Best Drink with a Cigar

It’s no secret that smoking cigars is a sophisticated and relaxing pastime. But sometimes, pairing it with a drink can surely make the experience much better. 

So whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, sour, strong, or light, we’ve got you covered.

Check our list of the fifteen best drinks that pair well with cigars! Cheers!

Pairing Cigars and Drinks: The Basics (Table)

For many people, enjoying a good cigar is all about finding the perfect pairing. 

The below table will give you some recommended drink pairings and tasting notes.

The right drink can enhance the flavors of a cigar and make for a truly enjoyable experience. So, what are the basics of pairing cigars and drinks?

First, it’s important to consider the strength of both the cigar and the drink.

A full-bodied cigar will generally pair best with a strong drink, while a lighter cigar is a better match for something like wine. 

It’s also important to consider the flavors of the cigar and the drink. A sweeter cigar, for example, might pair well with a creamy liquor like Baileys. 

On the other hand, a spicier cigar could be a good match for an espresso or even a glass of stout beer.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing cigars and drinks. Ultimately, it’s all about finding what you personally enjoy. 

So experiment and have fun! Try different combinations and see what satisfies your taste buds the most. 

Best Alcoholic Drinks with a Cigar

Smoking a cigar is often seen as a luxurious experience that should be savored. What better way to enjoy your cigar than with a nice alcoholic drink? 

This section will explore the best alcoholic drinks to pair cigars with.

So whether you’re looking for something to sip on while you smoke or something to enjoy after your cigar, we’ve got you covered. 

Whiskey

Generally, it’s best to pair a cigar with a whiskey with a similar flavor profile.

For instance, if you’re smoking a full-bodied cigar, you’ll want to choose a Highland single malt that can stand up to the cigar’s strong flavor. 

On the other hand, if you’re smoking mild cigars, you might want to try an Irish whiskey, which will accentuate the cigar’s subtler flavors. 

When pairing Speyside whiskey with a cigar, it’s important to find a balance between the two flavors. 

A good rule of thumb is to choose a cigar that is not too strong or too sweet. This way, you can enjoy the full range of flavors both offer. 

Cognac

The complex flavors of a well-aged cognac complement the richness of a cigar, making for a truly enjoyable combination.

Cognac also has a higher alcohol content than most other drinks, which can help bring out the cigar’s flavor. 

We recommend going for Armagnac, which is a variety of cognac.

It is generally darker and more full-bodied than other types of cognac, with a complex flavor that includes notes of vanilla, spice, and dried fruit. 

Cigar smokers swear that Armagnac is an excellent choice for pairing with cigars, as the bold flavors of the spirit can stand up to the robust taste of tobacco.

Scotch and Bourbon

Scotch and bourbon are two of the most popular choices for cigar pairing. Each one offers unique flavors that can enhance your smoking experience. 

When choosing a scotch, it’s best to pick one that has a smoky flavor, as this will complement the taste of your cigar.

For bourbon, look for a smooth and mellow variety that won’t overwhelm the flavor of your cigar. 

Rum

When choosing a rum to pair with your cigar, think about the body and strength of the cigar, as well as the flavor profile of the rum.

For full-bodied cigars, look for dark rum with a deeper, more robust flavor that can stand up to the bold flavors of the cigar. 

On the other hand, if you are pairing a light-bodied cigar with rum, then a lighter-bodied rum, like a white rum, might be a better choice.

These rums tend to be less sweet, and their flavors will not overwhelm the delicate flavors of a light cigar. 

Wine and Prosecco

Cigars have been traditionally associated with scotch or brandy. However, a surprisingly large number of wines can enhance the flavor of your cigar as well. 

For example, a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can help to bring out the rich, earthy flavors of a full-bodied cigar.

On the other hand, a lighter wine like white wine or Prosecco can help to accentuate the sweeter notes in a milder cigar. 

Generally, it is best to pair a cigar with a wine with similar flavors. For instance, a fruity cigar would go well with a Riesling, while a glass of Zinfandel would enhance a spicy cigar. 

Beer 

There are no unambiguous rules when it comes to cigar pairing with beer. That said, a few general guidelines can help you get started. 

For instance, cigars with milder flavors pair well with lighter beers, while strong cigars are better for heavier beers.

Similarly, cigars with a sweeter profile tend to go well with malty beers, while drier cigars are a good choice for hoppy brews. 

