Exploring festive pairings of food and drink
As the festive season approaches, the magic of Christmas is felt across seaports and airports worldwide. These bustling hubs of travel and trade are not just gateways to far-off destinations, but also conduits for the flavours that define the holidays. This year, Compass Supply Solutions invites you on a culinary journey, exploring festive food and drink pairings with a unique twist; highlighting ports of call, both maritime and aerial, that connect us to the world. To add a little extra sparkle, we’ve included a cocktail recipe featuring renowned brands for each spirit, allowing you to recreate these festive delights at home.
The timeless elegance of Port Wine
No festive celebration is complete without the deep, rich warmth of port wine. A product of Portugal’s Douro Valley, port’s history is deeply intertwined with maritime trade. From the bustling port of Porto, this fortified wine was shipped to destinations worldwide, becoming a Christmas favourite.
Recommended brand: Graham's Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port is a versatile and rich wine that pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods and simply perfect for elegant cocktails. Here are some recommendations:
Food pairings
Cheese:
Blue Cheese. The strong, tangy flavours of blue cheese like Stilton or Roquefort complement the sweetness and complexity of LBV Port.
Aged Cheddar. The sharpness of aged cheddar pairs well with the rich, fruity notes of the port.
Goat Cheese. The creamy texture and slight tang of goat cheese creates a nice balance with the port's sweetness.
Chocolate Desserts:
Dark Chocolate. The bitterness of dark chocolate enhances the fruity and spicy notes of the port.
Chocolate Cake. Rich, dense chocolate cakes, especially those with dark chocolate, are a perfect match.
Chocolate Truffles. Delicate truffles bring out the port's subtle flavours.
Nuts and Dried Fruits:
Almonds and Walnuts. These nuts add a crunchy texture and their earthy flavours pair well with the port.
Dried Figs and Raisins. The sweetness of dried fruits complements the port's fruity profile.
Cocktails
Port and Tonic:
Ingredients: 60ml Graham's LBV Port, tonic water, ice and a slice of orange.
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice, pour in the port, top with tonic water and garnish with an orange slice.
Port Sour:
Ingredients: 60ml Graham's LBV Port, 30ml lemon juice, 15ml simple syrup, ice and a lemon twist.
Instructions: Shake the port, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
Port Old Fashioned:
Ingredients: 60ml Graham's LBV Port, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, ice and an orange peel.
Instructions: Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a glass. Add ice and the port, then stir. Garnish with an orange peel.
Mulled Wine / Gluhwein: A seasonal staple
Airports like Frankfurt and Vienna come alive during the holiday season, hosting Christmas markets filled with the spicy aroma of mulled wine. This hot, spiced beverage is a hallmark of European Christmas culture and pairs wonderfully with seasonal treats.
Pairing Suggestions:
Gingerbread: A soft, spiced gingerbread biscuit amplifies the cinnamon and clove notes in mulled wine.
Roasted Chestnuts: These earthy, sweet snacks are the perfect warm companion to this festive drink.
Recommended Brand: Gonzalez Byass 'Solera 1847' Cream Sherry. This sweet sherry adds depth and richness to mulled wine recipes.
Cocktail Recipe: Classic Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
750ml red wine
150ml Gonzalez Byass 'Solera 1847' Cream Sherry
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves
2-star anise
2 tbsp honey
Orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a pot and heat gently (do not boil)
Simmer for 15 - 20 minutes
Serve warm with a slice of orange for garnish
Sparkling Wines: A Toast to Togetherness
Airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Marseille are hubs for Champagne, the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine. Perfect for toasting the season, Champagne pairs effortlessly with a range of festive dishes.
Pairing Suggestions:
Oysters: A nod to maritime ports like Bordeaux and Marseille, fresh oysters and Champagne offer a briny, luxurious pairing.
Smoked Salmon: For travellers passing through Scandinavian ports, Champagne’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of smoked salmon.
Recommended Brand: Champagne Lanson Rosé. Renowned for its freshness and red fruit aromas, this Champagne adds elegance to any celebration.
Cocktail Recipe: Pomegranate Champagne Sparkler
Ingredients:
120ml Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé
30ml pomegranate juice
Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Pour the pomegranate juice into a Champagne flute
Top with Champagne
Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a rosemary sprig
Rum: A Maritime Tradition
From the Caribbean ports of Bridgetown to European docks like Bristol, rum has been a staple of seafarers for centuries. Its versatility makes it a star of the festive season, whether in cocktails or traditional recipes.
