Drink Pairings With Hookah

There some basic ground rules as to what type of drinks will pair well with hookah. Just like when toothpaste and orange juice doesn’t mix well, certain drinks flavors will taste off with a bowl of hookah.  Here are tips on certain beverages that will compliment your hookah session so you can enhance your experience rather than hinder it.

• Vanilla– A great universal mixer is vanilla, most drinks will go well with a vanilla hookah flavor. The taste won’t be so sweet or strong so it will blend with most liquids you want to drink.

• Coffee- A popular choice of beverage for a tobacco smoker is coffee. This is a great pairing with black tobaccos as well as many other modern flavors. Try to stay away from overly sweet and strong citrus tobacco flavors while drinking coffee. Those with more rind like flavors pair nicely, as well as spice and floral flavors. For example, since coffee flavor is warm and comforting, go with similar tastes like cinnamon, pumpkin pie, and even coffee tobacco flavors.

• Milk- Not the most common choice, but this drink pairing works well with a variety of hookah flavors. Smoking can sometimes cause upset stomachs so if you have any intolerances to dairy or if the idea makes your stomach churn, move on to the next tip. If milk sounds like a good option for you, try sweet fruit flavors, spice flavors or mints. The creamy consistency of the milk will make it taste like drinking milkshake that is flavored like the hookah. 2% milk is the right creaminess to enrich your hookah experience!

• Beer- Stick to lighter beers if you are smoking lighter tobacco such as IPAs or wheat beers. The stronger the tobacco, the darker and stronger you can get with your beer selections. Beer can have cleansing properties on the tongue can really help you enjoy the taste of the hookah. Hookah by itself can get dull on your taste buds so sipping something refreshing can reinvigorate your senses.

• Mixed drinks- As long as the drink isn’t too syrupy, mixed drinks taste amazing with a hookah session. Try to keep it light and make sure it compliments the flavors of your shisha. Matching your drink flavor to the tobacco might be too overwhelming. If you are interested in fruity drinks try mint tobacco flavors. Avoid spice tobacco flavors with fruity drinks unless you have an adventurous palette.

• Water- The classic, water is simple, healthy for you, prevents nicotine sickness and cleanses the senses. Room temperature or warm water is the most optimal since cold water will dull your sense of taste. Water is handy to have around since smoking can dehydrate you. Water goes with anything so you won’t have to worry about what pairs well with it!

 
As with all pairings, the key is to have balance between the drinks and smoking hookah. These are just the basics of drink and hookah pairings so don’t be afraid to expand your palette while appreciating your hookah session. Come to Sheesha Lounge to figure out what drink and tobacco pairings is for you this week! Call 617-782-7433 to reach us or make an appointment here if you want to have a party with all your friends here!