Wine isn’t the end-all-be-all of seafood pairings—though it is a safe and delectable choice. When hosting a crawfish boil, it can be challenging to complement palettes and flavors with a carefully crafted drinks selection.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you’re laying out sun loungers for a traditional backyard boil or gathering at a refined crawfish restaurant, consider these appetizing couplings for a memorable experience.
Option 1 - Beer
Crawfish is spicy, and probably very much so for milder palettes. While an all-American Bud Light will likely suffice, consider tougher beers such as pilsners and lagers to balance out the zesty kick of a juicy claw.
Mix options such as Corona with lime or Blue Moon with orange. Belgian beers do an excellent job of balancing the sweetness of a buttery crab, while IPA cleanses the palette between garlicky mouthfuls.
If you’re dining on tap, ask for a beer with citrus, floral, or malt notes. Bring out the brininess in oysters with stout.
Option 2 - Wine
Seafood is both acidic and sweet, perfect for balancing out with a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Rose and blush wines such as Pinot Noir and Sangiovese can refresh a thickly-coated palette drowning in butter.
If you’re a fan of fried seafood, cut its richness with a glass of refreshing bubbles such as Prosecco, which can soften both light and heavy batters.
Option 3 - Spirits
Maybe you’re a straight shooter and love to have a glass of rum or vodka on the rocks. Perhaps you love a mixed drink. If so, try pairing bourbon for a bolder taste with your bite of claw or rum—a classic sailor’s drink!
Vodka is incredibly versatile and can be found in sweet, sour, or fruity variants that bring seafood broils to life. If you love a drink bursting with flavor, mix a cocktail. Start with notes of citrus and fresh herbs.
You can never go wrong with a Hurricane, which hails from New Orleans, the home of all seafood delights. You won’t want to miss out on other cocktails like Hand Grenades, Lemon
Drops, Bloody Maries, and Margaritas. Moscow Mule’s lime and ginger taste also work to cleanse the palette.
Option 4 - Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you’re an appointed driver or aren’t a fan of alcoholic beverages, indulge in a class of strawberry lemonade or Arnold Palmer to offset briny seafood. Avoid overpowering your boil with a too-sweet iced tea.
Alternatively, you can reach for a can of root beer or other carbonated drinks like ginger ale or sparkling water.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you want to indulge in a drink that complements the flavors that are already in your mouth. There is no “right” pairing, so don’t be discouraged if your trial-and-error glass doesn’t serve you well. You can always pop another bottle of Sauvignon or can of your favorite root beer.
Whether heading out to Crawfish Cafe for a much-needed taste or ordering in for your upcoming seafood boil, don’t be afraid to throw in a selection of wine and beer! From our fried baskets and Boiled N’ Bagged options, there’s nothing you won’t be able to pair with your drink of choice.