The right mineral water: the right sparkling water at the turn of the year
Have you already chosen the right wine to accompany your New Year’s Eve buffet or New Year’s menu? The right water too? Not yet? Then you should read on… There are indeed differences, because not all water is the same. This applies both to the health aspects of drinking water and to its enjoyment. And during the festive season, the focus is on culinary delights. Whether at home or in a restaurant, if you choose the right water to go with the food you have prepared or ordered, you can simply enjoy it even more.
Perfect combination in the water selection
Due to their diversity, natural mineral waters can create exciting surprise effects when combined with one dish or another. For a large party, three to four types of water offer a wide range of uses. In most cases, however, this is not necessary. It depends on what you cook and how you cook it. But don’t worry, you don’t need to lug home crates of different types of mineral water for your small or large celebration. If you plan ahead, you can get by with two different types of water. In Germany, you are spoiled for choice, as there are around 500 types of mineral water. Due to their individual compositions in terms of minerals and the proportion of carbon dioxide, they also taste a little different from a sensory point of view. The same applies to tap water in different regions, which can be treated with a drinking water bubbler if necessary.
Water as an aperitif or degistif
It may seem a little unusual, but in recent years, pure mineral water has increasingly been offered and appreciated as an aperitif. On New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy a little more sparkle before dinner. A high carbon dioxide content stimulates the appetite and is therefore perfect before starting the buffet or menu. A light fruit cocktail topped up with sparkling water can also have an appetizing effect – with little or no alcohol. After a hearty meal, however, mineral water with a sulphate content of 1,200 mg or more per liter is recommended. This can support digestion.
Accompany the starter course with mineral water
As part of a menu or at a buffet, the classic starters are salads or soups. We recommend starting with a warm soup, especially on a cold New Year’s Eve. Creamy soups made with cream, crème fraîche, sour cream or soy-based cream substitutes should be accompanied by sparkling mineral water or still water. A high carbon dioxide content in combination with the creamy fat content in the soup could quickly lead to a slightly metallic taste perception. Mineral waters with a low or medium carbon dioxide and mineral content are perfect for a harmonious sensory interplay with salads.
Still, medium or sparkling with the main course
Just as tastes differ, the choice of mineral water to accompany the actual main course of the guests will also vary greatly. One person prefers it quiet, the next likes it medium, and for some it’s not just a glass of water that’s allowed to sparkle on New Year’s Eve. However, still mineral waters with a high mineral content would be particularly ideal for enhancing the flavor of savory dishes. The intense flavor of spicy meat and fish dishes or hearty vegetarian dishes is enhanced by these. Cheese is melted for vegetable casseroles or raclette. For a harmonious interplay of flavors, water with a reduced carbon dioxide content is recommended.
A mineral water tip to make dessert even more tempting: A soft mineral water with little carbon dioxide and light natural mineralization cleverly enhances the taste of a sweet and creamy dessert. The sweet aromas are not overlaid and can develop unhindered. A great way to start the new year!
