Wondering what to eat with your cocktails? We’ve got something easy in mind that’ll really steal the show. And bring out the best qualities – in those cocktails and whatever you choose to plate up. Welcome to the MOTH: Cocktail pairing guide. With advice aplenty on pairing ideas. From flash dinner parties. To mid-movie-marathon sofa snacking.

We get it. Drink pairing can feel a little overwhelming. But it’s not just for world-class sommeliers and swish Michelin chefs – trust us. It can be easy-peasy. And you probably already do it more than you think.

Just a little consideration makes for the best of both worlds, from both your dinner (or nibbles) and drinks. And can bring a whole new world to your next cocktail night.

t’s all in the flavours. But there’s no ultimate right way – everyone’s palate is different. Just keep experimenting and, when you like something, get lost in it.

On a super general level, think about how sweet or salty your food is. Then keep your pairing the same. A sweet cocktail and a salty bite will accentuate both flavours – making your cocktail sickly sweet and your food seawater-salty. Not our fave tastes. You might also risk losing some of the subtler, more nuanced flavours in both. A salty bite – halloumi, olives, cured meats – needs a less sweet (or bitter) drink to really shine. Think botanicals – MOTH: Negroni? The salt will heighten the subtler flavours and reduce the tannins, making for a smoother sip all round. Avoid highly bitter or acidic foods with Negroni’s vermouth heart (the vermouth notes can intensify the bitterness). Though maybe you’ll like it. We’re not here to judge.

Acidic foods need acidic cocktails. Pairing low and high acidity tastes can make it harder for you to detect sweeter, fruity notes. However, a more acidic cocktail can actually bring out more of these flavours. These also go together quite nicely with fatty foods – the acidity will cut through it and let the flavours really show off. Think MOTH: Margarita and smoky pulled pork tacos.

Let’s get into it. The (un)definitive guide to food pairings for MOTH: Cocktails. Our top picks to inspire you. A starting place, if you like? Give them a try – tell us what you think. We’d love that.

Enigmatic and floral. Punchy and bitter.

Our Negroni’s all about the journey. Bitter citrus notes. Bright botanicals from Tarquin’s Gin. And deep, complex spice from Asterly Bros Vermouth. This one loves a salty nibble to really offset its richness. Great for aperitivo hour? Or a grilled ribeye steak centrepiece, for something a little off-kilter. Think caramelised vegetables for veggie friends.

Also loves:
– Seared scallops, a nice contrast to Negroni’s richness– French ham and pear crostini
– Spiced, roasted chickpeas

Smooth, bitter, balanced

Clear and smooth Wood Brother’s vodka meets velveteen cold brew. And a rich coffee liqueur. Old friends coming together again. Subtly-sweet. Goes great with dessert – affogato? Or gooey chocolate brownies? Let indulgence unfold. Just as nice with salty french fries? You decide.

 Also loves:
- Paninis, for a lighter bite? Fill with prosciutto, mozzarella, let your heart guide.
- Smoked salmon salad. Give it a go? Espresso Martini’s richness showcases the smokiness of the fresh fish.
-Pasta arrabbiata, the rich coffee notes balance the depth and spice of the sauce. Perfezione.

Fresh, sharp, confident

Zingy, bright, goes beautifully with spice. Crystal clear Enemigo Tequila’s in beautiful harmony with Triple Sec’s citrus notes. And a kiss of zesty, fresh lime to finish it off. Think of the classics: smoky tacos, with pulled pork or black beans. Maybe a BBQ chicken? Or cirtussy salsa – with a kick.

Also loves:
– Bacon and brie nibbles, the creamy cheese complements Margarita’s crisp, fresh tastes
– Piri piri chicken
– We love this shrimp recipe that Sophie Mann (aka Mann’s Got Munch) dreamed up for our Margarita.

Tropical, rich, romantic

A bold flirtation of Wood Brothers’ Vodka with vibrant passionfruit liqueur and zingy lime. Indulgent and playful. Ideal for golden-hour nibbles – goat’s cheese crostini goes beautifully with the cocktail’s tropical tastes. Or try with sushi for a fresh feast.

Also loves:
– Tempura shrimp, citrus is the name of the game
– White chocolate mousse, our velvety dessert pick
- Thai mango salad with chilli and lime

Tarty-sweet and chic

Bright, tangy and stylish. Our Cosmopolitan blends icy-smooth Wood Brothers’ Vodka with bold cranberry, zippy Triple sec and fresh lime for a signature pink snap. Gives New York glamour with a chicken Caesar salad – extra parm? Or take it upscale with smoked salmon blinis.

Also loves:
– Lobster mac and cheese. Trust us on this one.
- Salted dark chocolate truffles, a nice balance to the drink’s sweet notes.
- Grilled chicken skewers, the smoke brings out Cosmopolitan’s citrussy-tart tastes.

Bonus:
These dreamy garden hosting plates from our friend, Alexandra Dudley.

Soulful, juicy, bittersweet

Made with Duppy Share Rum, rich in tropical notes of mango and banana. With a splash of fresh lime and garden mint. This one’s clean and fresh as a morning swim. Loves smoky BBQ’d meats. Or tarty ceviche?

Also loves:
– Mint and cucumber tzatziki with flatbreads
– Chicken satay skewers
– Cuban-style pork sliders

Silky-sweet and swanky

Escape to the tropics. Duppy Share Rum blends seamlessly with light and easy coconut tastes and pineapple. Made for lazy afternoons, seaside playlists – paper parasols? Its light, fruity, earthy notes love chargrilled flavours, like jerk chicken. Or plates with plenty of spice.  

Also loves:
– These tropical treats from Natalia Rudin (aka Nat’s Nourishments)
– Sticky Korean chicken wings
– Grilled peach and burrata salad

Bonus:
We’re obsessed with this 3-step Piña Colada soft serve recipe created by Sophie Mann.

Juicy, zesty, zippy

Bright, crisp – this one’s made for summer feasting. Tequila Enemigo is oh-so-smooth, shining through tart grapefruit, fresh lime and a touch of salt. One for Taco Tuesday? Or bold and smoky grilled aubergine, on fresh yoghurt, with sour pomegranate jewels. Our moths are watering.

Also loves:
– Chorizo and sweet potato quesadillas
– Pomegranate and herb tabbouleh, a fresh and tangy dream
– Crispy smoked fish

Bonus:
This gorgeous summer salad recipe. Crunchy, punchy, salty. Ready in 20.

Fresh, sharp, confident

Our classic Margarita with a kick. Made with clean, flavourful Tequila Enemigo and 3 fresh chillies. With a zesty lime chorus. And a smoked cherrywood encore. Try it with spicy roasted cauliflower. Or tortilla chips, with a mango habanero salsa.

Also loves:
– Gorgonzola & pear flatbread, bold blue cheese stands up to the heat, while pear cools things down
– Dark chocolate with sea salt and chilli flakes, if you can take the heat?
– Charred pineapple + halloumi skewers