Seductive oyster and beverage pairings that will make you swoon

While once considered a workman’s food, these oyster and beverage pairings have taken a more sophisticated air. Although no one has to enjoy this food pairing with their pinky out, the reality is that one slurp just might make you swoon and have you wanting more.

Oysters come in all varieties. Even though the old saying about being brave to eat an oyster might no long hold true, the reality is that oysters are more than just bivalves on the half shelf. Granted, an oyster freshly plucked from its habitat is a beautiful express of the environment it came from, the reality is that how that seafood is served can make the flavors sing loudly.

When picking oyster and beverage pairings, flavor preferences do prevail. Weighing the factors of how habitats and environments bring flavor to the oyster itself must be considered when picking a beverage. If an oyster is very briny, the beverage should not compete with that flavor profile.

Oyster and beverage pairings that need to be explored.

Oysters and tequila

While a shooter can take many forms, this pairing isn’t necessarily about slamming that flavor experience. It can be about bringing the nuances to light.

PaQuí Silvera Tequila is unlike other blanco tequila producers. The elevated flavors in this signature tequila pairs beautifully with oysters on the half-shell.

As the bright agave flavors compliment the creamy texture of oysters, it is the balanced flavor that instantly brings happiness to any food lover. Let the food experience linger in the most elevated way.

Talisker and oysters

The old phrase of what grows together goes together applies beyond the garden. Talisker Single Malt is a lovely pairing to Atlantic Oysters. The two flavors of the sea will take foodies on a memorable voyage of deliciousness.

The Talisker whisky has some smokiness in each sip. With some dried fruit and a touch of pepper spice from the whisky, the brininess and sweetness of the Atlantic Oysters shine. Find a comfy chair and set aside a leisurely evening to ponder this food and beverage pairing.

Oysters and sake

Many people enjoy a little mignonette sauce with fresh oysters. While that touch of vinegar and shallots is a classic, it is time to try something new. Akashi Tai recommended adding a touch of its sake to a raw oyster.

At first slightly skeptical, this concept is a game changer. The nuanced flavors from the Akashi Tai sake is perfection with oysters. Consider adding a little to an oyster shell and slurp away.

Oysters and a martini

Oysters can sometimes be a sophisticated food. Why not bring that oyster off the plate and add its flavors into the cocktail glass. At Hilton Head’s Hudson’s on the Dock’s, it offers a Lowcountry Dirty Martini.

While a dirty martini usually gets it flavor from olives, this cocktail uses oyster liquor to add that briny note. Here’s how to make one at home.

• Dash of oyster liquor
• ½-ounce dry vermouth
• 2 ½-ounces of Ketel One vodka
• Garnish with 3 olives and splash of salmon roe

Whether it is a special occasion, National Oyster Day or just because, these oyster and beverage pairings are ones that deserve to be enjoyed time and again.