The Ultimate Fruit Flavor Pairings Chart
Fruit is one of the biggest and most important food categories you can explore. They can be used in thousands of ways to create delicious dishes and drinks.
However, if you don’t know how to use them and how to pair them with other foods, flavors, and textures, all that potential is lost.
Pairing ingredients together is what creates good food and fruits are no exception. But the only way to do so is by constantly experimenting with new flavors and by pushing boundaries.
Although there isn’t one set answer to what a great fruit pairing is, there are some guidelines that help.
So, how do you pair fruit with other flavors? The best place to start when pairing fruit is by pairing ingredients together with similar flavor profiles. For example, most citrus fruits complement each other – the same goes for melons, berries, stone fruits, etc.
When it comes to herbs and spices, mint and autumn spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger) are also great and easy pairings.
In today’s article, we will first have a look at some guidelines you can follow to create your own flavor pairings. Then, we will have a look at fantastic fruit flavor pairings, including how to create tasty pairings for cocktails and cheeseboards.
How to Pair Flavors Together
Pairing together flavors isn’t as easy as it sounds. Sure, finding fantastic and new pairings is mostly about experimenting, however, don’t be surprised when you stumble across a few not-so-great ones.
That being said, there are some guidelines you can follow to help you start off. Of course, we have assembled a fantastic and comprehensive chart to help guide you. Here are some basic pairing rules.
1. Similar Flavor Profiles Work Well Together
When pairing fruits with other flavors, look for ingredients with similar flavor profiles and ques.
For example, in the case of a strawberry, that would be floral and fruity notes, definitive sweetness, a slight tart flavor, and subtle leafiness (almost earthy but not as prominent).
This is why strawberries pair so well with most ingredients because virtually any ingredient has one or more of these characteristics.
2. Opposites Do Attract … But Only Sometimes
Have you ever wondered why fries and milkshakes go so well together? Or salted chocolate, chili caramel, or even black pepper and vanilla ice cream?
It’s because opposite flavors enhance each other while simultaneously balancing each other out.
However, be warned that not all opposites work well. You wouldn’t, for example, pair strawberries with garlic – it just doesn’t work in most scenarios.
3. Be Wary of Bitter Flavors
Especially when it comes to pairing ingredients with fruits, bitter flavors often overwhelm the senses.
By that, we don’t mean acidic ingredients like lemon or lime, rather ingredients like Brussels sprouts or cabbages.
Fruit Pairings for Cheese and Meat Boards
Cheese and charcuterie boards (I really recommend this one from Amazon) are perfect examples of the rules above. The reason fruits always accompany these platters is because opposite flavors attract!
The savory flavors of the cured meats and aged cheeses pair wonderfully with sweet fruits.
When it comes to pairing these, it is important to note that every brand and even batch of, let’s say camembert or pancetta, have differences in their flavor profiles.
So while brand A goes great with strawberries, brand B might pair better with raspberries.
Again, there are some rules you can follow:
- Pair savory and sweet ingredients together.
- Don’t choose two intensely flavored ingredients (for example lemons, salami, and cheese don’t go well all together).
- With some exceptions, avoid fruits that have strong acidic notes (like exotic fruits and citrus).
- If you have very pungent cheeses, rather choose simpler fruits like grapes or strawberries. Don’t overcomplicate pairings unless you are intentionally looking for new ones.
The best fruits that pair well with virtually any cheese or cured meat include sweet ones with slight tart and earthy notes. These include most berries, grapes, figs, melons, and most stone fruits.
Here are some common cheeses and fruits that match them well.
| CHEESE | FRUIT PAIRINGS |
| Blue cheese | Apples, Avocado, Cranberry, Dates, Grapes, Figs, Pears |
| Brie | Apples, Apricots, Avocado, Blackberry, Cherries, Cranberry, Grape, Figs, Most berries, Pears, Strawberry, Watermelon |
| Camembert | Apples, Pears, Most berries |
| Cheddar (Mild) | Apples, Dates, Grapes, Pears |
| Feta | Cantaloupe, Cranberry, Fig, Grape, Honeydew, Lemon, Pomegranate, Strawberries, Watermelon |
| Goat Cheese | Apricots, Cherry, Cranberry, Date, Fig, Grape, Lemon, Orange, Pear, Pomegranate, Strawberry |
| Gouda | Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Pears |
| Parmesan | Apples, Cantaloupe, Grapes, Figs, Pears, Strawberries |
Fruit Flavor Pairings for Cocktails and Other Alcoholic Drinks
Cocktails and various other alcoholic drinks have become exceptionally popular over the last few years. Mixologists are creating new and extremely interesting flavor combinations.
