NOW EXPERIENCING:Drink this, read that: cookbook edition
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Drink this, read that: cookbook edition

Read time 5 Mins

Posted 10 Jul 2023

By
Alexandra Whiting

An illustration of cookbooks with drinks to enjoy with them

Like apple and cinnamon, tomatoes and basil, or bacon and eggs, these drinks and new cookbook pairings are straight from the cheffing gods.

We’ve closed the door on hot girl summer and are settling into what will be known as soft boy season. Cosy clothes that whisper of quiet luxury (yes it’s a plain grey tracksuit, but it cost $400), an open fire (even if it’s playing on YouTube) and time to not just recipe-flick (need something for dinner now!), but actually read some great new cookbooks. The only thing that would make that downtime better? A drink that complements the flavours conjured by the descriptions of intricately cut cappelletti, succulent miso and gochujang butter roast chicken, and scrumptious black cardamom sticky buns. And when you start making these recipes, the drinks will taste even better.

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Pair: A book to level-up your next barbecue and the real drink of Mexico

In millions of backyards across Southern California and South America, asadas are happening. Similar to the traditional Aussie barbie, an asada is a gathering of family and friends for great music, cold drinks and good times, but the main attraction is always juicy, smoky meat grilled with traditional Mexican flavours. Bricia Lopez & Javier Cabral’s Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling is the first major cookbook to give a detailed how-to of asada at home, and we are all in. Now, we could match these spicy recipes with tequila or a Mexican beer, but when you’re thinking about the backyards of Mexicans, it’s Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum you’ll see around the table, specifically in a Cuba Libre. Essentially a rum and coke with lime, but way more fun to say, the Cuba Libre is far and away one of Mexico’s most popular cocktails, enjoyed by everyone from hipsters to grandmas. Bacardi Blanca is the classic choice for a Cuba Libre, and if you want to make it campechana-style, do half Coke, half soda water.

Pair: A guide for getting more cake in your life and a cult-favourite Bellini

As a society, we’ve been sleeping on cake, and Natasha Pickowicz knows it. In her book More Than Cake, Natasha shows us how to get more desserts in our lives. Case in point: brunch. A slice of Olive Oil, Mascarpone and Fennel Layer Cake at elevenses? Yes please, and a Bellini to wash it down. Cipriani White Peach Bellini is, lowkey, becoming the Bellini of choice. The Tiffany-blue bottle is the perfect balance of peach puree and sparkling wine. A premix you can trust so you can focus on your bake, or at least reading about it. Tarte tatin, anyone?
A bottle of Cipriani White Peach Bellini

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A bottle of Plessis Duval Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie

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Pair: TDF Korean recipes and a French wine to go with your bibimbap attempts

Lara Lee is a rising star on the international cooking scene. This book details 80 of her modern, versatile Asian-influenced recipes, and if this Miso and Gochujang Butter Roast Chicken is anything to go by, you’ll be salivating over every page. Of course, soju is the classic pairing for Korean flavours, but if wine is more your vibe, Plessis Duval Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie is light, dry and a fab balance to heavy spices. French wine for Korean food? Trust us, the acidity in this muscadet pairs so well with strong flavours.

Pair: The book and beer that gluten-free dreams are made of

Around the world, the Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, beautiful simplicity and pure deliciousness. Helen Tzouganatos’s Gluten-free Mediterranean makes the diet accessible to the gluten intolerant. Fluffy GF focaccia, crispy loukoumades and vegan moussaka is all on the menu. Two Bays is just as passionate about the GF life as Helen. Founded by a sufferer of Coeliac Disease, Richard Jeffares, this brewery only makes GF beer and is the first dedicated gluten-free brewery. Two Bays Gluten Free Lager is clean, fruity, crisp and smooth, a lager fit for Zeus himself.
A can of Two Bays Gluten Free Lager

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Pair: A book for true pasta aficionados and wine from a true vine connoisseur

Pasta Masterclass: Recipes for Spectacular Pasta Doughs, Shapes, Fillings and Sauces, from The Pasta Man by Mateo Zielonka isn’t for beginners. If you’re looking for a simple spag bol for your repertoire, this ain’t it. This cookbook, the second from Instagram sensation Mateo Zielonka, is for pasta geeks; those who have the pasta roller permanently attached to their KitchenAid, know rigatoni is all wrong for pesto, and fall asleep watching ravioli Reels. And if you’re going to nerd out on your pasta, it’s a good time to nerd out on your wine, too. Rivetto Barolo Serralunga d'Alba is a bit of a splurge, but 1000% worth it and a total bargain for brilliant Barolo. Winemaker Enrico Rivetto is a biodynamics and agricultural pioneer in Piemonte, who’s big on sustainability and a bit of a character; he keeps donkeys for no purpose other than to have them poo in the vineyards (it’s good for the grapes). The wine itself is complex: bold, dry and acidic, and oaky and earthy with pops of red fruit. Unique and special, just like you, you little foodie nerd.
Want more drink and book pairings? Read our guide to buzzy novels and sipping spirits.
Shop related products
BacardiCarta Blanca Rum 700mL
Carta Blanca Rum 700mL
$54.95 each
 
RivettoBarolo Serralunga d'Alba
Barolo Serralunga d'Alba
$94.99 each
 
Two Bays Brewing Co.Gluten Free Lager Cans 375mL
  • product badge
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  • product badge
Gluten Free Lager Cans 375mL
$88.99 case (16)
 
Plessis DuvalMuscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie
Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie
$19.99 each
 
CiprianiWhite Peach Bellini
White Peach Bellini
$31.99 each
 
Authour image
Alexandra WhitingWriter, mum and afternoon spritz enthusiast. Thinks most gatherings should be celebrated with Champagne.
Tags
Hit ListGluten freeFun pairingsRumWineCraft BeerPremixBook ClubSpiritsWhite WineRed WineBeerLager
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