The 16 Best Cocktails To Serve With Steak

Nothing quite says date night like a steak dinner with a cocktail! 

Though wine might be the more obvious choice of tipple to serve alongside your favourite cut of steak, a carefully crafted cocktail can be both fun and sophisticated, and bring a dash of creativity to your table. 

When selecting a cocktail to serve with steak, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the meat. A steak with a higher fat content, such as a marbled ribeye, calls for a drink with a bit of acidity or bitterness to cut through the richness.

On the other hand, leaner cuts like sirloin or tenderloin pair wonderfully with smoother, more rounded cocktails.

Bearing this in mind will help you create a harmonious balance between your drink and your dish.

Just imagine the sensation of sipping on a sharp, herbaceous cocktail that perfectly cuts through the buttery taste of your steak.

Or think about a bold, smoky whiskey-based drink that echoes the charred exterior of a perfectly grilled cut.

By considering the flavour profile and cooking method of your steak, you can choose cocktails that will truly enhance your meal.

Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or looking to try a modern twist, there’s a cocktail out there to complete your steak dinner.

In this guide, we’re going to explore flavour profiles to help you make an informed choice for matching cocktails with steaks, and share easy to follow guides to craft your own at home. 

Just need some quick ideas? 

No worries! 

The best cocktails to serve with steak include old fashioned, Manhattan, martini, negroni, spicy margarita, classic whiskey sour, and New York sour. If you want to skip the alcohol, great mocktail choices include virgin Mary, no-booze negroni, and Shirley ginger. 

Let’s look at some more details… 

The Basics of Pairing Cocktails with Steak

When selecting cocktails to accompany your steak, consider the balance of flavours to complement the rich taste of the meat.

Understanding Flavour Profiles

Your steak’s flavour profile is largely influenced by its cut, preparation, and seasoning.

For example, a seared ribeye with its marbled fat will have a robust, beefy taste and a charred edge. With a leaner cut like filet mignon, expect a subtler flavour and tender texture.

Pairing your cocktail accordingly means matching or contrasting these flavour profiles.

A general guide to follow is:

• Rich and fatty steaks pair well with cocktails that have acidic or bitter elements, cutting through the richness.
• Spiced or charred steaks benefit from sweet or smoky cocktails, which can accentuate the seasoning.
• Lighter-flavoured steaks should be accompanied by simpler cocktails to avoid overpowering the meat.

Consider the acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and alcohol content in your cocktail, aiming for a harmonious dining experience.

Selection of Spirits

The spirit foundation of your cocktail is pivotal.

Here’s a breakdown of spirits and how they might complement different steak preparations:

• Whiskey/Bourbon: Excellent with grilled or smoky steaks; their oaky flavours sync well with the char.
• Rum: Aged varieties add a sweet intensity that pairs nicely with spiced rubs.
• Gin: Choose for lighter steaks or when using herbaceous marinades, as its botanicals can highlight those notes.
• Vodka: Ideal for heavily-seasoned steaks due to its neutral taste, it doesn’t compete with the flavours.
• Tequila: Works well with spicy or Mexican-inspired steak dishes for a complementary zing.

Remember, your choice of mixers and garnishes will also come into play; fresh herbs, citrus twists, and flavoured syrups can bridge the gap between beverage and beef.

Classic Cocktails for Steak Pairing

Let’s dive into some classic choices for cocktails to serve with steak… 

Old Fashioned

When you sip an Old Fashioned with your steak, the rich and smoky bourbon base enhances the meat’s savouriness.

First crafted in the 1800s for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, it’s a classic favourite that’s loved right around the world. 

To make this cocktail:

• Muddle a sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water.
• Add ice and 60ml of bourbon.
• Stir and garnish with an orange twist.

Manhattan

The Manhattan offers a potent mixture that stands up to a hearty steak.

It’s though that the drink originated at the Manhattan Club in New York in the mid-1870s, where it was invented by Iain Marshall for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill (mother of Winston) in honour of presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden.

Its rye whiskey heartiness pairs beautifully with the charred crust of a steak.

Here’s a simple recipe:

• Mix 50ml rye whiskey with 25ml sweet vermouth.
• Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
• Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

(For more steak night inspiration, check out starters for steak, salads for steak, and desserts for steak!) 

Martini

The crispness of a Martini cuts through the fattiness of the steak, giving a refreshing counterpoint to each bite.

Some believe it was invented in 1911 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York by bartender Martini di Taggia, served to billionaire John D. Rockerfeller with equal parts London dry gin and dry vermouth.

To mix a perfect Martini:

1. Chill your glass in the freezer.
2. Pour 60ml gin and 10ml dry vermouth into a mixing glass with ice.
3. Stir well and strain into your chilled glass.
4. Add a lemon twist or an olive.

Negroni

A Negroni, with its bitter notes and complexity, contrasts the richness of the steak, balancing its flavours.

Construct your Negroni with equal parts:

• 25ml gin
• 25ml Campari
• 25ml sweet vermouth Stir these over ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube. Add an orange peel for garnish.

Contemporary Twists

Exploring modern twists on classic cocktails can level up your steak dinner with bold flavours and unique pairings.