You can have a look at our ultimate chart in this article to see what fruits, herbs, and spices pair well together.
When it comes to pairing fruits with alcohol, there are some guidelines you can follow. Now, keep in mind that all these alcohols are unflavored, so for example, if we have gin on our list, it isn’t flavored at all – it is just normal gin.
Flavored alcohols obviously have different flavor ques which will have different pairings. Most companies do list those flavors and it is easy to then match fruits to it using our chart.
Alcohols like champagne, gin, tequila, and vodka are extremely easy to pair. Gin specifically has a very versatile and flexible flavor profile and easily pairs with virtually any fruit, herb, and spice.
Use our fruit pairing chart to experiment with new combinations.
| ALCOHOL | FRUIT PAIRING |
| Armagnac | Apple, Banana, Cherry, Date, Orange, Quince |
| Amaretto | Apricot, Cherry, Mango, Orange, Strawberry |
| Bourbon | Apple, Cherry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Peach, Pear, Persimmon |
| Brandy | Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blackberry, Cherry, Date, Figs, Grape, Kumquat, Lemons, Lime, Nectarine, Orange, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Quince, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Calvados | Apple, Banana, Peach, Pear, Quince |
| Champagne | Apricot, Blackberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Nectarine, Orange, Passion Fruit, Peach, Pear Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Cognac | Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grape, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Peach, Persimmon, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Gin | Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Passion Fruit, Peach, Pineapple, Plum, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberry, Watermelon |
| Cointreau | Apple, Blackberry, Passion, Fruit, Peach, Pineapple, Raspberry |
| Grand Marnier | Blackberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Kirsch | Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Kiwi, Mango, Nectarine, Orange, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Pineapple, Plum, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Madeira | Apple, Banana, Peach |
| Orange Liqueur | Apricot, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cantaloupe, Figs, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Nectarine, Orange, Pineapple, Raspberry, Strawberry, Watermelon |
| Port | Blueberry, Cantaloupe, Figs, Grapefruit, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pomegranate, Strawberry |
| General Red Wine | Blueberry, Cherry, Cranberry, Date, Figs, Lemon, Lime, Nectarine, Orange, Peach, Pear, Plum, Quince, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Rum | Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Cherry, Coconut, Cranberry, Date, Grape, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Lime, Lychee, Mango, Orange, Papaya, Passion, Fruit, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Plum, Raspberry, Strawberry |
| Sake | Lime, Mango, Strawberry, Lychee |
| Sherry | Apple, Lemon, Oranges, Strawberry |
| Tequila | Avocado, Blackberry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Passion Fruit, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Watermelon |
| Vermouth | Apple, Orange |
| Vodka | Cantaloupe, Cherry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mango, Orange, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Strawberry, Watermelon |
| Whiskey | Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Peach, Pear, Plum, Quince |
| General White Wine | Apple, Avocado, Cranberry, Grape, Kumquat, Lemon, Lime, Nectarine, Orange, Peach, Pineapple, Quince, Raspberry, Strawberry |
The Ultimate Fruit Flavor Pairing Chart
Below is our ultimate fruit pairing guide. It is extremely easy to follow and will help you create amazing new flavor combinations.
Remember, creating new flavor profiles is about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to push boundaries!
