Red wine is the undisputed classic steak + beverage pairing. Red wine’s dry tannins counteract the fatty richness of the steak for a satisfying and balanced taste experience. But, red wine isn’t the ONLY perfect pairing for your steak. If you want to get a little more creative and a little more flavorful, try adding a cocktail to your next steak dinner. Here at PRIME, our expert bartenders can mix up a wide selection of cocktail creations to add a little bit of pizzazz to your plate. Here is a look at 7 of our favorite recommendations for cocktails with steak.

Old Fashioned

First crafted in the 1800s for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, the Old Fashioned is aptly named. But don’t let its name fool you into thinking this cocktail belongs in the past. Crafted with bourbon (or brandy), sugar, Angostura bitters, and orange peel, this classic drink delivers a depth of flavor that matches the richness of the steak.

At the same time, the sweetness of the bourbon and the citrus touch of the orange peel provide a counterpoint that is both refreshing and complementary. Looking for a spicier punch to your cocktail? Try swapping in a rye whiskey instead of the bourbon. For the best combination of flavors, pair an Old Fashioned with a nicely marbled cut of steak. The 2F Akaushi beef here at PRIME is decadently ideal for this purpose, especially our succulent rib eye.

Manhattan

Another classic cocktail first crafted in the 1800s, the Manhattan is renowned for its multi-layered flavors that mix a hint of sweetness with bitters and herbal undertones. This is not a sweet drink, but when paired with a succulent cut of very rich steak, like our bone-in filet or New York bone-in cuts, it delivers an appealing contrast that creates a perfect pairing.

Made from rye whiskey, Angostura bitters, and sweet vermouth, this drink is often garnished with a cherry for an added pop of color and flavor. Despite its simplicity, this is a powerful drink well-prepared to take on the rich flavors of steak and add its own contrasting notes for an unforgettable taste experience.

Bloody Mary

If you enjoy a little spice in your drink, consider adding a Bloody Mary to your next steak dinner at Prime. This classic cocktail is made with vodka, tomato juice, and a variety of spices, from Worcestershire sauce to garlic, horseradish to lime and lemon juice. To add a kick to this drink, you can also add a bit of Tabasco sauce.

A Bloody Mary pairs well with steak because the bright flavors mesh pleasingly with the savory beef. Just be wary of adding too much kick to your Bloody Mary. Your cocktail should provide a pleasing cleansing for your palate in between bites of your meal so you can fully enjoy the depth of flavor in your perfectly prepared cut of beef.

Mojito

A bright and fun summer drink, the mojito presents a flavor profile that is a perfect contrast to the steak’s depth of flavor. While there are multiple variations of the mojito, this drink is traditionally prepared with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. These bright, sweet flavors soften the crisp bit of the rum.

The sweetness and brightness of the rum also pairs well with steak, like our Cowboy Prime or Porterhouse cuts. Sample a mojito with your steak dinner to enjoy a palate cleanser that readies you to fully savor every bit of professionally prepared and high-quality steak.

Sidecar

Whiskey and brandy are ideal matches for steak, but they aren’t the only liquors you can use to create a cocktail for steak. Cognac delivers a similar smell and flavor to whiskey and brandy, but possesses an elevated flavor profile that includes sweetness, spiciness, and fruitiness.

Cognac appears alongside orange liqueur and lemon juice in the classic sidecar. This sour cocktail balances tartness and sweetness, fruitiness and dryness. Pair this cocktail with almost any cut of steak, but you may enjoy it most with a leaner choice.

Dry Martini

If you want a martini with your steak, feel free to choose shaken or stirred, but make sure it is dry. This cocktail is made from just two ingredients: Gin and vermouth. It goes perfectly with steak because the simplicity of the drink and its dry, sharp flavors cleanse the palate and showcase the deep richness of your steak dinner.

If you add olive brine to create a dirty martini, you may find that the saltiness is too overpowering with your steak. Stick to a dry martini to enjoy the full flavors of both your cocktail and your steak dinner.

Whiskey Sour

A final way to pair the flavors of whiskey with the succulence of steak is to choose a whiskey sour for your steak dinner. This drink is made from whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes an egg white (For a Boston sour). This cocktail delivers a rich blend of flavors, including a brightness that pairs well with rich steak.

Cocktails are a great way to elevate an already incredible steak dinner with a variety of flavors that mesh well with steak. The next time you stop by PRIME, try any of our decadent cuts of steak and request one of these 7 cocktails to enjoy the most unforgettable steakhouse meal in the Valley.