What to Drink with Seafood: 7 Suggestions for Pairing Spirits with the Catch of the Day

We know what to drink with seafood because Cornwall is blessed with some of the finest seafood in the world and we produce high-end spirits so it’s often part of the conversation.

Here at the Helford we’re so lucky to be near the shore where we can take our chances fishing, but also near to the great fishing harbour of Falmouth where fresh fish and seafood is brought in daily either from local Cornish day boats or from the fish market at Newlyn. From sweet crab and lobster to line-caught mackerel, scallops and sea bass, our coastline provides an incredible variety of fresh fish and shellfish throughout the year. So whether you’re cooking on the barbecue on a beach, preparing a seaside lunch at your airbnb or preparing a simple supper at home, choosing the right drink can elevate every bite.

Wine has traditionally been the go-to choice for seafood – Chablis and prawns anyone?! – but spirits deserve a place at the table too. The right gin, rum or whisky can complement delicate flavours just as beautifully, bringing out the natural sweetness of the fish without overpowering it.

Here’s our guide to pairing Rosemullion spirits with some of Cornwall’s best-loved seafood.

First, A Few Simple Rules

Pairing seafood with spirits doesn’t need to be complicated.

A few simple principles go a long way:

• Delicate seafood suits lighter, citrus-led spirits.
• Rich, oily fish benefits from fresh botanicals and acidity.
• Smoky flavours pair naturally with peated whisky.
• Sweet shellfish works beautifully with oak-aged rum.
• Let the seafood remain the star of the plate.

Mackerel & Seafarer’s Gin

Fresh mackerel is one of Cornwall’s great seasonal treats.

Rich, oily and packed with flavour, it’s perfect grilled over charcoal with little more than olive oil, sea salt and a squeeze of lemon. The fish’s natural richness needs something bright and refreshing alongside it.

That’s where Rosemullion Seafarer’s Gin comes into its own.

Its crisp citrus notes and balanced botanicals cut through the richness of the fish, while a premium tonic adds a gentle bitterness that refreshes the palate.

Many people would naturally choose a cold lager or a pale ale with grilled mackerel, but a classic gin and tonic offers a lighter, more aromatic alternative.

Perfect serve: Rosemullion Seafarer’s Gin, premium tonic, plenty of ice and a slice of pink grapefruit.

Crab & Dry Gin

There’s a reason fresh Cornish crab needs very little dressing.

Whether served simply with crusty bread and butter, tossed through linguine or enjoyed in a salad, its delicate sweetness is the star of the show.

A heavily flavoured drink would overpower it, but a clean, citrus-led gin complements those subtle flavours beautifully.

If you’re entertaining, try serving a gin and tonic with plenty of ice alongside dressed crab and homemade mayonnaise. It’s simple, elegant and unmistakably Cornish.

Scallops & Whisky

This pairing often surprises people. It certainly surprised us at Rosemullion. But it turns out that perfectly seared scallops develop a beautifully caramelised crust while remaining sweet and delicate inside and that this combination works wonderfully with Rosemullion Malt Whisky.

Made using peated malted barley and matured in American oak casks, the whisky brings gentle smoke, vanilla and subtle spice. Those flavours echo the caramelisation on the scallops without overwhelming their natural sweetness.

It’s a pairing that’s particularly good if you’re serving scallops with crispy bacon or black pudding.

Lobster & Gold Rum. Phwoar!

Lobster is one of those ingredients that doesn’t need much embellishment. It already has the phwoar factor which is something that, here at Rosemullion, we literally try and engineer on day to day basis in our spirits. So put those two phwoar factors together and you’ve got a magic combination.

Simply grilled with garlic butter and herbs, the lobster’s naturally sweet meat pairs beautifully with the soft vanilla and caramel notes found in Rosemullion Gold Rum.

While many people would reach for Champagne or a crisp white wine, a small measure of our Gold Rum served after the meal offers a relaxed alternative that complements the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the lobster.

Mussels & Gin

For a pure taste of Cornwall then steamed mussels with garlic, shallots and herbs are wonderfully fresh and aromatic.

A dry gin and tonic echoes those herbal notes while adding citrus freshness, making it an ideal partner for this classic seafood dish.

Serve with warm crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of those delicious cooking juices.

Oysters & Seafarer’s Gin

Fresh oysters are one of the purest expressions of Cornwall’s coastline and they particularly thrive where we live, on the shores of the Helford passage.

Their clean, mineral flavour pairs naturally with crisp, citrus-forward spirits.

Instead of the traditional squeeze of lemon or splash of mignonette, try enjoying oysters with an ice-cold measure of Rosemullion Seafarer’s Gin and tonic. The botanical freshness complements the oyster’s briny character without masking it.

It’s a wonderfully refreshing way to begin a summer lunch and a great way to just bring joy to your guests (and your stomach!).

Which Beer Works Best?

If spirits aren’t for everyone at your table, then sure, beer remains a fantastic seafood companion.

As a general guide:

• Lager or Pilsner – crab, prawns and grilled white fish.
• Pale Ale – mackerel and sardines.
• Wheat Beer – scallops and shellfish.
• Session IPA – fish tacos and spicy seafood dishes.

Offering both beer and spirits gives guests plenty of choice while letting everyone discover their own favourite pairing.

What to Drink With Seafood is Often Part of the Conversation

At Rosemullion Distillery, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by one of Britain’s richest maritime landscapes. From fishing harbours to sheltered estuaries, Cornwall’s connection with the sea has shaped not only the food we eat but the spirits we enjoy crafting.

Whether you’ve picked up fresh fish from your local fishmonger, landed a mackerel yourself or are treating family to a seafood feast overlooking the coast, we hope these pairings inspire you to look beyond the wine list.

Sometimes the perfect match is already waiting in your drinks cabinet.

With best wishes,

The Rosemullion Distillery Team