It is important to choose the proper drink to accompany a fine cigar, especially the medium and full flavored cigars.

A strong cigar will overpower a light drink, such as a margarita or a light beer.

However, a beer may go just fine with a mild cigar.

The following drinks will enhance the flavor of mild sticks, and not be overpowered by full flavored stogies.

1. Coffee Drinks

There are many variations and types of coffee drinks, including those which are non-alcoholic (such as Cappuccino, Cafe Mocha, Cafe
con Leche, and Cuban Coffee). To recommend only one, try coffee with Irish Cream. It tastes great, and will greatly enhance your cigar smoking experience. And when using Bailey’s, there’s really no need to add sugar or cream. Delicious!

2. Port – Late Bottled Vintage

There are many different types and brands of port or “porto”. Regardless of the brand, the Late Bottled Vintage is great with cigars.

Vintage port is even better, but it is more expensive, will not last long after opened, and must be properly decanted before serving.

Port is considered to be a fortified red wine (contains brandy), and is made in Portugal. It has a somewhat sweet taste that makes for a great dessert drink and even a better companion to a fine cigar.

3. Kahlua Drinks

Kahlua drinks go great with cigars. As with coffee drinks, there are many variations, such as the Black Russian, Mud Slide and Nutty Irishman.

To recommend just one, try smoking a cigar with a White Russian, which contains Kahlua, vodka, and cream.

4. Scotch

Many consider scotch to be the best drink to accompany a cigar, especially a single malt scotch.

Scotch on the rocks, or just straight up, will not be overpowered by a strong cigar. However, like some full flavored cigars, scotch can be an acquired taste.

5. Stinger

A mixture of creme de menthe and brandy, this drink is considered by some to be a classic. A variation of the recipe uses vodka instead of brandy.

This cocktail is severed with cigars at several hot spots in New York and elsewhere.

6. Martini

Martinis come in many different flavors these days, but they all have one thing in common, they all contain lots of alcohol, which holds up very well with full flavored cigars.

7. India Pale Ale

Beer drinkers should usually pair a mild cigar with their favorite draft, but an India Pale Ale can accompany almost any cigar, even the fuller flavored sticks.

According to Bryce Eddings, About.com’s Guide to Beer,”Few beers have the stuff to stand up to a cigar and are not overwhelmed but the bitter hops in an IPA can shine brightly with a cigar”.

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