How to Pair Cigars With Drinks

The golden rule of pairing a cigar with a drink is to match intensity: a mild cigar with a light drink, a full-bodied cigar with something bold. When the two are balanced, neither overpowers the other and their flavors bounce off each other instead of clashing. Beyond that one rule, pairing is about complementing or contrasting the cigar's dominant notes.

Match strength first

Strength is the foundation. A delicate, mild cigar is flattened by a peaty scotch, while a powerful maduro makes a light lager taste like water. Before anything else, judge the cigar's strength and pick a drink in the same weight class. Get this right and the pairing already works.

Complement or contrast

Once the weight matches, decide whether to echo or offset the flavors:

• Complement: a cocoa-and-coffee maduro with an espresso, doubling down on roasted notes.
• Contrast: a peppery, dry cigar with a sweet rum, where the sweetness softens the spice.

Both approaches work. Complementing feels harmonious; contrasting keeps the palate interested.

Reliable pairings to start with

• Whisky: the classic. Bourbon's sweetness or scotch's smoke both suit medium to full cigars. See cigar and whisky pairing.
• Rum: its natural sweetness is a natural partner, especially for Nicaraguan cigars. See cigar and rum pairing.
• Coffee: works any time of day and mirrors the roasted notes in many cigars. See cigar and coffee pairing.
• Non-alcoholic: water is never wrong, and it cleanses the palate between draws.

A few pairing tips

Sip, do not gulp; a small taste between draws is enough. Keep water on hand to reset your palate. And do not overthink it, the best pairing is one you enjoy. New to cigars entirely? Start with the beginner's guide first.

Where to go next

Dig into specific drinks with whisky, rum, and coffee pairing guides.