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Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Pair With Wagyu

Wagyu beef is known as one of the most delicious meats on Earth. There are many recommendations for alcoholic drinks to pair it with; we compiled a list of non-alcoholic drinks to pair with Wagyu.

By Nicholas Fiorentino

Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Pair With Wagyu

If you're searching for a non-alcoholic drink to pair with Wagyu, we're going to assume that you're a foodie just like us. The internet is full of articles on the various wines and liquors to pair with Wagyu but non-alcoholic drinks seem to not be covered. We've got you!

What Is Wagyu Beef? 

Wagyu literally translates to "Japanese Cow" and there are only four breeds of cattle that qualify as Wagyu. They are prized for their unique flavor, tenderness, and (most importantly) their deep intramuscular marbling. The cattle are raised in a way that promotes a high level of marbling and are scored using the "BMS" (Beef Marbling Score) scale, ranging from 1-12 with 12 being the heaviest marbling.

3 Non-Alcoholic Complimentary Drinks To Have With Wagyu Beef

As a food-lover, you know that the perfect meal has both side dishes and drinks that need to be thoughtfully selected in order to best complement each other and create the perfect experience. 

Plenty of drinks go perfectly with Wagyu beef, but many of them contain alcohol. What if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks? The struggle is real, right? So, in this post, we will discuss 3 non-alcoholic drinks that pair excellently with Wagyu beef.  

Cranberry Juice

The flavor of cranberry juice is sweet, somewhat tart, and slightly bitter. This pairs especially well with Wagyu beef. The sweet, bitter and sour notes balance the heavy feeling of red meat without leaving a strong aftertaste. As an added benefit, it is a very healthy juice, acting as a natural detoxifier for your immune system.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice also pairs quite well with Wagyu beef. The taste combination between these two is marvelous. The taste is sweeter than cranberry juice, yet still tart and light.

Wagyu beef is well equipped with its creamy marbling that with every bite, there is a feeling of rich umami. Pomegranate juice's sweet, tangy and light flavors perfectly match Wagyu without overtaking the expensive flavor you paid for.

Apart from the taste, having pomegranate juice with beef is also healthy. Research shows that one cup of pomegranate juice supplies 11% of your recommended daily demand of potassium, 15% folate, and 22% vitamin K. 

Club Soda With Lime

While red wine is the perfect alcoholic drink to pair with Wagyu, anything acidic and full-bodied can also pair well. Fine dining can be had with Wagyu beef paired with club soda with lime or lemon on the side. The sparkling feel with a hit of salt and tart enhances the mood and doesn't overpower the flavor of the beef.

This lightweight drink is very kind to the human body and easy to digest. A premium Wagyu steak is different from a regular steak, so it requires additional thoughtfulness when selecting the right drink to pair with Wagyu. A glass of club soda with a touch of lime is the drink a steak lover needs to satisfy themself to the fullest without alcohol. 

The carbonation that a club soda carries helps cut the fat and acts as a palate cleanser. The acid from the citrus cuts through the richness of the steak, balancing the flavor. So the next time you want a non-alcoholic drink to go with your steak, try a fancy glass of club soda with a big squeeze of lime (or lemon) "on the rocks".  

Wrapping Up

Although the conventional way is to have a glass of red wine with a piece of succulent Wagyu, trying something new is never a bad idea. Experimenting with food always comes with refreshment and surprise in the tastebuds. 

The Meatery is the nation's finest purveyor of ultra-premium meats. View all of our meats, including Japanese, Australian, and American Wagyu and take advantage of Meatery Live to have a knowledgeable staff member video chat with you to ensure you pick the perfect steak for your experience.

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