Cupcakes & More than Just Wine

As promised, we are embarking on the second part of a gastronomic cupcake adventure that transcends the ordinary with this collection of cupcakes and wine pairings. Designed for the bold and the curious, these combinations promise to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dessert experience to an art form.

From the earthy matcha green tea cupcakes paired with the delicate notes of Sake’, to the unexpected delight of bacon and maple cupcakes alongside bourbon barrel-aged Zinfandel, each pairing is a testament to the magic that happens when flavors meet their perfect liquid counterpart.

Whether you’re a connoisseur of the sweet and the savory or simply in search of new culinary horizons, these bold and wacky flavor combinations invite you to savor the joy of discovery, one bite and sip at a time. I will also link to each recipe in the coming few weeks.

Cupcakes and their many Flavors

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Gewürztraminer

The aromatic spices in pumpkin cupcakes—like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—pair wonderfully with the spicy notes of a Gewürztraminer. This wine’s slight sweetness and full body complement the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin.

Salted Caramel Cupcakes with Tawny Port

The deep, rich flavors of salted caramel, combined with the creamy texture of these cupcakes, find a perfect match in the nutty, caramel notes of a Tawny Port. The salt cuts through the sweetness, making for a harmonious pairing.

Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes with Moscato

The sweet and tart profile of blueberry lemon cupcakes pairs beautifully with the fruity, slightly sweet effervescence of a Moscato. This pairing is like a sunny day in a glass, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the cupcakes’ acidity.

Earl Grey Tea Cupcakes with Brut Champagne

The subtle, fragrant flavors of Earl Grey tea, infused into a cupcake, pair elegantly with the crisp, dry notes of a Brut Champagne. The effervescence of the Champagne cuts through the creaminess of the frosting, offering a sophisticated pairing.

Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes with Sake

For a twist on tradition, the earthy, slightly bitter taste of Matcha pairs unexpectedly well with the delicate, floral notes of a good Sake’. This pairing leans on the complex, umami-rich profile of both the cupcake and the drink.

Mango Chili Cupcakes with Riesling: The sweet heat of mango chili cupcakes can be beautifully balanced by a slightly sweet Riesling. The wine’s acidity and fruitiness help tame the chili’s spice, highlighting the tropical mango flavors.

Bacon and Maple Cupcakes with Bourbon Barrel-Aged Zinfandel

The smoky, salty bite of bacon mixed into sweet maple cupcakes creates a bold flavor profile that pairs incredibly well with the deep, spicy notes of bourbon barrel-aged Zinfandel.

Fig and Honey Cupcakes with Vin Santo

The natural sweetness and slight earthiness of figs, combined with the rich flavor of honey in these cupcakes, are complemented by the nutty, caramelized flavors of Vin Santo, an Italian dessert wine.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Amarone

The deep cocoa notes and velvety texture of red velvet cupcakes find a luxurious companion in Amarone, a rich Italian red wine with dark fruit flavors and a hint of almond, enhancing the cupcakes’ complexity.

S’mores Cupcakes with Pedro Ximenez Sherry

The gooey, chocolatey, and marshmallowy goodness of s’mores cupcakes pairs decadently with Pedro Ximenez Sherry, known for its profound sweetness and flavors of figs, coffee, and spices, echoing the campfire classic’s comfort.

Each of these cupcake pairings offers a unique and slightly crazed way to explore the nuanced flavors of cupcakes and wines, bubbles, sherry, port, etc, promising an adventurous and memorable tasting experience. And that you may never forget – in a good way.