Mexican food is some of the best on earth. It’s also one of the most challenging when it comes to pairing with beverages. The complexity of spices, texture and sheer range of cuisine choices and combinations makes it difficult to rely on a simplistic approach. Just imagine – many traditional moles contain 30 different ingredients and some can have over 100 ! That’s a lot of food chemistry at work. Now try and decide what beverage would compliment it the best. No easy task. When it comes to pairing food with beverages, someone once told me it’s best to stay within the geographic area of origin. To defer to and match the terroir of a specific region’s wine is a way of acknowledging the impact of the environment on both the wine and food from that specific area. A shared commonality allows for an almost subconscious union between the two.
Enchiladas suizas is a popular Mexican menu item enjoyed by many. The combination of spices, peppers, tomatillos, corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese found in enchiladas suizas offers a unique chance for some creative pairings. Over the years, there have been numerous suggestions ranging from light white wines such as Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Gewurtraminer to fruity red wines such as a Beaujolais. But if the idea is to match the food’s terroir, a beverage of Mexican origin would lend greater authenticity to the overall experience; it might not be the best pairing (although it could be). For this reason, a traditional Mezcal from Oaxaca is one option. This is actually a classic and well-established pairing : Mezcal based cocktails are commonly served with enchiladas. As far as non alcoholic beverages are concerned, aguas frescas are a popular choice, either agua de limon or aqua de jamaica or even horchata. A beverage with a bit of effervescence, such a beer or a cool sparkling rose wine or cava can go well too, especially on a hot summer day. And of course if all else fails, you can just grab a jarritos or Mexican cola over ice. The point is, it’s really a matter of personal taste. Depending upon what you’re trying to accomplish, what you choose to drink with your food comes down to the overall experience and ultimate enjoyment. Should you enjoy Rieslings more than say beer, then choose that. If you prefer a bit of effervescence, then choose a sparkling wine or non alcoholic soda. There are no set rules. It’s all about the overall sensation and being able to simply appreciate whatever combination works.