Wine and Doughnut Pairings To Try for National Doughnut Day
National Doughnut Day is this Friday and to celebrate…because you all know I love doughnuts…I’m bringing new fun every day this week! Be sure and check out days 1, 2, and day 3.
It’s OK, your day drinking and sweets consumptions have skyrocketed during our pandemic crisis. You might as well mix things up and try a couple of wine and doughnut pairings.
Yes, I did say wine with doughnuts; sounds crazy enough that it just might work? It will.
There is one rule of thumb that should always be followed: the chosen wine always be sweeter than the doughnut. Today’s goal is to try and match the wine and doughnut based on their similar flavors.
Is it an exact science? Probably…but I’m not a scientist, so take it all with the proverbial grain of salt. After all, you know what you like and a pairing may not work (or make sense) to you. Think of today’s post as a starting point.
Old-Fashioned + Zinfandel
The old-fashioned doughnut is less sweet and denser than most. This allows it to pair with a drier wine. Try a Zinfandel, with its smoky fruity flavor and spicy finish, which brings out the surprisingly spicy flavors of the doughnut.
Glazed + Chenin Blanc
The Chenin Blanc’s rising popularity is making it one of the best wine to have in your summer glass. Its dryness would lend itself well to the pure, uninterrupted sweetness of the glazed doughnut.
Apple Fritter + Moscato
Yes, an apple fritter is not a ‘real’ doughnut. But, don’t be insulted, we are justifying a glass of wine with breakfast. Especially, a bubbly glass of Moscato! The dynamic flavors of honeydew melon, mandarin orange, and a touch of mint from the Moscato pairs deliciously with the slightly tart and subtle note of cinnamon spice from the apple fritter.
Jelly Doughnut + Rosé
Pairing the fruity notes of a rosé with an equally fruity jelly doughnut is a no-brainer. Depending on the bakery, your doughnut could be sweet, savory, or even somewhere in-between. Regardless, the red berry filling’s sweetness is toned down by the slight bitterness that often lingers in rosé.
Chocolate Frosted + Merlot or Syrah
Pairing wine with chocolate is a classic combo and chocolate frosted doughnuts are no exception. Prevent a bitter aftertaste with a sweeter red Syrah or the spicy berry notes of a Merlot.
Vanilla Frosted + Dry Riesling
Your ideal wine pairing here is something that has flavors to harmoniously blend with the vanilla frosting but can still stand up to all the extra sugar. A dry Riesling does this perfectly. Its semi-sweet, floral notes help the vanilla stand out.
Maple Bar + Chardonnay
The wine of reality tv housewives and my menfolk’s doughnut of choice sounds like an unlikely pair. With the maple bar’s underlying hints of toffee and vanilla, it pairs great with the fruity undertones of the Chardonnay.
And there you have it, my thoughts on wine and doughnut pairings. Feeling inspired now to show off how sophisticated you are?
If you are looking for more ways to celebrate, check out my awesomely sweet pin board Always Time For Doughnuts. It is full of doughnut inspired ideas!
Join us tomorrow for National Doughnut Day and my finale post…it’s kinda healthy…
