The strawberry is perhaps the best thing ever to be covered in chocolate. Each bite is a harmonious combination of the initial sweetness from the chocolate, followed by a rush of natural tang, and then a burst of juiciness from the strawberry. This bite is so perfect by itself that finding chocolate-covered strawberry drink pairings can be difficult. The accompanying beverage needs to have enough body to stand up to the rich, dense texture but a subtle enough flavor profile for the strawberry and chocolate to shine through.
I took it upon myself to do some “research” and tasted a number of potential pairings for a variety of covered strawberries that will enhance this already delicious treat. Here are my favorites.
White Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Something that’s so elegant and creamy requires a pairing that matches the delicate sweetness and subtle flavors of the white chocolate without overpowering them.
Enter Lambrusco, a sparkling red Italian wine that brings a delightful touch of effervescence to the party. I recommend a dry one, but slightly sweet would also work. The red fruit notes and light bubbles play nicely off the rich, velvety texture and subtle buttery flavor of the white chocolate, creating a refreshing and indulgent back and forth on the palate.
If Italian sparkling red wine isn’t your thing, fear not! A smooth and nutty brown ale works wonders in bringing out the subtle flavors of white chocolate while adding a layer of toasty goodness to the overall experience.
Milk Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Moving on to the more traditional chocolate-covered strawberry, we have two more companions: ruby port and white ale.
Ruby port, with its luscious berry flavors and hints of spice, pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of milk chocolate. Each sip infuses the velvety smoothness of the chocolate with bursts of baked raspberries and strawberries.
The light and refreshing white ale brings a touch of citrus and hints of wheat to the chocolate and strawberry party. Its crispness cuts through the sweetness of the milk chocolate, creating a dynamic pairing that’s certain to wake up some dormant taste buds.
Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Ah, the complex realm of dark chocolate strawberries, where the lack of sugar and sweetness in the chocolate can foil even the best-laid pairing plans. Wines without enough fruit will fall flat on their face while removing most of the enjoyable flavors from the chocolate and leaving you with only strawberry. Not to worry, because we have two fantastic options to sip alongside these bittersweet delights: pinot noir and porter.
Pinot noir, with its exquisite balance of ripe fruit and earthiness, provides the ideal companion to this more intense combination of flavors, with each sip enhancing the complexity of the dark chocolate.
If you prefer a brew, a robust and velvety porter will do the trick. Its roasted malt flavors and hints of chocolate seamlessly meld with the dark chocolate-covered strawberry, resulting in a pairing that’s dark, delightful, and just a little bit naughty.
Caramel Sea Salt-Covered Strawberries
Last but not least, we have the most enchanting pairing.
What better way to celebrate a covered strawberry’s sweet and savory magic than with a glass of crisp and refreshing pear cider? Caramel-covered apples and pears are delicious by themselves, but bring some chocolate and strawberry into the mix, and it’s party time! The light fruitiness of the cider perfectly complements the caramel’s richness, while the subtle hint of salt brings all these bold flavors into harmony.
For those moments of true celebration, how about a glass of sparkling wine? The effervescence and delicate flavors of a sparkling white provide a luxurious backdrop for the sea salt caramel strawberries to shine, creating a pairing worthy of its own toast at the dinner table. Cheers to that!
