Camping is all about adventure, relaxation, and of course, great food and drinks. Whether you’re hiking deep into the woods or setting up camp by the lake, having the perfect food and drink pairings can elevate your outdoor experience. Here are four expertly curated pairings that are delicious, easy to prepare, and ideal for your next camping trip.
1. Grilled Oysters & Sparkling Wine
Food: Grilled Oysters with Sriracha-Lime Butter Oysters are a classic treat, and grilling them over an open flame adds a delicious smoky flavor. A simple butter sauce with sriracha and lime enhances the briny sweetness of the oysters, making this an elegant yet easy camping dish.
Drink: French 75 or Sparkling Wine The bright acidity and effervescence of a French 75 cocktail (gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne) or a chilled bottle of sparkling wine make the perfect pairing. The bubbles cut through the richness of the butter while complementing the fresh flavors of the oysters.
2. Flank Steak, Grilled Eggplant & Whiskey Cocktails
Food: Flank Steak with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette & Grilled Eggplant Agrodolce Flank steak is an excellent choice for camping because it marinates well and cooks quickly over a hot grill. Pair it with a tangy cherry tomato vinaigrette and a smoky-sweet grilled eggplant agrodolce for a satisfying meal.
Drink: Rob Roy or Boulevardier A smoky Scotch-based Rob Roy (Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters) enhances the charred flavors of the steak. Alternatively, a Boulevardier (bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari) provides a bold, bittersweet contrast to the grilled eggplant and steak.
3. Grilled Salmon Kebabs & Mezcal Margarita
Food: Grilled Salmon Kebabs with Lemon-Mint Dressing Salmon kebabs are perfect for an open-flame grill, with their rich, fatty texture caramelizing beautifully. A bright lemon-mint dressing adds freshness and balances the smoky char of the fish.
Drink: Mezcal Margarita A smoky Mezcal Margarita brings out the richness of the salmon while adding a refreshing citrus kick. The blend of mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and a salted rim makes for a bold and refreshing campfire cocktail.
4. Spiced Grilled Peaches & Bourbon Cocktail
Food: Grilled Peaches with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Grilled peaches take on a caramelized, smoky depth when cooked over a fire. A touch of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances their natural sweetness, making them a perfect camping dessert.
Drink: Bourbon & Allspice Dram Cocktail A Bourbon & Allspice Dram Cocktail (bourbon, sweet vermouth, marmalade, allspice, and mole bitters) pairs beautifully with grilled peaches. The warm spices and caramel notes complement the smoky-sweet fruit, making for a cozy fireside sip.
Final Tips for Campfire Cooking & Cocktails
- Batch Your Cocktails: Pre-mix ingredients before your trip to save time and reduce packing.
- Keep It Simple: Opt for meals that require minimal prep and cook quickly over a fire.
- Use Multi-Purpose Gear: A quality camping cooler and grill are key to making cooking easier.
- Embrace the Outdoors: Pair your meals with the scenery, enjoying every sip and bite under the stars.
With these food and drink pairings, your next camping trip is sure to be deliciously unforgettable!
