Pairing Indian Spices with Wines and Cocktails

Embarking on a culinary journey through India's diverse landscape is akin to navigating a vibrant tapestry of flavours, each thread woven with distinctive spices that tell tales of tradition and heritage. When these intricate flavours meet the nuanced profiles of wines and cocktails, the result is a symphony that delights the palate. At Masala Bar & Grill, we celebrate this harmonious fusion, offering a curated selection of beverages to complement our authentic Indian cuisine.

White Wines: A Dance of Delicacy and Spice

Our white wines, with their crisp acidity and aromatic bouquets, serve as graceful partners to many Indian dishes.

•Brown Brothers Moscato: This lightly sparkling wine, with its sweet, fruity essence, pairs exquisitely with spicy appetisers like samosas or pakoras, balancing heat with its gentle sweetness.

•Yellow Tail Chardonnay: Its creamy texture and notes of tropical fruits harmonise with rich, buttery dishes such as chicken korma, enhancing the dish's opulence without overpowering it.

•Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc: The zesty citrous and herbal undertones of this wine complement the tangy flavours found in dishes like paneer tikka, creating a refreshing contrast.

•Giesen Sauvignon Blanc: With vibrant acidity and hints of passionfruit, this wine pairs well with seafood curries, elevating the oceanic flavours with its crisp profile.

Red Wines: Embracing Boldness and Depth

Our red wines, known for their robust character, can stand up to the hearty and complex nature of many Indian specialities.

•Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon: Its rich berry flavours and subtle oak notes make it an ideal companion for lamb rogan josh, complementing the dish's depth.

•Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: With structured tannins and dark fruit nuances, this wine pairs well with tandoori meats, enhancing the smoky flavours imparted by the clay oven.

•Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine's elegance and hints of mint align beautifully with spicy beef vindaloo, providing a cooling counterpoint to the dish's heat.

•Grant Burge 5th Generation Barossa Shiraz: Its peppery spice and lush fruit profile resonate with the bold flavours of dishes like chicken chettinad, creating a harmonious balance.

•Pepperjack Barossa Shiraz: Known for its robust structure and notes of blackberry, this Shiraz pairs excellently with grilled meats, accentuating their charred nuances.

•Tyrrell's Old Winery Pinot Noir: With its lighter body and red berry notes, this Pinot Noir complements vegetarian dishes like baingan bharta, allowing the smoky eggplant flavours to shine.

•Trentham Estate Pinot Noir: Its soft tannins and cherry undertones make it a suitable match for dishes like butter chicken, enhancing the dish's creamy tomato base.

•Elephant In The Room Pinot Noir: This wine's bold fruit flavours and smooth finish pair well with spicy lamb kebabs, balancing the dish's heat with its ripe profile.

Glass House Wines: Versatile Companions

For those seeking flexibility, our glass house wine selections offer versatile pairings:

•Red Glass House Wine (Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinot Noir): These varietals adapt well to a range of dishes, from spicy curries to grilled specialities, providing a balanced accompaniment.

•White Glass House Wine (Sauvignon Blanc/Moscato): Whether paired with light appetisers or spicy entrees, these whites offer refreshing contrasts to the rich tapestry of Indian flavours.

Cocktails: Crafting New Traditions

Our innovative cocktails can echo the complexity of Indian spices, creating memorable pairings that tantalise the senses.

•Mojito: The mint and lime in this classic cocktail provide a cooling effect, making it a delightful match for fiery dishes like vindaloo.

•Piña Colada: Its creamy coconut and pineapple flavours harmonise with coconut-based curries, enhancing the tropical notes inherent in dishes like Goan fish curry.

•Tequila Sunrise: The sweet and citrusy profile complements tangy appetisers, adding a vibrant layer to the dining experience.

•Paan Ki Dukan: Inspired by the traditional Indian betel leaf preparation, this cocktail's unique flavours pair well with rich, spiced dishes, offering an authentic twist.

•Mai Tai: Its almond and citrous notes provide a pleasant contrast to spicy and grilled dishes, balancing heat with sweetness.

•Lychee Blue Magic: The subtle sweetness of lychee complements delicate dishes like malai kofta, enhancing the dish's creamy texture.

•Lavender Blueberry Delight: Floral and fruity, this cocktail pairs well with aromatic biryanis, adding a refreshing dimension to the meal.

•Long Island Iced Tea: Its robust mix of spirits makes it a versatile companion to a variety of spicy appetisers, standing up to bold flavours with ease.

•Boozy Guava: The tropical guava notes align beautifully with tangy and spicy street food-inspired dishes, enhancing their zest.

•Blueberry Magic: This cocktail's berry flavours provide a sweet counterpoint to savoury and spicy entrees, creating a balanced palate experience.

•Refreshing Kiwi: The tartness of kiwi complements rich and creamy dishes, offering a palate-cleansing effect that prepares you for the next bite.

At Masala Bar & Grill, we believe that the art of pairing wines and cocktails with Indian spices elevates the dining experience, transforming each meal into a celebration of flavours. We invite you to explore these pairings and discover new dimensions of taste that await when tradition meets innovation.