10 epic cooling cocktail and spicy food combinations

Whether you’re sweating through a fiery curry, serving up a spicy BBQ feast, or just indulging in a late-night takeout, a well-paired drink can balance the heat and bring extra flavour. Here’s how to nail cocktail pairing with spicy food.

Here’s how to nail cocktail pairing with spicy food.

Light and citrusy cocktails to cut through the heat

Spicy dishes pack a punch, and sometimes you need something sharp and refreshing to cool things down. Drinks with citrus, ginger, or mint are perfect for cutting through rich, fiery flavours.

Whisky Mojito – The freshness of mint and lime meets smooth whisky in this take on a classic Mojito. Perfect for balancing out the heat of spicy crispy cauliflower tacos or a fiery salsa.

Kentucky Mule – With a mix of whisky, lime, and ginger beer, this cocktail is crisp, zesty, and made for cooling down dishes like spicy tofu ramen or a peppery stir-fry made with our very own Ballantine’s-inspired sriracha sauce.

Sweet cocktails to balance bold spices

A little sweetness goes a long way when dealing with spice. Fruity, honeyed, or vanilla-based cocktails can soften the intensity without overpowering the dish.

Apple Pop – The crisp apple and hint of fizz in this serve bring the perfect contrast to spicy BBQ ribs or a bowl of sriracha pasta. Sweet, cooling, and easy to drink.
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Passion Sour – Passionfruit and whisky make an unbeatable duo, especially when paired with rich, spicy Thai curries or Korean gochujang chicken wings.

Bubbly cocktails to keep things refreshing

Spicy food can be heavy, so something with a little bit of fizz can help lift the flavours and refresh the palate.

Frozen Hugo Spritz – When the spice gets overwhelming, this icy, floral cocktail is like hitting reset. Ideal for cooling down after a plate of Sichuan pepper-laced noodles.

Berry Beer – Fruity, slightly fizzy, and berry smooth, this drink is made for hot BBQ days when you’ve got spicy grilled meats on the menu.

Spicy cocktails to match the heat

If you’re feeling brave, why not lean into the spice with a drink that brings some heat of its own?

The Brooklyn Mary – A whisky take on the Bloody Mary, this cocktail is packed with tomato and spice, making it a natural match for spicy brunch dishes like huevos rancheros or chorizo-laden shakshuka.

Ballantine’s Piña – Sweet, spicy, and full of character, this spicy twist on a retro classic pairs well with bold dishes like jerk chicken or sweet chilli seafood.

Get more spicy inspiration

Spicy food and whisky go hand in hand. If you want more ideas, check out this guide on whisky and Chinese food for even more pairing tips. Whether you’re cooling things down or turning up the heat, the right cocktail makes all the difference.