Discover the Best Alcoholic Drinks to Pair with Mooncake

Indulging in mooncakes is a cherished tradition during the Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival), and what better way to elevate the experience than by pairing them with the perfect beverage? In this article, we will explore the complexity of mooncake flavours, the art of pairing alcoholic drinks with food and our top pairing recommendations to perfectly complement mooncakes.

Understanding the Complexity of Mooncake Flavours

Mooncakes come in a wide array of flavours, each offering a unique taste sensation. From the traditional lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks to more modern variations like durian and green tea, there is a mooncake flavour to suit every palate. To truly appreciate the complexity of these flavours, one must delve into the rich history and variety of mooncake fillings.

The Rich History of Mooncakes

Mooncakes have a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Originally used as a means of communication during times of revolution, these pastries have evolved to become a symbol of unity and good fortune. The art of making mooncakes has been passed down through generations, with each family having their own secret recipe and technique. The intricate designs on the mooncakes, often depicting the moon or other auspicious symbols, add to their allure and cultural significance. Understanding the cultural significance of mooncakes adds depth to the pairing experience.Watching the Moon from China, believed to be in Han Dynasty.

Legend has it that mooncakes were first used as a way to secretly pass messages between rebels during the Yuan Dynasty in China. The messages were hidden inside the mooncakes, and when the rebels successfully overthrew the ruling Mongols, mooncakes became a symbol of victory and freedom. Today, mooncakes are enjoyed by people all over the world, not only during the Moon Festival but also as a delicious treat throughout the year.

The Variety of Mooncake Fillings

One of the reasons mooncakes are so versatile when it comes to pairing with drinks is the variety of fillings available. From sweet and creamy to savoury and nutty, the different fillings offer a range of flavours that can be complemented or contrasted with the right drink. Traditional fillings like lotus seed paste and red bean paste provide a smooth and delicate sweetness, while more adventurous flavours like durian and green tea offer a unique and bold taste experience.

Lotus seed paste, made from ground lotus seeds and sweetened with sugar, is the most popular and traditional mooncake filling. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a subtle floral aroma. Salted egg yolks are often added to lotus seed paste mooncakes, providing a savoury and salty contrast to the sweet filling. This combination of flavours is a classic favourite among mooncake enthusiasts.

For those who prefer a more adventurous flavour profile, there are mooncakes filled with durian, a tropical fruit known for its strong and distinctive smell. Durian mooncakes have a creamy and custard-like texture, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste. The unique flavour of durian adds an exotic twist to the traditional mooncake experience.

Varietal Mooncakes: Classic Lotus seed paste(top), black sesame paste(bottom) and green tea based paste (right)

Green tea mooncakes, on the other hand, offer a refreshing and slightly bitter taste. The filling is made from matcha green tea powder, giving the mooncake a vibrant green colour and a subtle earthy flavour. Green tea mooncakes are often paired with lighter and more delicate aromatic wines such as Chardonnay, , Semillon or floral dessert wines like Botrytis, to enhance the overall flavour experience. 

The Significance of Mooncakes in Chinese Culture

Mooncakes hold a special place in Chinese culture, particularly during the Moon Festival. They symbolise family reunion and are often given as gifts to loved ones. The round shape of mooncakes represents completeness and unity, while the golden colour of the crust symbolises prosperity and good luck.

During the Moon Festival, families gather together to admire the full moon and enjoy mooncakes as a way to express their love and gratitude. It is a time of celebration and reflection, as people give thanks for the abundance in their lives and pray for a prosperous future. Mooncakes are often exchanged between friends and relatives as a gesture of goodwill and to strengthen relationships.

Understanding the cultural significance of mooncakes adds a layer of appreciation when pairing them with drinks. It is not just about the flavours and textures, but also about the traditions and values that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. By understanding the history and significance of mooncakes, one can truly immerse themselves in the experience and savour the complexity of flavours that these delightful pastries have to offer.

The Art of Pairing Drinks with Food

Pairing drinks with food is more than just about personal preference; it is about enhancing the flavours of both the food and the drink. By understanding the basics of flavour combinations and the role of alcohol in enhancing taste, one can create a harmonious pairing that brings out the best in both.

The Basics of Flavour Combinations

When it comes to pairing alcoholic drinks with food, it's all about finding complementary or contrasting flavours. The sweetness of a mooncake, for example, can be complemented by a crisp and acidic Riesling or contrasted with a smoky and peaty whisky from Islay: Laphroaig 10YO and Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Limited Edition. Understanding the basic principles of flavour combinations is essential in creating a successful pairing.

Common Mistakes in Pairing Alcoholic Drinks

While pairing alcoholic drinks with mooncakes is a subjective art, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Overpowering the delicate flavours of a mooncake with a strong and bold drink or choosing a drink that clashes with the flavours can detract from the overall experience. By understanding these common pitfalls, one can ensure a successful pairing.

Top Drinks to Pair with Mooncakes 

Now that we have explored the complexity of mooncake flavours and the art of pairing drinks with food, let us delve into the top drinks that complement mooncakes perfectly. Here are our top drink recommendations to pair with different mooncake flavours:

Savoury Mooncakes with Fine Riesling and Light Chardonnay 

• Orlando Steingarten Riesling and Peter Lehmann Wigan Riesling are ideal companions for savoury mooncakes, with their citrusy and acidic notes beautifully cutting through the richness of savoury fillings.

Orlando Steingartem Eden Valley Riesling

• Light Chardonnay options like Brokenwood Lilydale Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 and Two Rivers Lightning Ridge Chardonnay, featuring citrus and tropical flavours, can also enhance the flavours of savoury mooncakes. Their refreshing profiles add a layer of complexity to your mooncake experience. 

The Boldness of Whisky/Cognac and Sweet Mooncake Combination 

• For Sweet Mooncakes, consider the sophistication of Martell Cordon Bleu or Hennessy XO cognac. Their complex and layered profiles elevate the sweetness of mooncakes.

Martell Cordon Bleu Limited Edition 2023

• Alternatively, explore the world of whisky. Opt for peaty and smoky expressions like Highland Park Whisky or Lark Whisky from Australia. These whiskies provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of mooncakes, making each bite an adventure in flavour. 

The Refreshing Pairing of Beer and unique-flavoured Mooncake 

• For a more casual and refreshing pairing, beer is a fantastic option. The effervescence and crispness of beer can cleanse the palate between bites of mooncake, making it an excellent choice for a lighter and more relaxed pairing experience.

• Hoppy and citrus-driven beers, such as Philter XPA (Extra Pale Ale) with its extra hoppy and refreshing bitter notes, can add a kick to your mooncake tasting. Or, the night is going to be long and you are looking for mid-strength? We highly recommend the new XPA from Hawke's.

By understanding the complexity of mooncake flavours, the art of pairing alcoholic drinks with food, and exploring the top alcoholic drinks to complement mooncakes, you can elevate your enjoyment of this cherished tradition. So, gather your friends and family, uncork a bottle of wine or pour a glass of whiskey, and celebrate the Moon Festival with a delightful mooncake and alcohol pairing experience!