Question: What Beverages Pair Well with Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd's pie is a hearty, traditional Irish main course that is made with lamb, potatoes and cheese. For this pairing Elaine Lemm, About.com Guide to British and Irish Food, shares an easy and delicious recipe for Shepherd's Pie. These suggestions are ideal if you're hosting an Irish-themed dinner party, are looking for something to make your St. Patrick's Day party just a little more special and traditional or when you simply get in the mood for a great Irish meal.
Answer:
- Beer Suggestions:
This classic Irish dish deserves a classic Irish beer. Naturally that means stout, more specifically, Guinness. For this simple, hearty dish I suggest Guinness Draught-style Stout, available in bottles and cans as well as on tap. Draught-style feels soft and light in the mouth while the roasted, coffee-like flavor snaps the taste buds awake with its single-minded dryness. Make sure you pick up the Draught-style and not Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, also available in bottles. There is quite a difference between these two styles of stout. The intense Extra Stout would overwhelm your shepherd's pie but Draught-style couples very nicely with it. Its dry roasted flavor contrasts nicely with the broad flavors of meat and potatoes while matching the gentle wholesomeness of the dish.
- Wine Suggestions:
Since this recipe allows for either lamb or beef as the primary protein, and it is well packed with potatoes, I would go with either a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. Both of these varietals tend to perform well when paired with a "meat and potatoes" line up, and the cheddar cheese will add an additional complement to the palate profile of these red wine favorites. You might consider Robert Mondavi's Private Selection Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon $14 or the Ravenswood Vintner's Blend Zinfandel $10. Both wines enjoy good accessibility and food-friendly personalities.
- Cocktail Suggestions:
Meat and potato pies and other hearty, filling meals are some of the most difficult for finding cocktails to pair with them simply because there is so much going on inside. This complexity of the food should be offset with simple drinks and the more substantial the food, the more refreshing the drinks should be. With that, and sticking with the Irish spirit, the tall Leprechaun with Fever Tree Tonic Water is ideal. In that same vein an Irish Gold or Jameson and Ginger are good picks. However, after this and most traditional Irish fare, dessert deserves a carefully crafted, rich Irish Coffee.
