The Reuben sandwich – a classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing piled high on rye bread. It’s a flavor bomb that can be enjoyed on its own or elevated with the right pairing. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, beer aficionado, or coffee connoisseur, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best pairings for a Reuben sandwich, from traditional to creative, and answer some of your most pressing questions. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to take your Reuben game to the next level.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly toasted Reuben, the crunch of the rye giving way to the tender beef and tangy sauerkraut. The flavors are rich and complex, but the right pairing can elevate the experience to new heights. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of wine, beer, coffee, and more to find the perfect match for your Reuben cravings.
From the subtle nuances of a dry Riesling to the bold kick of a craft IPA, we’ll explore the best pairings for every taste and preference. So, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to mix things up, keep reading to discover the ultimate guide to pairing with a Reuben sandwich.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Pair a Reuben sandwich with a dry Riesling for a classic combination
- Experiment with craft IPAs for a bold and hoppy pairing
- Consider non-alcoholic options like sparkling water or unsweetened tea
- Coffee and tea can be great pairings, especially for breakfast or brunch
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new pairings to find your favorite
- The key to pairing is balance and harmony – look for flavors that complement and enhance the Reuben
A Dry Riesling: The Classic Reuben Pairing
When it comes to pairing with a Reuben sandwich, a dry Riesling is a classic choice. The crisp acidity and subtle green apple flavors of the wine cut through the richness of the corned beef and sauerkraut, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. In fact, the Riesling’s acidity can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a lighter pairing.
But what makes a dry Riesling so well-suited to the Reuben? For one, the wine’s acidity helps to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich. At the same time, the subtle sweetness of the Riesling can enhance the flavor of the Thousand Island dressing, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. And let’s not forget the wine’s minerality – the subtle earthy notes in the Riesling can even complement the savory flavors of the corned beef.
Of course, not all dry Rieslings are created equal. When selecting a wine for your Reuben, look for one with a high acidity level and a dry finish. This will help to ensure that the wine pairs well with the bold flavors of the sandwich. Some great options include the J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett or the Robert Weil Kiedricher Grafenberg Riesling Trocken.
Craft IPAs: The Bold and Hoppy Reuben Pairing
If you’re looking for a bolder pairing option, consider a craft IPA. The hoppy flavors and crisp acidity of the beer can help to cut through the richness of the corned beef and sauerkraut, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. In fact, the bitterness of the hops can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing.
But what makes a craft IPA so well-suited to the Reuben? For one, the beer’s hoppy flavors can enhance the savory flavors of the corned beef, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. At the same time, the crisp acidity of the beer can help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. And let’s not forget the beer’s carbonation – the effervescence can even help to cleanse the palate between bites.
Of course, not all craft IPAs are created equal. When selecting a beer for your Reuben, look for one with a high hop profile and a crisp finish. This will help to ensure that the beer pairs well with the bold flavors of the sandwich. Some great options include the Pliny the Elder Double IPA or the Heady Topper Double IPA.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings: Sparkling Water and More
Not everyone may want to indulge in a glass of wine or beer, and that’s perfectly okay. In fact, there are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options that can pair perfectly with a Reuben sandwich. One great option is sparkling water – the effervescence can help to cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich.
Another great option is unsweetened tea. The subtle flavors of the tea can enhance the savory flavors of the corned beef, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. In fact, the tea’s acidity can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a lighter pairing. Some great options include green tea or black tea – both can provide a nice balance of flavors and acidity.
Of course, not all non-alcoholic options are created equal. When selecting a beverage for your Reuben, look for one with a high acidity level and a crisp finish. This will help to ensure that the beverage pairs well with the bold flavors of the sandwich.
Coffee and Tea: The Perfect Breakfast or Brunch Pairing
Coffee and tea are both great options for pairing with a Reuben sandwich, especially during breakfast or brunch. In fact, the bold flavors of the coffee or tea can even help to enhance the savory flavors of the corned beef, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
One great option is a dark roast coffee. The bold flavors of the coffee can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing. Another great option is a medium roast coffee – the subtle flavors can even help to enhance the flavor of the Thousand Island dressing, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Some great options include the Death Wish Coffee Company’s World’s Strongest Coffee or the Intelligentsia Coffee’s Black Cat Espresso.
Of course, not all coffee and tea options are created equal. When selecting a beverage for your Reuben, look for one with a high caffeine level and a bold flavor profile. This will help to ensure that the beverage pairs well with the bold flavors of the sandwich.
Getting Creative: Experimenting with New Pairings
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new pairings to find your favorite. In fact, some of the best pairings can come from unexpected places – like a glass of dry sherry or a craft soda. The key is to balance and harmony – look for flavors that complement and enhance the Reuben.
One great option is a glass of dry sherry. The nutty flavors of the sherry can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing. Another great option is a craft soda – the bold flavors can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Fentimans Curiosity Cola or the Jones Soda Company’s Berry Lemonade.
