Common Pairing Myths (and Why They’re Wrong)

This post contains alcohol pairing suggestions and is intended for readers of legal drinking age (18+/21+). Please drink responsibly.

If you’ve ever hesitated to order a drink with a meal because you were worried it was “wrong,” you’re not alone. Food and drink pairing has developed a reputation for being rigid, snobby, and rule-heavy - but most of that comes from myths, not reality.

The truth is, pairing is far more flexible, personal, and forgiving than people think. Many so-called rules were created as shortcuts, marketing tools, or outdated traditions - and they don’t reflect how we actually cook and eat today.

Let’s clear the confusion and debunk the most common food and drink pairing myths once and for all.

Myth №1: Red Wine Goes with Meat, White Wine Goes with Fish

This is the most famous pairing rule - and also one of the most misleading.

Why People Believe It

Traditionally, red wines were heavier and tannic, while white wines were lighter and fresher. That generalization led to the idea that meat “needs” red wine and fish “needs” white wine.

Why It’s Wrong

What matters isn’t the protein - it’s how the food is cooked and seasoned.

• Light, delicate fish pairs beautifully with white wine

• Rich, buttery fish can handle red wine

• Lean meats may clash with heavy reds

• Heavily sauced or grilled dishes often need bolder drinks

A grilled tuna steak, mushroom risotto, or roasted salmon can work better with red wine than many white wines. Meanwhile, roast chicken or pork can be fantastic with white wine.

Better rule: Pair based on flavor, richness, and cooking method - not just meat vs. fish.

Myth №2: There’s One “Correct” Drink for Every Dish

This myth turns pairing into a test instead of an experience.

Why People Believe It

Restaurant menus, tasting notes, and expert guides often present one “ideal” pairing, making it seem like there’s a right answer.

Why It’s Wrong

There are multiple good pairings for almost every dish.

Food contains:

• Fat

• Acid

• Salt

• Sweetness

• Texture

Different drinks can highlight different aspects of the same meal. One pairing might emphasize freshness, another richness, another contrast.

Pairing isn’t about finding the single perfect drink - it’s about choosing a drink that supports how you want the meal to feel.

Myth №3: Expensive Drinks Pair Better Than Affordable Ones

This myth keeps people from experimenting and enjoying pairing at home.

Why People Believe It

There’s a strong association between price and quality, especially with wine and spirits.

Why It’s Wrong

Pairing is about balance, not price.

An affordable, well-balanced drink that matches the food’s intensity will always outperform an expensive drink that overwhelms or clashes with the dish.

In fact, highly complex or premium drinks can sometimes be harder to pair because:

• They demand attention

• They overpower simple meals

• They clash with bold seasoning

Everyday food often pairs best with everyday drinks.

Myth №4: You Have to Follow Pairing Rules Exactly

This myth makes pairing feel stressful instead of fun.

Why People Believe It

Pairing advice is often presented as rigid, absolute rules instead of flexible guidelines.

Why It’s Wrong

Pairing “rules” are really patterns that work often - not laws that must be obeyed.

Taste is subjective. Cultural background, personal preference, and mood all affect what tastes good to you.

If you enjoy a pairing:

• It’s valid

• It’s successful

• It doesn’t need approval

Confidence and curiosity matter far more than correctness.

Myth №5: Strong Food Needs Strong Alcohol

This sounds logical - but it’s only half true.

Why People Believe It

Bold flavors feel like they need bold drinks to “keep up.”

Why It’s Wrong

Some strong flavors need contrast, not more intensity.

• Spicy food often works better with lower-alcohol, slightly sweet drinks

• Rich food benefits from acidity, not heaviness

• Salty food loves freshness

High alcohol can:

• Intensify heat

• Increase bitterness

• Make meals feel heavy and tiring

Sometimes the best pairing for bold food is something refreshing, not powerful.

Myth №6: Sweet Drinks Only Work with Dessert

Sweetness is one of the most misunderstood elements in pairing.

Why People Believe It

Sweetness is associated almost exclusively with dessert.

Why It’s Wrong

Sweetness is a powerful balancing tool.

Sweet or slightly sweet drinks can:

• Calm spicy dishes

• Balance saltiness

• Soften bitterness

• Enhance caramelized flavors

This is why sweet drinks often shine with spicy cuisines or salty snacks - not just cake and cookies.

Myth №7: Beer Is Too Casual to Pair “Properly”

Beer is often overlooked in pairing conversations.

Why People Believe It

Wine dominates traditional pairing culture, especially in restaurants and media.

Why It’s Wrong

Beer is one of the most food-friendly drinks available.

Beer offers:

• Carbonation for cleansing the palate

• A wide range of flavors

• Natural compatibility with salt, fat, and spice

From light beers to dark, malty styles, beer pairs effortlessly with everyday meals and comfort food - and often better than wine.

Myth №8: Non-Alcoholic Drinks Don’t Count as Pairings

This myth ignores a huge part of modern dining.

Why People Believe It

Pairing discussions often focus exclusively on alcohol.

Why It’s Wrong

Pairing is about flavor interaction - not alcohol content.

Non-alcoholic drinks can:

• Add acidity

• Cleanse the palate

• Balance richness

• Enhance aroma

Sparkling water, tea, juices, and mocktails can be just as intentional and satisfying as alcoholic pairings.

Myth №9: Pairing Is Only for Special Occasions

This belief keeps people from enjoying pairing at home.

Why People Believe It

Pairing is often framed as formal, expensive, or complicated.

Why It’s Wrong

Pairing is actually most useful in everyday meals.

Good pairings:

• Make simple food feel more satisfying

• Prevent meals from feeling heavy

• Increase enjoyment without extra effort

You don’t need a dinner party to pair thoughtfully - you just need awareness.

Myth №10: If You Don’t Know the “Rules,” You’ll Get It Wrong

This is the myth that creates all the others.

Why People Believe It

Pairing advice is often overcomplicated and poorly explained.

Why It’s Wrong

Most successful pairings come down to three simple questions:

1. Is the food light or rich?

2. Is it spicy, salty, or creamy?

3. Do I want contrast or harmony?

If you can answer those, you’re already pairing correctly.

What Actually Matters More Than Myths

Instead of memorizing rules, focus on:

• Balance

• Intensity

• How the food makes you feel

• How the drink makes you feel

Pairing is about enjoyment, not judgment.

The Truth About Food & Drink Pairing

Food and drink pairing isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about enhancing your experience, bite by bite, sip by sip.

Once you let go of outdated myths, pairing becomes:

• Relaxed

• Intuitive

• Fun

And the best part? You’re free to trust your taste - because that’s the only rule that actually matters.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only for responsible adults of legal drinking age (18+ or 21+, depending on your location). We do not advocate for the overconsumption or abuse of alcohol. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Any recipes or pairing suggestions followed are at the reader’s own risk, and www.cookthismuch.com is not liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information on this site.