A Fine Dining Chef Explains The Best Way To Enjoy The Iconic Pairing Of Vodka And Caviar

When thinking of alcohol pairings for caviar, Champagne and caviar may be among the most decadent and iconic. Both items are known for being luxurious, so pairing them together makes sense. But perhaps an even more ubiquitous and long-standing pairing for caviar is vodka. This duo most likely originates from Russia; vodka and caviar are famous products from the country, and this pairing is enjoyed regularly there. Besides the benefit of being geographically similar in origin, vodka and caviar work together on a flavor and textural level. Chef Matt Baker, Executive Chef and Owner of Gravitas in Washington D.C., recently shared with Tasting Table the best way to enjoy this combo and why it works.

"Vodka and caviar are just super sexy and elegant," Baker says. "They make a great pairing together because the creaminess of good caviar blends perfectly with a dry vodka." The juxtaposition of these two makes for a dynamic flavor and mouthfeel combination. You can soothe the sting of the vodka with a good, buttery caviar. The astringent taste of vodka prevents the caviar from becoming too rich and overpowering. Baker's favorite way to enjoy vodka and caviar is with a classic vodka martini (made with Kettle One). "Hold back the vermouth, and add a touch of lemon zest," he adds. As a self-proclaimed vodka "purist," Baker's combo lets the vodka shine. 

You could choose to keep your caviar plain and enjoy the simple bumps or take Matt Baker's advice and dress it up with creme fraiche and herbs. For added complexity, he enjoys serving caviar on a black truffle brioche. A fun way to enjoy caviar is on a potato chip as the salty crunch adds texture to the caviar. Plus the taste of the chip is savory enough to hold up against vodka.

If you're not a fan of vodka martinis, you could try drinking the spirit neat for the full impact of the flavors — and this is more traditionally how this combo would be enjoyed in Russia. To get the best results, use a high-quality vodka and make sure everything is extremely chilled. Your bottle and serving glasses should all go in the freezer for a considerable amount of time before serving so you get the coldest results possible. Cold vodka makes for a smoother sipping experience, which is ideal for caviar. Don't be afraid to splurge on a better-tasting vodka for this.