You love a good jambalaya, and you eat crawfish at least once a week. You know your way around some grits, and you can pop hushpuppies like they’re Skittles. You love Cajun food. But what about Cajun drinks? What do you pair with your favorite meals?
There are a number of Cajun wines, spirits and cocktails that you can enjoy with any of your favorite meals. Here are a few Cajun wines and spirits that you should try:
Jambalaya – Casa de Sue Winery
A Louisiana winery brings you this popular muscadine that is appropriately named for Cajun fare. It is a sweet, fruity blend that has overtones of blueberry that you can serve by itself or with your favorite Cajun meal. It’s great for a dessert wine, as well!
Mardi Gras (La Rosa Sweet) – Casa de Sue Winery
Here’s another great Cajun wine from this growing Louisiana winery. This one’s a full-bodied, red muscadine. It’s also sweet, but has a fuller flavor than the Jambalaya. Again, you can enjoy it all on its own or pair it with a meal.
Ragin’ Cajun Wine
The University of Louisiana put out this wine to celebrate its Cajun spirit. You can buy it in the red, white or sparkling variety. The wines are crafted by Weibel Family Vineyards and are sold at retailers throughout the state.
Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum
When you want something with a little more punch than wine, this spiced rum is the perfect solution. This three-year-old aged rum is made from blackstrap molasses and infused with cayenne pepper and cinnamon. There are also hints of nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Enjoy it straight up or in your favorite cocktail.
Here’s a great cocktail recipe that you can enjoy with all your favorite Cajun dishes. You mix white rum or vodka with Pimm’s No. 1, lemon juice, syrup and hot sauce, as well as a splash of 7 Up. This is a great cocktail for sipping on a hot, summer day or for enjoying while your entertaining guests with some delicious Cajun fare.
This is the official cocktail of the city of New Orleans. Recipes vary, but the basic mix includes absinthe or Herbsaint, syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, Angostura bitters and whiskey. It is a bold cocktail similar to an Old Fashioned, with hints of sweetness and spice — just like Cajun food.
There are many great drinks you can enjoy with your Cajun meal, but these are some Cajun favorites. Experiment with what wines and spirits pair best with your favorite meals.
What are your favorite Cajun wines and spirits? Share them in the comments!
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Bio:
Amber Satka primarily writes on financial topics, many of which can be found on her app site at http://www.carloancalculator.org/. She is a former office manager and current mother and writer. Her leisure activities include bike riding and spending way too much time on Pinterest.