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What to drink with your next Mexican feast

Read time 6 Mins

Posted 27 Jun 2024

By
Gin Brown

drink and food pairings to serve with Mexican Food

Tequila, mezcal, beer and more – the gang’s all here to make pairing easy. 

Gorging on guac? Taking down some tacos next Tuesday? The intense flavours, spices, boldness and complexity that characterise Mexican cuisine are thrilling when paired and balanced with the right drinks. Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails – you name it, there’s an ideal Mexican dish to match it. To prove our case, we round up five of our favourite drink and food pairings to serve at your next Mexican fiesta. 
1. Margaritas and tacos Let’s start at the top of the pack – it’s pretty darn hard to look past the most iconic Mexican pairing. Margaritas and tacos were destined to be together, like the Romeo and Juliet of pairings… with a much happier ending, of course. The bright, salty, citrusy flavours in guac and salsa are practically begging for a zesty limey accomplice, and the earthy agave complements the fresh ingredients perfectly. From fish and pulled pork to veggo or beef, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a taco that doesn't have a Marg mate to match, whether that’s the OG, Tommy’s, Jalapeno or even the Frozen Watermelon take on the classic. Who needs an excuse to whip up one of these icy bad boys anyway?
2. IPAs and enchiladas (and more)There are loads of beers to choose from, and that old indecision can quickly creep in, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Mexican food and beer is a match made in paraíso! Craving those cheesier or creamier Tex-Mex style dishes like enchiladas? Grab a citrusy, hoppy IPA or APA (American Pale Ale) to cut through the richness. Fresher Mexican fare like ceviche tickle your fancy? Keep it crisp and bright with a light beer or pale lager such as the classic Corona. Indulging in an all-out fried feed with chimichangas or churros? A malty brown ale or dark lager will be the perfect partner in crime. 
3. Mezcal and spice It appears that mezcal, tequila’s smoky cousin, is still having its moment, with stacks of new cocktails popping up around the place championing the iconic Mexican spirit. Love a spicy dish? Mezcal’s distinctive flavours help to balance the heat of chilli-infused dishes, salsas or spicy meats, creating a smoky, spicy and earthy balance. Mezcal also pairs well with traditional Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos – fried, roasted peppers stuffed with cheese – and the traditional soup of pozole. Each dish showcases the diverse flavours and techniques of Mexican cuisine, while complementing mezcal’s unique notes and aromas. Sip it neat or try it in your fave cocktail.  
4. White wines and citrusy dishesA nice crisp white will generally slot in impeccably with the citrusy vibe of a Mexican meal. Think fresh-as-heck lime and chilli prawn tortillas with a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, pinot gris or riesling. The herbaceous, fruity and acidic notes in these wines, paired with the zesty citrus and spices in Mexican dishes, are a real treat for the tastebuds. Just be sure to choose drier whites with fruit-forward notes to harmonise with the tartness and acidity of the dishes – anything with a lick of citrus is especially good. Don’t be shy to try sparkling wines, too. When chowing down on oily or spicy foods like chorizo or chilaquiles – tortilla chips with salsa verde, topped with eggs and cheese – the lightness and bubbles of dry sparkling wines will do a brilliant job of refreshing the palate between bites. 
5. Red wine and rosé with barbecued meats Possibly controversial, but we reckon a dry rosé works better with Mexican dishes than red. There, we said it. However, when diving into the wonderful world of Mexican barbecue – with all those richer, grilled meats – prominently fruity, juicy blends with a decent burst of sweetness and soft tannins will do the trick; think bright grenache blends, red-fruited shiraz and lighter styles of pinot noir, as just three examples. A dry rosé, however, is *chef’s kiss* when paired with so many dishes, including al pastor (spit-grilled and slow-roasted pork seasoned with chillies and pineapple) or carnitas.
Feeling like Thai instead? Check out our guide to the best drinks to pair with your favourite stir-fry. 
image credits: Maddie Roux (photography)
Authour image
Gin BrownA tinkerer of words and die-hard Champagne devotee, Gin prefers her puns intended and her Vodka Martinis filthy.
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LearnFood pairingsCocktailsRoséSpiritsTequilaSparklingRed WineBeerWineWhite WineMezcal
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