| HERBS | SPICES | NUTS | ALCOHOL | OTHER | |
| Apple | Coriander Lavender Rosemary Thyme | Allspice Black pepper Caraway Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Coriander Cumin Ginger Nutmeg Star Anise | Almond Chestnut Hazelnut Pecan nut Pine nuts Pistachios Walnut | Armagnac Bourbon Brandy Calvados Cognac Cointreau Kirsch Madeira Rum Sherry Vermouth | Caramel Licorice Maple syrup Molasses Vanilla |
| Apricot | Basil Coriander Rosemary | Cardamom Cayenne Cinnamon Coriander Ginger Nutmeg Saffron | Almond Hazelnut Pine nut Pistachio Walnut | Amaretto Brandy Cognac Kirsch Rum Orange liqueur | Caramel Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Avocado | Basil Chives Cilantro Coriander Dill Mint Parsley | Black pepper Cayenne Chili Cumin Ginger Nutmeg Paprika | Hazelnut Pistachio | Tequila White wine | Chocolate Coffee |
| Banana | Coriander | Allspice Aniseed Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Coriander Ginger Nutmeg | Cashew Hazelnut Macadamia Peanuts Pecan Pistachios Walnut | Armagnac Brandy Calvados Cognac Kirsch Madeira Rum | Caramel Chocolate Coffee Crème Fraiche Honey Maple syrup Molasses Vanilla |
| Blackberry | Jasmine Lavender Mint | Cinnamon Cloves Ginger | Almond Hazelnut Walnuts | Brandy Champagne Cointreau Grand Marnier Kirsch Orange liqueur Tequila | Caramel Crème fraiche Honey Licorice Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Blueberry | Basil Lavender Mint | Allspice Cardamom Cinnamon Coriander Cloves Ginger Nutmeg | Almond Hazelnut Pecan nut Pine nut Walnut | Cognac Kirsch Orange liqueur Port Rum Triple sec | Crème fraiche Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Molasses Ricotta Vanilla |
| Cantaloupe | Basil Cilantro Mint Tarragon | Ginger Anise | N/A | Port Vodka Orange liqueur | Honey Vanilla |
| Cherry | Coriander Lavender Sage Thyme | Allspice Cinnamon Cloves Coriander Ginger | Almond Hazelnut Pecan Pistachio Walnut | Amaretto Armagnac Bourbon Brandy Cassis Grand Marnier Kirsch Red wine Rum Vodka | Caramel Chocolate Coffee Crème fraiche Honey Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Coconut | Basil Cilantro Coriander Dill Kaffir leaves Lemongrass Mint | Allspice Black pepper Cardamom Cinnamon Chili Cloves Coriander Cumin Ginger Nutmeg | Almond Brazil nut Cashews Macadamia Peanut Pistachio Walnut | Rum | Caramel Chocolate Crème fraiche Honey Mascarpone Rose water Vanilla |
| Cranberry | Lavender Thyme | Allspice Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Nutmeg Star Anise | Almond Hazelnut Pistachio Walnut | Cognac Gin Grand Manier Rum Tequila Vodka White wine | Honey Maple syrup Vanilla White Chocolate |
| Date | Rosemary Thyme | Cardamom Cinnamon Ginger | Almond Cashews Hazelnut Macadamia Pecan nut Pistachio Walnut | Armagnac Brandy Red wine Rum | Caramel Chocolate Coffee Crème fraiche Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Figs | Cilantro Lavender Mint Rosemary Thyme | Aniseed Cardamom Cinnamon Ginger Anise | Almonds Hazelnut Pistachios Pecan Pine nut Walnut | Port Red wine Orange liqueur Brandy | Caramel Chocolate Honey Vanilla |
| Grape | Mint Rosemary Tarragon | Cayenne Cumin Ginger Paprika | Almond Hazelnut Peanuts Pecan Pistachios Walnut | Brandy Cognac Rum White wine | Honey White chocolate |
| Grapefruit | Basil Coriander Fennel Mint Rosemary Tarragon Thyme | Cinnamon Ginger Anise | Cashews Hazelnut Macadamia Pecan nut Pistachios Walnut | Campari Champagne Gin Grand Marnier Port Rum Tequila Vodka | Caramel Crème fraiche Grenadine Honey Vanilla |
| Honeydew | Basil Coriander Mint Tarragon | Cardamom Coriander Cumin | Pistachio | Champagne | Coconut Honey |
| Kiwi | Cilantro Mint | N/A | Almonds Hazelnut Macadamia | Kirsch Rum | Chocolate Honey |
| Kumquat | Cilantro Mint | Cardamom Cayenne Cinnamon Ginger Mace Nutmeg Anise | Hazelnut Pecan nut Pistachio Walnuts | Brandy Rum White wine | Caramel Chocolate Honey Vanilla |
| Lemon | Basil Bay leaves Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Thyme | Cardamom Cayenne Cinnamon Ginger Poppy seeds | Almond Chestnut Pecan Pine nut Pistachio Walnuts | Gin Orange liqueur Red wine Rum Vodka | Caramel Chocolate Coffee Crème fraiche Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Lime | Cilantro Mint | Ginger | Hazelnut Macadamia Peanut Pecan | Rum Tequila Vodka | Caramel Coconut milk Crème fraiche Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla White chocolate |
| Lychee | N/A | Ginger | N/A | Rum | Honey |