Spicy Margarita

Ingredients:

• Tequila: 50 ml
• Fresh lime juice: 25 ml
• Agave syrup: 15 ml
• Jalapeño slices: 3-4
• Ice cubes
• Salt for the rim

Instructions:

1. Muddle the jalapeño slices in a shaker.
2. Add the tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice.
3. Shake vigorously and strain into an ice-filled, salt-rimmed glass.

A spicy margarita adds a piquant kick to your meal, balancing the richness of the steak with its zesty and fiery notes.

Whiskey Sour Variants

Classic Whiskey Sour:

• Whiskey: 50 ml
• Fresh lemon juice: 25 ml
• Simple syrup: 15 ml
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a dash of egg white

New York Sour:

• Follow the Classic Whiskey Sour recipe.
• Float 15 ml of red wine on top after pouring into the glass.

Instructions:

1. Combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. For a frothy texture, add egg white.
3. Shake with ice and strain into a glass.
4. For the New York Sour, gently pour red wine over the back of a spoon onto the drink.

With variants like the New York Sour, you introduce an extra layer of complexity and a hint of tannins, complementing beef’s hearty flavour.

Cocktail Preparation Tips

Optimising your cocktail preparation will complement the flavours of your steak, and enhance the overall dining experience.

Mixing Techniques

To craft the perfect steak-accompanying cocktail, the key is in the mix.

• Stirring gently is essential for cocktails like the Manhattan or Martini; it combines ingredients smoothly without diluting the drink too much.

For a stirred cocktail:

• Use a mixing glass
• Add ice
• Stir for about 30 seconds
• Strain into a chilled glass

Conversely, shaking is suited for cocktails with citrus or dairy, such as a Whiskey Sour.

1. Fill a shaker with ice
2. Pour in ingredients
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds
4. Strain into an appropriate glass

Garnishing

Garnishes add a visual appeal and can enhance the flavour profile of your cocktail.

For instance, a simple twist of lemon peel over a Martini adds aromatic oils to the surface.

Always use fresh garnishes and add them to your drink just before serving to maintain their potency.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Choosing the right non-alcoholic beverage to complement your steak can elevate your dining experience just as much as a traditional cocktail.

Mocktail Versions of Classics

• Virgin Mary: This is a non-alcoholic take on the Bloody Mary. It’s bursting with the same rich tomato juice, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and a hint of lemon, but without the vodka.
• No-Booze Negroni: Mix equal parts of a non-alcoholic gin alternative, sweet vermouth substitute, and a bitter aperitif minus alcohol. Garnish with an orange slice for that classic Negroni experience.
• Alcohol-Free Mojito: Muddle sugar with fresh mint leaves and lime juice in a glass. Fill the glass with ice and top it with soda water. This minty mocktail provides a refreshing twist to your meal.
• Shirley Ginger: A playful mocktail resembling the Shirley Temple, combine ginger ale with a splash of grenadine and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Seasonal Cocktail Considerations

When you’re selecting cocktails to complement your steak, consider the current season for maximum enjoyment.

The temperature, weather and seasonal produce all impact the most suitable cocktail choices.

Summer: Go for a light and refreshing cocktail.

• Mojito: Mint, lime, and white rum will cool you down.
• Gin and Tonic: Dress it up with seasonal berries or cucumber.

Autumn: Warm and spiced flavours work well.

• Old Fashioned: Whiskey with dashes of bitters feels cosy.
• Manhattan: Choose rye or bourbon for a toasty note.

Winter: Rich and robust cocktails are ideal.

• Hot Toddy: Whiskey, honey, and lemon to ward off the chill.
• Negroni: Gin, Campari and vermouth for a bittersweet warmth.

Spring: Floral and fresh is the way to go.

• Lavender Martini: Vodka and lavender for a fragrant twist.
• Tom Collins: Gin, lemon juice, and soda water for zest.

Remember to tailor your garnishes to the season too, using fresh herbs and seasonal fruit slices to bring a touch of nature to your drink.

Dinner Presentation and Cocktail Service

When serving steak, the visual appeal of your dinner presentation can be as impactful as the taste.

Begin by choosing the right dinnerware; a simple, elegant plate frames your steak beautifully.

Place your cutlery appropriately around the plate—knife to the right, fork to the left.

For your cocktail service, consistency is key.

Ensure glasses are of the same style to maintain a sleek, uniform appearance.

A chilled glass enhances most cocktails and provides a refreshing touch to the palate.

Conclusion

When selecting a cocktail to complement your steak, consider the flavour profiles of both the drink and the dish.

• Match the intensity: Your drink should neither overpower nor be overwhelmed by the steak.
• A robust steak pairs well with a strong cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
• Complement the flavours: Aim to match the notes in your steak with those in your cocktail.
• For instance, the smokiness of a Scotch-based drink can enhance a char-grilled steak.

Steak Type	Cocktail Recommendation
Fillet	Manhattan
Ribeye	Whisky Sour
Sirloin	Negroni
T-bone	Old Fashioned

 

In your home bar toolkit, ensure you’ve got the basics:

• Spirits like bourbon or Scotch
• Vermouth for Manhattans
• Bitters for complexity
• Citrus for freshness

Remember to adjust the cocktail’s components to taste.

For a personal twist, infuse your whiskey with herbs or spices that resonate with your preferred steak seasoning.

As you can see, there are plenty of choices for cocktails that go with steak! 

Which of these options will you be trying? 

Leave a comment below to share your thoughts!