Now that Spring has finally begun to do its thing, it’s time to pull yourself out of Winter hibernation mode, throw open the windows, dust off the fancy dishes and get into the entertaining mood.
Luckily, there are more options than ever before for delicious, meatless food and spring drinks, meaning you’re likely to be able to find something to please everyone on your guest list.
Learn To Make Cocktails The Vegan Way
You really can’t have a proper cocktail party without the cocktails, but so many of them involve products derived from animals. Tales of the Cocktail says foods such as heavy cream and egg whites are used to provide the flavor, richness, and texture that characterize many alcoholic favorites such as bourbon milk punch.
There are vegan alternatives that can achieve the same effects, such as nut butters that are useful as fat washes. Several ingredients make decent substitutes for the properties of egg whites in cocktails.
Some other options are:
- Agar Agar – is made from seaweed and excels at forming solid foams in cocktails.
- Versawhip – is a soy-based product that won’t produce the creamy texture of egg whites, but is still useful for adding foam to a drink without the animal products.
- Chickpea Brine – is a renowned foamer and emulsifier in vegan circles. It does alter flavor somewhat, but the effect is considered to be mild.
- Beer – is a good choice for adding frothiness to a drink. The flavor tends to be noticeable though.
- Pineapple Gum Syrup – is used to achieve a froth that makes it work nicely when well-shaken, even pineapple juice works just as well.
The superstar of many vegan recipes is coconut, thanks to its versatility, and it’s as true for cocktails as it is for cooking. It can be used for fat-washing to produce a more robust texture and flavor to drinks.
Cream made from coconuts can be used to replace whipped cream in drinks such as Irish Coffee. Coconut also can be used in drinks as varied as tiki cocktails and White Russians.
Rely On The Classics
If you would prefer to stick closer to classic adult beverages, there are plenty of simple spring cocktails that can be made without worrying about animal products.
You could even incorporate organic or homegrown fruits in many cases to make your cocktails even more environmentally friendly.
Some examples are:
- Mimosa — This simple favorite is made by combining champagne, orange juice, and vodka.
- Spring Fling — Combine triple sec, orange juice, lime, pineapple juice, and tequila.
- Bee’s Knees — Honey, lime juice, water, and gin form this refreshing beverage.
- Strawberry And Kiwi — This fruity cocktail blends the flavors of kiwis and strawberries with vodka.
Get The Party Rolling With Perfect Food And Drink Pairing
The pairings of enticing veggie treats with vegan-friendly cocktails could be a hit at your next party and include the following mouthwatering match-ups:
1. Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Cheesecake Bites With Sambuca Or Patron XO Café
Dates, cashews, dark chocolate, walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and coconut milk go into making tasty miniature cheesecakes for a luxuriant dessert paired with a shot of either of the aforementioned libations.
2. BBQ Fried Tofu and Stout
Tofu cubes fried in a deep pan or a wok are mixed with barbecue sauce and pierced with toothpicks, then served with a dark winter stout.
3. Lasagna Puff Pastry And White Wine
Nooch, tofu, tahini butter, porcini mushrooms, kale, marinara, and pastry sheets come together to make delicious puff pastries that are paired with any white wine you prefer.
4. Avocado Naan With Cranberry Margaritas
This combination serves up warmed naan topped with an avocado and ricotta mixture, and a margarita made from triple sec, tequila, and cranberry juice.
Guaranteed Wow
Entertaining is one of the simple joys afforded by warmer weather. Learning a few simple substitution techniques and some well-designed recipes can help you serve up culinary fare at your next cocktail party that could wow your meat-eating friends.
Imagine their surprise after they’ve eaten, drank, and made merry, and you tell them everything was vegan.