| Mango | Basil Cilantro Coriander Mint | Cardamom Cayenne Cinnamon Chili Cloves Cumin Ginger Nutmeg Star Anise | Almond Cashews Macadamia | Amaretto Champagne Kirsch Orange liqueur Rum Sake Vodka | Caramel Coconut milk Coffee Crème fraiche Honey Mascarpone Vanilla White chocolate |
| Nectarine | Basil Mint | Allspice Cardamom Cinnamon Ginger Nutmeg | Almond Hazelnut Pecan nut Pistachio | Brandy Champagne Kirsch Orange liqueur Peach liqueur Red wine White wine | Caramel Chocolate Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Orange | Basil Cilantro Lavender Mint Parsley Rosemary Thyme | Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Cumin Ginger Nutmeg Paprika Poppy seeds Saffron Anise | Almond Chestnut Hazelnut Macadamia Pecan Pine nut Pistachio Walnuts | Almond liqueur Amaretto Armagnac Brandy Cognac Kirsch Orange liqueur Red wine Rum Tequila Vodka White wine | Caramel Chocolate Coffee Grenadine Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Papaya | Cilantro Coriander Mint | Cayenne Cinnamon Chili Coriander Cumin Ginger | Cashew Macadamia Peanut | Port Rum | Caramel Honey Vanilla White chocolate |
| Passion Fruit | Cilantro | Ginger | Almond Cashew Macadamia | Champagne Cointreau Ice wine Rum Tequila | Caramel Chocolate Vanilla |
| Peach | Basil Bay leaves Lavender Mint Tarragon Thyme | Allspice Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Mace Nutmeg Saffron Anise | Almond Hazelnut Pecan Pistachio Walnuts | Bourbon Brandy Calvados Cassis Champagne Cognac Cointreau Grand Marnier Kirsch Madeira Port Red wine Rum Whiskey White wine | Brown sugar Caramel Chocolate Crème Fraiche Grenadine Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Molasses Vanilla |
| Pear | Basil Mint Parsley Rosemary Sage Thyme | Allspice Black pepper Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Mace Nutmeg Anise | Almond Chestnut Hazelnut Macadamia Peanut Pecan Pine nut Pistachio Walnuts | Bourbon Brandy Calvados Crème de cassis Champagne Grand Marnier Kirsch Port Red wine Rum Whiskey | Caramel Chocolate Crème Fraiche Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Persimmon | Mint | Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Mace Nutmeg | Almond Cashews Hazelnut Pecan Pistachios Walnuts | Bourbon Brandy Cognac Kirsch Sweet wine | Caramel Coffee Honey Maple syrup Vanilla White chocolate |
| Pineapple | Basil Cilantro Coriander Mint Rosemary Sage | Allspice Aniseed Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Saffron Anise | Cashews Macadamia Pecan Pistachio Walnuts | Brandy Cointreau Grand Marnier Kirsch Orange liqueur Rum Sweet wine | Caramel Chocolate Honey Maple syrup Vanilla |
| Plum | Bay leaves Coriander Lavender Mint Sage Thyme | Allspice Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Coriander Ginger Mace Nutmeg | Almond Hazelnut Pecan nut Walnuts | Brandy Gin Kirsch Rum Whiskey Red wine Sweet wine | Caramel Crème fraiche Honey Maple syrup Vanilla |
| Pomegranate | Cilantro Coriander Mint Parsley | Allspice Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Coriander Cumin Ginger Nutmeg Turmeric | Almond Hazelnut Pecan Pine nut Pistachio Walnuts | Port Tequila Vodka | Honey White chocolate |
| Quince | Bay leaves Coriander | Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Nutmeg Anise | Almond Hazelnut Pecan Pistachio Walnuts | Armagnac Brandy Calvados Red wine Whiskey White wine | Caramel Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Raspberry | Mint Thyme | Black pepper Cinnamon Cloves Ginger Anise | Almond Hazelnut Macadamia Peanut Pecan Pine nut Pistachio | Brandy Champagne Cognac Cointreau Framboise Grand Marnier Kirsch Orange liqueur Red wine Rum Tequila | Caramel Chocolate Crème Fraiche Honey Maple syrup Mascarpone Vanilla |
| Strawberry | Coriander Mint | Cardamom Cinnamon Cloves Coriander Ginger Nutmeg | Almond Hazelnut Peanut Pecan Pine nut Pistachio WalnutsAmaretto Brandy Champagne Cognac Elderflower liqueur Grand Marnier Kirsch Port Red wine Rose Rum Sake Sherry White wine | Caramel Chocolate Crème Fraiche Honey Licorice Mascarpone Vanilla | |
| Watermelon | Basil Cilantro Mint | N/A | N/A | Gin Orange liqueur Tequila Vodka | Honey |
Best Fruit Infused Water Combos
Before you go, one topic our charts haven’t touched on is fruit-infused water, which makes for a refreshing, light, and fruity summer drink.
You can always opt for the usual lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber-flavored waters, but there are some more unique and satisfying combinations out there.
Here are 5 refreshing fruit-infused waters from the Clean & Delicious Channel on YouTube:
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