The Art of Pairing: Cigars and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Cigars are often associated with fine whiskey, aged rum, or even a rich glass of wine. But what if you’re looking to enjoy a cigar without the alcohol? Whether you're abstaining from alcohol, the moment calls for something lighter, or you're simply curious about alternatives, pairing cigars with non-alcoholic beverages can elevate your smoking experience in ways you might not expect. From the rich and robust to the delicate and refreshing, non-alcoholic drinks can bring out the best in your cigar, highlighting its complexity and offering new dimensions of flavor.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to pair cigars with popular non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, ginger ale, and cola—each offering its own unique interplay of tastes and sensations.

1. Coffee: Bold, Robust, and Flavorful

Coffee and cigars are a classic pairing for good reason. Both are complex and flavorful, with a variety of profiles that can complement one another beautifully. Coffee's deep, roasted notes, whether from a rich espresso or a smooth drip brew, create a grounding counterpoint to the often bold and smoky flavors of a cigar.

Best Cigars to Pair with Coffee:

• Full-bodied cigars (like a Maduro or a Nicaraguan Puro) work especially well with dark roasts or espresso. The robust coffee will enhance the cigar’s earthy and spicy flavors without being overpowered.
• Mild cigars (like Connecticut Shade or light Honduran cigars) pair nicely with medium roast coffees, allowing the subtler notes in both the cigar and the coffee to shine.

Flavor Pairing Tip: For a unique twist, try pairing a flavored coffee (like cinnamon or hazelnut) with a similarly flavored cigar. Just be cautious with overly sweetened coffees, as they might clash with the cigar’s profile.

Our Favorites: Oliva Gilberto Blanc, CAO Fasa Sol, and Ralph's Vanilla Cognac

2. Tea: Subtle, Refreshing, and Sophisticated

Tea might not be the first beverage you think of when pairing with a cigar, but it offers a refreshing contrast that can cleanse the palate between puffs. The wide range of tea types—from earthy black teas to fragrant green teas and delicate white teas—provides an excellent opportunity to create intricate and balanced pairings.

Best Cigars to Pair with Tea:

• Black tea (such as Darjeeling or English Breakfast) pairs well with medium to full-bodied cigars. The slight astringency of black tea can complement the cigar’s strength, enhancing the natural tobacco flavors while cutting through any heaviness.
• Green tea (especially jasmine or matcha) works well with mild cigars. The floral or vegetal notes of the tea can amplify the delicate flavors of the cigar without overwhelming the senses.
• Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, go beautifully with lighter cigars, adding an additional layer of complexity to the smoke without competing with it.

Flavor Pairing Tip: For a unique pairing, try a smoky Lapsang Souchong tea with a cigar that has its own smokiness, like a Nicaraguan or a Sumatra wrapper. The interplay between the cigar and tea’s smoky flavors can be surprisingly complementary.

Our Favorites: Foundation Highclere Castle, Espinosa Laranja Reserva Caixa, Ralph's Honey Bourbon Infused Cigar

3. Ginger Ale: Sweet, Spicy, and Refreshing

Ginger ale might not seem like the obvious choice when it comes to pairing with cigars, but its light effervescence and subtle sweetness can be a wonderful match for a cigar’s rich, sometimes spicy, character. The slight heat from the ginger can accentuate the peppery or spicy notes found in many cigars, while the soda's sweetness balances out stronger flavors.

Best Cigars to Pair with Ginger Ale:

• Spicy cigars (such as those with a Nicaraguan or Sumatra wrapper) are beautifully complemented by the bite of ginger ale. The beverage can amplify the spice of the cigar while providing a refreshing contrast to the smoke’s intensity.
• Medium-bodied cigars (like those with a Connecticut Broadleaf or a Criollo wrapper) pair well with ginger ale, offering a balance between sweetness and spice, making for a lively pairing experience.

Flavor Pairing Tip: Choose a premium ginger ale with a more pronounced ginger flavor, as cheaper, overly sugary ginger ales can muddy the flavors of both the cigar and the drink.

Our Favorites: Perdomo 10th Anniversary Champagne, Drew Estate Herrera Esteli Habano, Ralph's Lemon Blueberry Cognac Infused Cigar

4. Cola: Sweet, Bold, and Comforting

Cola has been a staple in the world of cigars for decades, and for good reason. Its familiar sweetness and carbonated refreshment work well with many cigars, particularly those with bold flavors. The slight acidity and carbonation of cola can cut through a cigar’s richness, making it an accessible and satisfying pairing choice.

Best Cigars to Pair with Cola:

• Full-bodied cigars (like a Dark Maduro or a Cuban Puro) benefit from the sweetness of cola. The cola’s sugary profile balances the bold, sometimes bitter, flavors of the cigar while accentuating the earthy undertones.
• Spicy cigars (with a lot of pepper or earthy notes) go well with cola’s deep, caramel-like sweetness, which can round out the cigar's sharper edges.

Flavor Pairing Tip: Opt for craft or artisanal cola to avoid the over-sweetness of mass-produced sodas. These can offer more depth and complexity, with interesting notes of vanilla, citrus, or even spices that enhance your cigar’s experience.

Our Favorites: CAO Brazilia, Rocky Patel Number 6, Ralph's Cherry Cognac Infused Cigar

General Pairing Tips for Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cigars

• Consider the Strength of the Cigar: Always pair stronger, full-bodied cigars with beverages that can hold their own against the intensity of the smoke. Conversely, milder cigars tend to work best with lighter, more subtle beverages.
• Balance Flavor Profiles: When pairing, try to find a balance between the cigar's dominant notes (earthy, spicy, sweet) and the beverage's flavors. A too-sweet drink might overpower a cigar, while a too-strong beverage could overshadow its nuances.
• Temperature Matters: Cold beverages, like ginger ale and cola, often pair well with rich, strong cigars, while hot drinks like coffee and tea are better suited for milder cigars or those with more delicate flavors.
• Experiment with Personal Preferences: Ultimately, pairing is subjective, and there’s no wrong answer. Don’t be afraid to explore new combinations and discover your personal preferences.

Final Thoughts

The art of pairing cigars with non-alcoholic beverages opens up a whole new world of flavors, textures, and experiences. Whether you enjoy the earthy richness of a cigar with a steaming cup of coffee, or the bright refreshment of ginger ale with a spicy smoke, the possibilities are vast and exciting. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember—much like with food pairings, the right combination can elevate both your cigar and your drink to new heights of enjoyment. Happy pairing!