Randy Chandler
While wine and cheese are a classic pairing, the combination of cheese and cocktails is becoming increasingly popular. There are a few ways to serve cheese at a cocktail party, such as creating a cheese board with a variety of flavours and textures, or getting creative and adding cheese to cocktails. When creating a cheese board, it is recommended to have around 3 ounces of cheese per person. A good cheese board has a variety of cheeses, including soft cheeses like goat cheese, semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, and aged cheeses like Parmesan. To elevate your cheese board, you can add butter knives, cocktail forks, cocktail picks, toothpicks, and even cocktail onions. If you want to get creative, you can try adding cheese to your cocktails, although this can be challenging due to the chemistry of mixing cheese with liquids. Some experts have experimented with using cheese as a replacement for dairy or eggs in cocktails, creating unique and unexpected combinations. Whether you stick to a classic cheese board or experiment with cheesy cocktails, serving cheese at a cocktail party is a great way to indulge and impress your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of cheese per person | 3 ounces if cocktails and cheese are the main event, 2 ounces if served before a meal, 1 ounce if served at the end of a meal |
| Type of cheese | A variety of flavours and textures, such as soft goat cheese, semi-hard cheddar, aged parmesan, brie, blue cheese, dill havarti, gouda |
| Type of crackers | Multigrain, butter, toasted bread, rolls |
| Other accompaniments | Fruits, dips, veggies, cocktail onions |
| Type of cocktail | Forager Martini, Spiked Shandy, The Eventide, Lavender Spritz |
| Type of cheese paired with Forager Martini | Semi-firm alpine cheese wrapped in herbs |
| Type of cheese paired with Spiked Shandy | Jasper Hill Farm Harbison |
| Type of cheese paired with The Eventide | Rogue Creamery Rogue River Blue |
| Type of cheese paired with Lavender Spritz | Cypress Grove Purple Haze chèvre from California |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese and cocktail pairings
While cheese and wine parties are a popular choice, you can also pair cheese with cocktails. The world of cocktails is as diverse as the world of cheese, and there are thousands of combinations to try out.
When pairing cheese with cocktails, consider the consistency of the cheese. For example, a creamy cheese can be paired with a less creamy cocktail, while a crumbling cheese goes well with a frothy drink. The base spirit will also influence the taste of the cocktail and the cheese it pairs with. Vodka doesn't have much flavour, so the cocktail's other ingredients will determine the type of cheese to pair with it. Gin, on the other hand, varies from dry to sweet and floral, and this will influence both the cocktail and the cheese. Sweet cocktails bring out certain qualities in cheese, while sour or bitter cocktails bring out others.
- G&T pairs well with soft and creamy cheeses like brie and Double Crème, as the gin brings out the floral notes in the cheese, while the tonic rinses the palate. Blue cheese also takes on lovely floral notes when paired with a G&T.
- An Old Fashioned, with its aged notes from bourbon and orange notes from orange rind and Angostura bitters, is an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of cheeses, from mild white mould cheeses to firm, aged cheeses to blue cheese.
- A gin sour, where lemon juice adds acidity and egg whites add froth to the cocktail, is perfect for serving with both a mild Double Crème and Aged Gouda.
- Tequila, especially a slightly more mellow and aged reposado, pairs well with the spicy kick in pepper jack cheese.
- Dark rum, like Myer's Dark Rum, is a good match for a rich cheese such as an aged cheddar or gouda.
- A citrus-flavoured gin drink can be paired with a tangy, herbal cheese like a mild goat cheese.
- Small-batch bourbon, such as Angel's Envy, pairs well with creamy brie, enhancing the fruitiness of the liquor.
Some bartenders have also experimented with using cheese in cocktails. For example, bleu cheese has been made into a spumante foam and layered on top of a Pisco sour, and mascarpone has been used as a replacement for egg white in another cocktail.
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How much cheese to serve
The amount of cheese you should serve at a cocktail party depends on several factors, such as the time of day, the type of guests, and whether the cheese is the main course or served alongside other dishes.
If cocktails and cheese are the main event, you should plan for about 3 ounces of cheese per person. If you're serving cheese before a meal, 1-2 ounces per person is enough, and at the end of a meal, 1 ounce per person should suffice. If you're serving a cheese board as a meal, you can go up to 7-8 ounces per person. It's important to note that these are guidelines, and you should adjust according to your guests' appetites and the time of day. For example, people tend to be hungrier at lunchtime and dinnertime, so you may want to provide closer to 6 ounces of cheese per serving.
