Pairing desserts with drinks is an art that can turn a simple treat into an unforgettable indulgence. From balancing rich, chocolatey flavors with dark stouts to contrasting tangy fruits with sweet wines, finding the right combination is key. In this guide, we’ll share general tips on how to perfectly match desserts with drinks, and we’ll highlight the unique dessert and signature drink pairings offered at Better Than Sex Desserts.
How to Perfectly Pair Desserts and Drinks: Expert Tips & Menu Pairings from Better Than Sex Desserts
When it comes to indulging in desserts, there’s one surefire way to take the experience to the next level: the perfect drink pairing. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a cheesecake fan, or someone who appreciates a fruity delight, pairing your dessert with the right beverage can elevate the flavors, create new sensations, and leave you craving more.
At Better Than Sex Desserts, we've crafted unique pairings that blend indulgent flavors with our signature drinks, creating a dining experience like no other. But before we dive into our menu's irresistible combinations, let’s explore some general tips on how to create your own dessert and drink pairings.
General Tips for Pairing Desserts and Drinks
Pairing desserts with drinks is a lot like matchmaking: it’s all about finding harmony, whether through complementary flavors or exciting contrasts. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Match Sweetness Levels
One of the first rules of pairing desserts with drinks is to balance the sweetness. A dessert that’s too sweet paired with an overly sugary drink can be overwhelming. Similarly, a dry drink paired with an ultra-sweet dessert might not hit the mark. Pro Tip: Choose a drink that’s slightly less sweet than your dessert. For example, a rich, creamy cheesecake pairs beautifully with a dry sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco, which cuts through the richness without overpowering the sweetness.
Complement or Contrast Flavors
When it comes to flavor combinations, you can go one of two routes: complement or contrast. Complementary pairings match similar flavors, enhancing the dessert experience. Think dark chocolate with a rich stout. On the other hand, contrasting pairings bring opposites together for a more complex flavor profile, like pairing a tart dessert with a sweet, fruity wine. Complement Example: Chocolate lava cake with a milk stout – both rich, creamy, and luxurious. Contrast Example: Lemon tart with a sweet Riesling – the tartness of the lemon balanced by the wine’s sweetness creates a delightful contrast.
Texture Balance
Consider the textures of both the dessert and the drink. A creamy dessert, like mousse or cheesecake, pairs well with a crisp, bubbly drink, while a crunchy or dense dessert benefits from a smooth, silky beverage. The key is to create a balance of textures that work together, rather than competing for attention. Pro Tip: Pairing a warm, dense dessert like chocolate cake with a cold, refreshing beer or cocktail adds a dynamic contrast that enhances both the flavor and the overall experience.
Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Alcoholic drinks like wine, beer, or cocktails can add layers of flavor to your dessert, but non-alcoholic options are just as delightful. Rich coffees, herbal teas, or sparkling water infused with fruit are great choices if you’re looking for a lighter, alcohol-free pairing. Pro Tip: A bold espresso can cut through a creamy dessert like tiramisu, while a floral tea can highlight the fruity notes in a berry-based treat.
Temperature & Texture Play
Sometimes, playing with temperature differences can make the pairing even more exciting. A warm dessert paired with a cool drink can create a delightful contrast. For instance, a piping hot apple pie with a cold, crisp cider or a warm chocolate soufflé with an iced coffee can provide a playful juxtaposition that elevates both.
Better Than Sex Desserts: Perfect Pairings from Our Menu
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into some of the show stopping pairings from our Better Than Sex Desserts menu. Each combination is crafted to deliver a rich, indulgent experience by expertly balancing flavors, textures, and aromas. Here’s a sneak peek of what we have to offer:
Peanut Butter Perversion
Dessert: Peanut Butter Silk Pie on Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Crust with Salted Peanut and Chocolate Bark. Drink Pairing: Gyration – Chocolate stout served in a dark chocolate rimmed beer glass. Why it works: The deep, nutty richness of the peanut butter silk pie is perfectly matched by the bold, chocolatey notes of the stout. Both are decadent, but the beer’s bitterness offsets the sweetness, creating a balanced and indulgent bite.
Cookie Nookie Pie
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Drink Pairing: Super Soaker – Chocolate-cake martini soaked in vodka. Why it works: The gooey cookie pie and cold vanilla ice cream are a match made in heaven with the ultra-decadent chocolate-cake martini. It’s rich, it’s boozy, and it’s the ultimate indulgence.
Fever
Dessert: Warm Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Pudding and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Drink Pairing: Milfshake – Left Hand Milk Stout poured over vanilla bean ice cream, served in a white chocolate rimmed glass with malted milk balls. Why it works: This pairing is all about creamy indulgence. Both the warm chocolate cake and the milk stout bring richness, while the ice cream offers a cold contrast. The malted milk balls are the cherry on top of this delicious duo.
Berry Bondage
Dessert: Crepes with Fresh Raspberries, White Chocolate Ganache, and Amaretto-infused Topping. Drink Pairing: Sex Appeal – Sparkling Moscato in a white chocolate rimmed glass with red sugar. Why it works: Light, fruity, and slightly fizzy, the Moscato is a perfect partner for the fresh raspberries and delicate crepes. The white chocolate rim adds a sweet, creamy touch that ties everything together.
Between My Red Velvet Sheets Cheesecake
Dessert: Red Velvet Cheesecake with Dark Chocolate Cookie Crust and Silky Chocolate Frosting. Drink Pairing: Slip Inside – Chocolate, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur served in a champagne flute. Why it works: The creamy richness of the cheesecake complements the coffee-infused flavors of the Slip Inside cocktail. It’s pure decadence in every bite and sip.
Caress My Carrot
Dessert: Carrot Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting and Bruleed Sugar. Drink Pairing: Exhibitionist – Zinfandel served in a caramel-rimmed wine glass. Why it works: The spiced notes of the Zinfandel beautifully complement the warmth of the carrot cake, while the caramel rim adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Wrapping Up: The Art of Perfect Pairings
Whether you’re creating your own dessert and drink pairings at home or indulging in our curated menu at Better Than Sex Desserts, the key is finding balance. From rich chocolates paired with stouts to light fruits complemented by sweet wines, there’s no limit to the delicious combinations you can create.
The next time you’re planning a dessert and drink combo, remember: it’s all about enhancing the flavors and textures to create an unforgettable experience. And when in doubt, visit us at Better Than Sex Desserts, where we’ve already done the work for you with our perfectly paired indulgences!