Pairing Suggestions:
Christmas pudding: A generous splash of dark rum in this dessert, paired with a glass of the same, creates a harmonious, boozy treat.
Eggnog: Spiced rum adds depth to this creamy Christmas classic, making it a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings.
Recommended Brand: Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum. Hailing from Barbados, this rum offers rich, oaky flavours ideal for festive cocktails.
Cocktail Recipe: Spiced Rum Punch
Ingredients:
60ml Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum
30ml orange juice
30ml cranberry juice
15ml lime juice
Dash of nutmeg
Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into a glass over ice
Garnish with an orange slice and a sprinkle of nutmeg
Gin: A Versatile Christmas Spirit
Airports like London Heathrow and maritime hubs like Rotterdam are renowned for their gin selections. With its botanical complexity, gin is a versatile spirit that can take centre stage during Christmas.
Pairing Suggestions:
Cranberry and Gin Cocktail: A seasonal twist on the classic G&T, this pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or duck.
Panettone: The citrus and botanical notes of gin align wonderfully with this Italian Christmas bread, creating a light yet flavourful combination.
Recommended Brand: Tanqueray No. Ten Gin. Celebrated for its citrus-forward profile, this gin elevates festive cocktails.
Cocktail Recipe: Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
50ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
25ml cranberry juice
15ml lemon juice
Soda water
Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
Shake gin, cranberry juice and lemon juice with ice
Strain into a glass over ice
Top with soda water and garnish with fresh cranberries
Non-Alcoholic Festive Options
The ‘sober curious’ movement continues to influence holiday drinking trends, with ports and airports catering to travellers seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic options. These alternatives allow everyone to enjoy festive cheer without alcohol while still indulging in luxurious flavours and pairings.
Pairing Suggestions:
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm and fragrant drink that pairs well with mince pies or baked apples.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé: Perfect with cranberry brie bites or a festive charcuterie board.
Recommended Brand: Lyre’s Classico - A premium non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternative with vibrant acidity and a hint of citrus.
Cocktail Recipe: Apple Spice Mocktail
Ingredients:
120ml fresh apple juice
15ml lemon juice
15ml cinnamon syrup
Soda water
Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Mix the apple juice, lemon juice and cinnamon syrup in a glass
Add ice and top with soda water
Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a cozy, festive touch
Festive Pairings Inspired by Travel
Sea ports and airports are more than transit points; they’re cultural crossroads. These hubs bring together flavours and traditions from around the world, enriching our festive tables with global inspiration. By drawing on the unique history and spirit of these locations, we celebrate how travel broadens our palates and our perspectives.
For example:
At Lisbon’s maritime port, the tang of a Portuguese custard tart (pastel de nata) pairs beautifully with a small glass of white port.
In Copenhagen, a warm glass of gløgg (Scandinavian mulled wine) complements a rich slice of almond-laden kransekake, a festive Nordic cake.
Through Heathrow, a quintessentially British gin martini is the perfect pairing for a buttery mince pie.
Practical Tips for Pairing Success
Balance is Key: Match the weight of your drink to the dish. Heavier drinks like port work well with robust flavours, while lighter options like sparkling wines complement delicate foods.
Consider Regionality: Draw inspiration from the origins of the drink or food - pair Champagne with French oysters or rum with Caribbean inspired dishes.
Experiment: The holidays are a time for creativity. Don’t be afraid to try unexpected combinations to discover new favourites.
Bringing Ports Together
As we raise a glass this Christmas, let us toast to the global connections that make our celebrations special. From the maritime routes of Porto and Bordeaux to the bustling terminals of Heathrow and Frankfurt, every sip and bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the joy of sharing.
At Compass Supply Solutions, we are proud to celebrate the global tapestry of flavours and the spirit of togetherness that Christmas brings. Whether you’re savouring a classic port pairing, discovering a new festive cocktail, or exploring non-alcoholic alternatives, we hope these suggestions inspire your celebrations.
All the recommended brands selected are available to the Travel Retail business through Compass Supply Solutions. Our Partnerships with John E. Fells, Gonzales Byas, Champagne Lanson, Remy Cointreau, Diageo and Lyre’s is testament to the support they all give in this marketplace. Wishing you a festive season filled with delicious pairings, warm memories and the anticipation of new journeys ahead. Cheers to a Christmas that’s truly port to port!
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