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Peppermint is a highly versatile herb, finding application in a range of culinary items, including salads, chocolates, candies, and even beverages, such as cocktails. Many mixologists and bartenders favour peppermint because of its intense flavour, which counteracts the sweetness of fruity or botanical-based cocktails, leading to the creation of a complex and well-balanced drink. Although peppermint cocktails are winter specialties, they are also sought-after during the summer, thanks to their cooling aftertaste.
No summer soiree or party is complete without delicious appetisers that guests can munch on. Additionally, peppermint goes well with a variety of foods, such as cucumber and shrimp; therefore, pairing peppermint cocktails with carefully curated appetisers is guaranteed to provide guests with an unforgettable and complete culinary experience. It will also infuse a note of elegance to your party or get-together and enhance the overall vibe of the event.
Here are six scrumptious appetisers that can be paired with peppermint cocktails.
Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a trendy, bite-sized twist on the classic caprese salad. In this appetiser, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and flavour-packed basil are artfully arranged together on a skewer to create a sublime and refreshing treat. It is recommended to garnish the skewers with some balsamic glaze to lend them a note of sweetness, which will provide a nice contrast to the strong minty flavour of your peppermint cocktails.
Image Credits: iStock
Spicy Shrimp Avocado Bites
Spice up the evening with this hot and sultry spicy shrimp and avocado concoction. Creating this appetiser is very simple; all you have to do is marinate the shrimp in a mixture of spices, and grill them till they are perfectly cooked. Subsequently, arrange them on top of avocado slices, and lay them out for serving. The creamy avocado balances the heat of the shrimp, and is bound to form an explosive combination with the coolness of the mint.
Paneer Tikka Bites
A favourite in Indian cuisine, paneer tikka bites make for a classic and satisfying appetiser. Prepare this crowd pleaser by marinating chunks or cubes of paneer in a spicy yoghurt blend; then grill these chunks to perfection. The grilled edges, coupled with the paneer’s creamy texture, and the heat derived from the kick of the spices, such as garam masala, result in the formation of a sensational dish that is an ideal pairing for peppermint cocktails.
Image Credits: iStock
Papri Chaat Cups
Turn the iconic Indian street food, the papri chaat, into an avant-garde culinary creation by transforming it into a sophisticated bite-sized food. To make this enticing dish, all you have to do is pump the papri cups with a blend of potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt, chopped onions, green chillies, and chutneys. The crispiness of the cups, and the spicy and tangy flavours of the dish deliver a dynamic contrast to the exhilarating coolness of peppermint.
Mini Samosas
Who doesn’t love a good samosa? This beloved Indian delicacy is even better enjoyed in mini or “cocktail” form as one can indulge in multiple of these crispy, bite-sized treats. You can make your samosas with any filling of your choice, such as potatoes or peas, corn and cheese, or even ground meat. Be sure to serve these sinful delights with green mint chutney to further magnify not only the rich flavours of the samosa but also the cool undertones of peppermint.
Image Credits: Freepik
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Incorporate the coolness of cucumber with the decadence of salmon to craft a unique appetiser that serves as an ideal accompaniment to the freshness and intensity of peppermint cocktails. To imbue your cucumber bites with a touch of refinement, garnish them with a helping of cream cheese and a sprig of dill. The rich flavours of this dish combined with the refreshing quality of peppermint are sure to keep the crowd coming back for more.
