Pairing Non-Alcoholic Spirits with Food: A Guide for Modern Entertaining

Because hosting with intention never goes out of style.

Dinner parties are having a renaissance — but not in the clink-your-glass, wake-up-groggy kind of way. The modern host is dialing up the detail, downshifting the booze, and pouring with purpose. 

Enter: Non-alcoholic spirits.

If you’re looking to mix in a few non-alcoholic drink pairings or plotting the ultimately intentional dinner party, you’re in the right place. Below, we’re pairing Tenneyson’s bold botanical blends with inspired dishes — for gatherings that taste good and feel even better the next morning.

Why Pairing Matters

(Even Without the Alcohol)

Just like wine or whiskey, a well-crafted non-alcoholic spirit carries notes, layers, and complexity. When paired thoughtfully with food, it elevates both — a kind of culinary echo that makes the whole experience more memorable.

Tenneyson’s lineup? Built for this. 

With earthy roots, bright citrus, and warming spice, our spirits don’t just replace alcohol — they rewrite the script.

Pairing Suggestions: 

Tenneyson x Global Cuisine

Tenneyson Black Ginger + Modern Thai

Drink Profile: Smoky ginger bite, warm spice, a hint of lime leaf
Dish Match: Grilled lemongrass chicken, coconut rice, and papaya salad

Why it works: The bold ginger heat mirrors Thai cuisine’s zing, while citrusy undertones play well with sweet-sour elements. Skip the beer. This is a more elevated flex.

Tenneyson Wild Floral + Mediterranean Mezze

Drink Profile: Lavender-forward, herbal, lightly bitter
Dish Match: Labneh with za’atar, marinated olives, roasted eggplant with pomegranate molasses

Why it works: The floral and herbal character cuts through rich spreads, while anchoring the herbal notes of Mediterranean herbs like thyme, oregano, and mint. Think Aegean cliffside, sans the ouzo haze.

Tenneyson Citrus + Baja-Inspired Fish Tacos

Drink Profile: Grapefruit, lime peel, a touch of spice
Dish Match: Mahi mahi tacos with cabbage slaw, lime crema, and mango salsa

Why it works: Acid meets acid in the best way — the citrus in the drink brightens the flavors, while subtle heat balances spice in the crema. Add a sprig of cilantro to both drink and plate for extra harmony.

Tenneyson Rooted Gold + Autumn Harvest Dinner

Drink Profile: Earthy beet, dandelion root, and warming clove
Dish Match: Roasted squash, wild rice, sage butter mushrooms

Why it works: Root meets root. This pairing speaks to the soul of seasonal cooking — earthy, savory, grounding. Ideal for fall gatherings or plant-based feasts.

Hosting Tips for an Alcohol-Free Dinner Party

  • Set the tone. Just because it's booze-free doesn't mean it’s boring. Design your menu with flair, and serve drinks in proper glassware — coupe, Collins, or rocks, depending on the pour.

  • Offer a menu. Let guests know what’s in their glass and why it pairs. It elevates the experience and shows intention.

  • Finish with a flourish. End the evening with a bold digestif-style mocktail or a warm botanical tea. Your guests will thank you in the morning.

Ready to Pour with Purpose?

Hosting is an art. So is restraint.

Whether you’re fully sober or simply drinking more mindfully, Tenneyson’s botanical spirits make a compelling case for doing both — beautifully.

Explore our Black Ginger product, and craft a dinner party worth remembering.