Cocktails: The Perfect Reuben Pairing
Cocktails can be a great option for pairing with a Reuben sandwich, especially during happy hour or dinner. In fact, the bold flavors of the cocktail can even help to enhance the savory flavors of the corned beef, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
One great option is a classic Old Fashioned. The bold flavors of the whiskey can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing. Another great option is a craft cocktail – the bold flavors can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Penicillin Cocktail or the Paper Plane Cocktail.
Coffee or Tea: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to pairing with a Reuben sandwich, both coffee and tea can be great options. But what’s the difference between the two? For one, coffee has a higher caffeine level than tea, making it a great option for those who need a boost of energy. At the same time, tea has a more subtle flavor profile than coffee, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter pairing.
One great option is a dark roast coffee. The bold flavors of the coffee can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing. Another great option is a medium roast coffee – the subtle flavors can even help to enhance the flavor of the Thousand Island dressing, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Some great options include the Death Wish Coffee Company’s World’s Strongest Coffee or the Intelligentsia Coffee’s Black Cat Espresso.
The Art of Pairing: Tips and Tricks
Pairing with a Reuben sandwich is an art form – it requires balance, harmony, and a willingness to experiment. But what are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when pairing with a Reuben? For one, consider the flavors of the sandwich and find a pairing that complements and enhances them. At the same time, don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different pairings.
One great tip is to pay attention to the acidity level of the pairing. A high acidity level can help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. Another great tip is to consider the flavor profile of the pairing. A bold flavor profile can help to enhance the savory flavors of the corned beef, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Some great options include the Penicillin Cocktail or the Paper Plane Cocktail.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
What if I prefer a vegetarian Reuben? Can I still pair with a wine or beer?
Yes, you can still pair a vegetarian Reuben with a wine or beer. In fact, the bold flavors of the sandwich can be even more enhanced by the right pairing. Consider a dry Riesling or a craft IPA – the acidity and hoppy flavors can help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful harmony of flavors.
One great option is a vegetarian Reuben with grilled portobello mushrooms. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat substitute, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing. Another great option is a vegetarian Reuben with avocado. The creamy flavors of the avocado can even help to enhance the flavor of the Thousand Island dressing, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Some great options include the Penicillin Cocktail or the Paper Plane Cocktail.
Can I pair a Reuben sandwich with a fruit-based drink?
Yes, you can pair a Reuben sandwich with a fruit-based drink. In fact, the bold flavors of the sandwich can be even more enhanced by the right pairing. Consider a glass of sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or a craft soda with a fruit flavor. The acidity and sweetness of the drink can help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful harmony of flavors.
One great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice. The citrus flavors of the lemon can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a lighter pairing. Another great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a craft soda with a fruit flavor. The bold flavors of the soda can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Fentimans Curiosity Cola or the Jones Soda Company’s Berry Lemonade.
Can I pair a Reuben sandwich with a dessert wine?
Yes, you can pair a Reuben sandwich with a dessert wine. In fact, the bold flavors of the sandwich can be even more enhanced by the right pairing. Consider a sweet Riesling or a port wine. The sweetness of the wine can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing.
One great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a glass of sweet Riesling. The sweet flavors of the wine can even help to enhance the flavor of the Thousand Island dressing, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Another great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a port wine. The bold flavors of the wine can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port or the Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port.
Can I pair a Reuben sandwich with a sparkling drink?
Yes, you can pair a Reuben sandwich with a sparkling drink. In fact, the bold flavors of the sandwich can be even more enhanced by the right pairing. Consider a glass of sparkling water or a craft soda. The acidity and carbonation of the drink can help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful harmony of flavors.
One great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a glass of sparkling water. The acidity of the water can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a lighter pairing. Another great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a craft soda. The bold flavors of the soda can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Fentimans Curiosity Cola or the Jones Soda Company’s Berry Lemonade.
Can I pair a Reuben sandwich with a juice-based drink?
Yes, you can pair a Reuben sandwich with a juice-based drink. In fact, the bold flavors of the sandwich can be even more enhanced by the right pairing. Consider a glass of freshly squeezed juice or a craft soda with a juice flavor. The acidity and sweetness of the drink can help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful harmony of flavors.
One great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The citrus flavors of the orange can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a lighter pairing. Another great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a craft soda with a juice flavor. The bold flavors of the soda can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Fentimans Curiosity Cola or the Jones Soda Company’s Berry Lemonade.
Can I pair a Reuben sandwich with a milk-based drink?
Yes, you can pair a Reuben sandwich with a milk-based drink. In fact, the bold flavors of the sandwich can be even more enhanced by the right pairing. Consider a glass of cold milk or a craft soda with a milk flavor. The creaminess of the drink can even help to balance the fattiness of the meat, making it a great option for those who are looking for a more robust pairing.
One great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk can even help to enhance the flavor of the Thousand Island dressing, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Another great option is a Reuben sandwich paired with a craft soda with a milk flavor. The bold flavors of the soda can even help to cut through the bold flavors of the sandwich and create a delightful contrast of flavors. Some great options include the Fentimans Curiosity Cola or the Jones Soda Company’s Berry Lemonade.