Strawberry cake is the grand finale of midsummer
With its fluffy cream, sun-ripened strawberries and perhaps a touch of vanilla custard, the strawberry cake is a beloved classic that perfectly rounds off the midsummer lunch or dinner. To elevate the experience even further, it’s worth considering what you serve alongside it in the glass.
Here are four drink pairings – both with and without alcohol – that complement Sweden’s most iconic summer dessert.
1. Sparkling wine – fresh, fruity and festive
A sparkling wine with good acidity and light berry notes balances out the richness of the cream and the sweetness of the strawberries. A rosé with hints of red berries is an ideal choice.
Recommended pairings:
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Brut Rosé Champagne
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Cava Rosado
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Dry, fruity Prosecco
As a general rule, avoid overly sweet sparkling wines – too much sweetness can overwhelm the dessert instead of enhancing it.
2. Moscato d’Asti – a lightly sparkling dessert wine
This Italian favorite is low in alcohol, lightly effervescent, and naturally sweet. Its floral and fruity notes pair beautifully with berries and cream, making it a lovely choice for a relaxed midsummer afternoon.
3. Non-alcoholic options with summer flavour
A non-alcoholic drink doesn’t mean compromising on taste. The key is to go for something crisp, refreshing, and with a touch of acidity.
Recommended pairings:
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Alcohol-free sparkling rosé
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Strawberry lemonade with fresh mint
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Tart rhubarb soda
These options look festive in the glass and bring just the right contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
4. Aged rum – for the adventurous
If your strawberry cake includes elements like dark chocolate or richer berries, a small pour of aged rum might be a surprising yet delicious match. The rounded notes of vanilla and dried fruit complement the deeper dessert flavours.
Make midsummer a wine memory worth framing
If you’re celebrating with a bottle of bubbly, don’t throw the cork away. At Corkframes, we believe every cork holds a memory. Frame it – and let midsummer take its place on your wall, right alongside your other wine moments.
