If you love oysters, you’ve probably got a drink you like to pair them with. But it’s always a good idea to experiment and try something new. The next time you have oysters, see if you like how they pair with these wines and cocktails.

Champagne

Champagne is always a great way to mark an occasion, and treating yourself to oysters is no exception. The carbonation of Champagne helps it cleanse the palete between each oyster. Also, its acidic flavor meshes well with the briny nature of oysters and other shellfish.

Chablis

Chablis is a white wine that originates in the northern area of Burgundy. It makes sense that Chablis pairs well with oysters because there are fossilized oyster shells in the soil where its vines grow. This soil composition gives Chablis a distinctively mineral, flinty note. Chablis is made from Chardonnay grapes and has a more acidic, less fruity flavor than most white wines, which makes it ideal for drinking it with seafood.

Muscadet

Muscadet has a bright, crisp, dry flavor that will surely enhance your oyster-eating experience. Muscadet is from the Loire Valley near the city of Nantes along the coast of France and is made with the local French Melon de Bourgogne grape. The Nantes region also features a large abundance of local oysters, making Muscadet the perfect pairing. The light crispness of Muscadet and its moderate alcohol level allow it compliment its pairing without overpowering it.

Margaritas

Any drink with citrus will pair well with oysters, and margaritas are no exception. Also, the smoky taste of tequila complements the delicate flavor of seafood. Here is how to make a decadent margarita to pair with your oysters:

Ingredients

• 3 oz tequila
• 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz Simple Syrup
• ½-1 tsp orange liqueur
• Salt and Paprika powder

Method

1. Shake all the liquids with ice cubes into a cocktail shaker (or anything that closes like a Thermos)
2. Pour salt and paprika powder on a plate
3. Wet the rim of glass with lemon/lime wedge
4. Dip glass in salt/paprika mix on plate for a salty rim
5. Pour Margarita in the glass

Martinis

Oysters and martinis are one of the quintessential food and cocktail pairings. This is partially due to how well both gin and vodka complement oysters. Gin is infused with juniper and other herbs that enhance the flavors of oysters. Vodka’s more neutral taste keeps the cocktail from overpowering oysters. Here’s a martini recipe for the next time you have oysters:

Ingredients

• 3½ oz vodka or gin
• ½ oz dry vermouth
• Olive or lemon twist for garnish

Method

1. Pour ice, vodka/gin and vermouth into a cocktail shaker
2. Shake and pour into a martini glass
3. Garnish with olives or lemon twist

There are several wines and cocktails that pair well with oysters. You should ask which kind of oysters you’re eating to inform which drink you choose. At Oysters XO, we bring a one-of-a-kind experience to oyster lovers across the country. If you’d like to have one of your events catered, contact us online.