If you love a good oyster or clam dish and love a good cocktail to go with it, you will appreciate this week’s post about perfect pairings. Here are some tasty drinks and side dishes to pair with your oyster and clam dishes this summer.

The best alcohol to pair with oysters and clams are bubbly and white wines. Here are a few suggestions for a match made in heaven.

Cocktails

Here are some cocktails to pair with oysters and clams that will pull the natural flavor of the seafood to the surface.

Prosecco

A common accompaniment to oysters is prosecco. That’s because it has historically paired well with most seafood dishes and oysters in particular. The sweet bubby flavors of the Italian wine bring out the natural briny flavors of oysters.

Rosé

Try a medium- to full-bodied rosé to enhance the flavor of heartier seafood such as oysters, clams,lobster, salmon or tuna.

Martini

This classic cocktail pairs well with martinis of all flavors, but especially the standard dirty martini because it brings out the oyster’s inherent savory flavor and buttery texture.

Daiquiri

Daiquiris are a common summer choice for a thirst-quenching cocktail, and as such the sugary flavors of this cocktail balance out the saltiness of the oysters and clams to result in an incredible combination that you simply can’t beat.

Bloody Mary

Bloody Maries aren’t for everyone, but if you love them, you will love that they pair amazingly with oysters. That’s because they balance out the saltiness to result in a flavor explosion you would never expect. 

Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with raw oysters? There are many side dishes to consider.

Snap Pea Salad

Because raw oysters are already a strong main dish, you might want to serve this simple yet fresh snap pea salad. The sweetness of the salad offset by the sharp citrusy notes from a lemon vinaigrette will cut through the brininess of the oysters.

Hushpuppies

This tasty corn-based meal pairs especially well with seafood of all kinds, especially clams and oysters. They are also fairly low in fat while being high in fiber.

Coleslaw

This works particularly alongside fried clams and oysters. Coleslaw balances out the high fat of the fried seafood with a side that’s low in fat yet high in fiber. Make your own homemade coleslaw with cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar, then add in fresh veggies or even use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a light and refreshing side.

Contact HM Terry Co. For Fresh Sewansecott Oysters

Now that you know what pairs well with fresh oysters and clams, place your order right from the source — H.M. Terry Co. —  at 757-442-7006.