Our favourite gin pairings

What food to eat with your gin at the BaBar Gin Bar

Gin is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from a classic G&T to more complex cocktails. But have you ever thought about pairing gin with food? The spirit can be an excellent accompaniment to many different dishes, and the right pairing can enhance the flavour of both the food and the drink. We have more 60 craft gins to choose from at The Elephant Hotel, so here are some of our favourite gin and food pairings to try.

Botanical gin in a glass and a cheese board

Cheese and botanical gin

For a sophisticated and indulgent pairing, try serving a strong cheese such as cheddar or blue cheese with a botanical gin that has hints of lavender, rosemary or thyme. The herbal notes in the spirit complement the earthy, nutty flavours of the cheese, while the gin's dryness helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, too.

Seafood and citrus gin

The bright, zesty flavours of citrus gin make it an ideal pairing for seafood dishes, such as grilled prawns, smoked salmon or ceviche. Its acidity and freshness help to cut through the richness of the seafood, while the botanicals complement the delicate flavours of the fish.

Chocolate and sweet gin

If you have a sweet tooth, try pairing a dessert such as chocolate cake or truffles with a sweet gin that has notes of honey, vanilla or fruit. The sweetness of the spirit will enhance the richness and depth of the chocolate, while the botanicals will add subtle complexity to the dish.

Fruit and berry gin with desserts

If you're serving a fruit-based dessert, try pairing it with a fruit or berry gin. The fruitiness of the spirit will complement the sweetness of the desert, while the botanicals will add a subtle depth of flavour. This pairing works well with desserts such as berry tarts, peach cobbler or apple pie.

Barbecue and smoky gin

For a summer barbecue, try pairing smoky gin with grilled meats such as ribs, burgers or chicken. The smokiness of the spirit will complement the smoky flavours of the barbecue, while the herbal notes will add a fresh, botanical touch to the dish.

Salads and floral gin

If you're looking for a refreshing and light pairing, try a floral gin with a fresh salad. Its floral notes will complement the bright, fresh flavours of the salad, while its dryness will balance out any sweetness in the dressing.

Gin martini with olives and a bruschetta on a plate

Light bites and gin cocktails

If you're serving light bites such as olives, bruschetta or cheese boards, try pairing them with gin cocktails. Negronis, martinis and gin fizzes are all versatile options that can be adapted to different flavours and ingredients. The complex and refreshing flavours of the cocktails will enhance the taste of the bites.

Spicy food and aromatic gin

If you're a fan of spicy food, try pairing it with an aromatic gin that has notes of coriander, cardamom or juniper. The warmth and complexity of the gin will balance out the heat of the spice, while the herbal notes will enhance the flavour of the dish. This pairing works well with dishes such as Indian curries, Thai stir-fries or Mexican tacos

Steak and barrel-aged gin

For a more complex and intense pairing, try a barrel-aged gin with a juicy steak. The oakiness of the gin will complement the charred, smoky flavours of the steak, while the spirit's botanicals will add subtle complexity to the dish. Why not try this one in our amazing steak restaurant, The Herd.

These are just a few examples of gin and food pairings to try. The key is to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your tastes. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or a casual drinker, pairing this versatile spirit with food can add a new dimension to your dining experience. Cheers!

Want to test out some of the pairings we've listed above? Drop into our BaBar Gin Bar and order one of our Gin Flights, a selection of three expertly chosen spirits served with a range of tonics and garnishes. Our bar is also open for lunch and dinner, offering a casual atmosphere that's ideal for working lunches or low-key dining with your dog. It serves a range of local beers and more than 60 craft gins, many of them local to The Elephant Hotel.

We also have a range of eclectically styled rooms available, many of them dog-friendly. Check our offers page for our latest packages too. They often include exclusive discounts and little extras to make your stay with us extra special.

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