Experiment a bit and find your perfect cigar-beer pairing. 

Tequila

Cigars and tequila may sound strange, but they are a great combination. Both are strong, complex, and bold. 

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

First of all, leave the lemon out of it. Second, go for a reposado tequila.

The oak barrels that reposados are aged in give them a deep, woody flavor that pairs well with cigars. 

And finally, savor the flavors of an aged cigar and tequila to enjoy the experience.

Champagne

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a nice cigar with a glass of champagne.

The smooth, rich flavor of the cigar pairs perfectly with the sparkling, crisp taste of the champagne. 

You’ll want to choose a glass of champagne with a bit of sweetness, which will help offset the cigar’s bold flavor. 

Also, avoid too dry or acidic champagnes. Instead, go for something that is slightly fruity and has a creamy texture. 

Cocktails

Many aficionados believe that cigars go great with a classic cocktail.

The liquor’s sweetness helps offset the cigar’s smokiness, and the mixer can help highlight certain flavors. 

For example, a Cuban Daiquiri pairs well with light-bodied and medium-bodied cigars.

At the same time, a Manhattan is a good choice for a fuller-flavored smoke. 

So next time you’re enjoying a stogie, don’t be afraid to experiment with different drinks until you find your perfect match. 

Vodka

if you’re looking for a unique pairing recommendation, vodka is a great choice. 

The clean, crisp flavor of vodka can help highlight your cigar’s natural flavors.

Plus, vodka is strong enough to stand up to even the fullest-flavored cigars. 

So, pairing it with your cigar is sure to be a winning combination. Try enjoying a classic Russian vodka or a more adventurous flavor like cucumber or horseradish.

Gin

When it comes to choosing the perfect drink to pair with your cigar, gin is a great option. The subtle botanical notes of gin complement the natural flavors of the tobacco. 

Gin also has a relatively high alcohol content, which can help open up the cigar’s flavors.

However, it’s important to choose a gin that isn’t too overpowering, as the delicate flavor of the tobacco can be easily lost. 

A light, citrusy gin is a good choice for most cigars. 

Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks with a Cigar

By now, you probably agree that you must have a drink in hand if you’re smoking a cigar. 

But what if you’re trying to avoid alcohol? Don’t worry – plenty of delicious non-alcoholic drinks go great with a cigar. 

Here are some of our favorites. 

Coffee 

Cigars and coffee have been known to be a perfect pairing for centuries. 

The rich, bold flavor of coffee enhances the natural flavor of the tobacco, while the smooth smoke of the cigar rounds out the taste of the coffee.

In addition, the caffeine in the coffee helps to keep you alert and focused, making it the perfect drink to enjoy with your cigar. 

If you’re looking for an excellent non-alcoholic drink with your cigar, coffee should definitely be on top of your list.

Tea 

Tea and cigars make a great combination, and together, their flavors can be truly sublime. There are many different types of tea, each with its distinct flavor profile.

Generally, lighter teas go well with mild cigars, while bolder teas are a good match for stronger cigars.

For example, a delicate green tea would pair nicely with a mellow Connecticut cigar, while a rich pu-erh would be delicious with a full-bodied Cuban. 

However, black tea is a drink many cigar experts find a challenge to pair but still possible for some. The simple reason is that it clears the palate very well.

Nonetheless, you can use it if you are in a situation where multiple cigars are being tasted in the same sitting.

A cold pot of black tea with a little bit of sugar is included as your toolkit. 

And, you’ll take sips of that in between different cigars. It refreshes the palate and wipes it clean to get it ready for the next cigar. That’s why it’s a tricky one!

Orange Juice 

While many people might think of orange juice as a breakfast drink, it can actually be a great way to enhance the flavor of a cigar. 

The natural sweetness of orange juice can help offset some cigars’ bitterness.

In addition, the citrusy aroma of orange juice can complement the smokey scent of a cigar. 

And remember, you don’t want to overwhelm the cigar with too much orange juice. Just a tiny sip will do the trick.

Soft Drinks 

There are actually lots of delicious soft drink options that can enhance your smoking experience.

For example, ginger ale is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a little bit of sweetness with their cigar. 

Another option is club soda, which can help soften the smoke’s harshness. 

And let’s not forget Mountain Dew. The sweet, citrusy flavors of mountain dew complement the rich tobacco flavors of a cigar perfectly. 

And the carbonation of the soda helps to cleanse the palate between puffs.