavour. For example, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts have a creamy saltiness that enhances gin’s citrus and floral notes. Whilst almonds and cashews also work well, bringing a subtle sweetness that complements the citrus peel notes of Beefeater London Dry Gin.

Serve as a snack or as part of a grazing board next time you’re hosting.

Grilled prawns

The bright acidity of citrus-forward gins pairs beautifully with the rich, juicy flavour of grilled prawns. Try marinating them in ginger, coriander, and a squeeze of lime to bring out the complex botanicals in Beefeater 24.

The subtle heat from ginger highlights the gin’s lightly spiced flavour, making this pairing ideal for a summer barbecue. Serve with a limey Beefeater Gimlet for a refreshing citrus kick.

Fruit

Fruity flavours and gin are a natural match whether it be citrus, tropical or orchard fruits like apples, plums and pears. But the biggest hit is berries.

Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries balance the spirit’s juniper and citrus notes. Serve a simple fruit platter or whip up a dessert like Eton mess, baked crumble, or panna cotta.

For an extra fruity twist, pair your chosen fruits with Beefeater Pink Strawberry, our berry infused gin that packs extra sweetness. Keep things simple with a pink gin and tonic, or mix up a vibrant pink gin cocktail like a sweet Strawberry Cooler.

Smoked salmon

The delicate, smoky flavour of salmon pairs effortlessly with gin’s botanical profile. Serve it on blinis, toasted rye bread, or chewy bagels for a brunch gathering with friends. The freshness of a classic gin and tonic or a lemony gin cocktail is made for this food pairing.

Cheese

Gin is an excellent match for both strong and soft cheeses. Aged cheddar or blue cheese’s nuttiness pairs well with gin’s herbal notes, while creamy brie or goat cheese mellows out gin’s bittersweet flavours.

Forget wine and cheese nights. A well-curated cheese board featuring Beefeater London Dry Gin is perfect for a relaxed evening in.

Cured meats

Salty, spicy cured meats like salami and chorizo bring out gin’s herbaceous qualities. When paired with robust cheeses, the combination is even better. Serve a meat and cheese platter alongside a Beefeater Gibson or a Dirty Martini to pair with these cocktails’ savoury garnishes.

A charcuterie board makes a great centrepiece for a chilled night with friends. Better yet, stock up on your favourite bottles and pair with an at-home gin tasting.

Oysters

Oysters and gin are a luxurious pairing that can make any occasion extra special. The freshness of the seafood balances gin’s crisp juniper and citrus notes. And a chilled Beefeater London Dry Gin with a splash of tonic is all you need to complete this combo – ideal for next date night.

Oysters can also be flavoured with anything from citrus to spice. So feel free to match with a citrus or spiced gin cocktail.

Pizza

Gin and pizza? Absolutely. The tomato base works surprisingly well with gin’s light, botanical character. Try pairing a margherita or a prosciutto pizza with one of our Italian-inspired cocktails. The Gin Basil Smash, Tomato Gin and Tonic and Beefeater Red Snapper are as good as it gets.

Afternoon tea

Nothing quite beats afternoon tea. Except when you add gin cocktails to the mix. The classic cakes and sandwiches pair beautifully with a refreshing gin and tonic or a floral gin cocktail like Pink 75.

Light, citrusy sweet treats like lemon drizzle or lavender shortbread work especially well. And don’t forget traditional cucumber sandwiches!

Chocolate

Dark chocolate’s richness contrasts with gin’s bright botanicals, while milk chocolate’s creaminess softens any bitterness.

You could try gin-infused chocolate, but our favourite way to enjoy this pairing is with a bittersweet Negroni and dark chocolate truffles – the ultimate after-dinner treat.

Indian food

The Gin & Tonic’s origin story starts in 19th century India where British soldiers added the spirit to tonic for a better tasting antimalarial drink. So ultimately, gin and Indian food is a natural pairing.

The coriander, angelica root and spiced notes in Beefeater London Dry Gin complement a rich curry, while the crispness of a Gin & Tonic refreshes the palate between mouthfuls.

Creating a gin and food hamper

Looking for a thoughtful gift? A gin hamper filled with food pairings is guaranteed to win you points. Choose your loved ones favourite bottle of Beefeater Gin and add complementary treats like nuts, chocolates and artisan cheeses. Include a recipe card for a gin cocktail and you’ve got a gift that’s seriously impressive.

Discover more ideas for the best gifts to give a gin lover and don’t miss our guide to cooking with gin.

Set up a G&T bar at home

If you’re planning to celebrate International G&T Day at home, why not go all out and set up your very own Gin and Tonic bar? It’s a fantastic way to impress your guests and ensure everyone has a great time getting involved.

Start by stocking up on a variety of gins including classics like Beefeater London Dry Gin, as well as flavoured options like Beefeater Blood Orange or Beefeater Pink Strawberry. Then arrange an assortment of tonic waters, from the traditional Indian tonic to more exotic flavours like elderflower or citrus. And don’t forget to include a selection of garnishes such as lime, lemon, cucumber and herbs like rosemary and mint. You can even provide some fun extras like flavoured bitters or syrups for guests to customise their drinks.

Set up your gin bar in a designated area with plenty of ice and glassware and let guests get to work on mixing their favourite Gin and Tonic. We’ve got plenty more gin bar ideas to inspire you too.