When planning your cheese selections, it's recommended to offer a variety of cheeses, but not too many that it becomes overwhelming. Two to five different types of cheese are ideal, and you can round up the amount if you're offering fewer options. Consider the preferences of your guests—if they are adventurous eaters, you can include fun and exotic cheeses like brie, gorgonzola, or manchego. If they are more conservative, traditional types like cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone may be better suited.
To calculate the total amount of cheese needed, remember that adults count as one serving, while children count as half a serving. By considering these factors and planning accordingly, you can ensure your guests have a delightful and indulgent experience at your cocktail party.
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Cheese as a cocktail ingredient
While wine and cheese is a classic combination, the possibilities are endless when it comes to cocktails and cheese. Cocktails can be paired with cheese in a similar way to wine, or cheese can be used as an ingredient in cocktails.
Pairing Cocktails and Cheese
When pairing cocktails and cheese, it's important to consider the characteristics and intensity of both the cocktail and the cheese. Bright and herbal cocktails can be paired with cheeses that have similar characteristics, such as a Lavender Spritz with a chèvre from California. Rich and powerful cocktails, on the other hand, might be better suited to more intense cheeses.
Using Cheese as an Ingredient in Cocktails
Using cheese as an ingredient in cocktails can be a creative and unexpected way to add texture and depth to a drink. However, it can also be expensive and technically challenging. Some bartenders have found ways to manipulate cheeses into liquid forms, such as by making a cheese sauce or using cheese as a foam or garnish. For example, a Pisco sour might be topped with a blue cheese spumante foam, or a cocktail might be garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives or a parmesan crisp.
In terms of the types of cheese that can be used in cocktails, hard cheeses like parmigiano are popular as they pair well with a wide range of ingredients. However, it's important to be gentle when processing hard cheeses with heat, as high temperatures can destroy their aromas. Soft cheeses, such as mascarpone and ricotta, can also be used in cocktails, adding creaminess and saltiness.
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Cheese board essentials
A cheese board is a versatile option for a cocktail party, offering something for everyone. It can be as fancy or as simple as you like.
- Cheese: Choose a variety of flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to select at least three cheeses, with the maximum being around five for a large board. Include a mix of firm and semi-firm, soft, and spreadable cheeses. Some popular options include aged white cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Gruyère, Dubliner, Manchego, Brie, Camembert, soft goat cheese, and blue cheese.
- Accompaniments: Offer a selection of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or capicola. Include something briny like cornichon pickles, olives, or artichoke heart pate. Provide crackers or good bread, such as a baguette, for guests to enjoy with the cheese.
- Sweet Elements: Add something sweet to balance out the salty and funky cheeses. Options include honey, jam (especially fig or apricot) , dried fruits (such as candied pecans or dried apricots), or fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or pears.
- Crunchy Items: Nuts, crispy chickpeas, or crackers can add texture and crunch to the board.
- Spreads: Include a few spreads, such as fancy mustards or jams, to enhance the cheese experience.
- Seasonal Touches: Depending on the season, add festive sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to your board for a pop of colour and flavour.
- Cheese Knives: Have a few cheese knives on hand for slicing and spreading the softer cheeses.
Additional Tips:
- Consider creating combinations of cheese and accompaniments by placing them close together on the board. For example, manchego with marcona almonds and fig jam, or brie with candied pecans and dried apricots.
- Slice or cube firm and semi-firm cheeses ahead of time to make it easier for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Wash and slice any fresh fruit, squeezing with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- If you're feeling creative, experiment with using cheese in cocktails, such as bleu cheese spumante foam or mascarpone instead of egg whites. However, this can be challenging due to the chemistry and freshness of the cheese.
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Refreshing snacks to finish
When it comes to rounding off a cocktail and cheese party, it's a good idea to provide a refreshing snack to tingle your guests' taste buds. Sweet treats are a great option to bring out at the end of the party. Here are some ideas:
Fudge, chocolate, biscuits and cakes
Indulge your guests with some sweet treats such as fudge, chocolate, sweet biscuits or cakes. These options will satisfy your guests' sugar cravings and provide a delightful end to the evening.
Grilled chicken skewers
For something savoury with a tangy twist, serve grilled chicken skewers. The combination of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey and tarragon will leave a refreshing taste in your guests' mouths.
Baked brie
This simple snack is a crowd-pleaser. All you need to do is score the rind and top it with pistachios and honey.
Bacon-wrapped potatoes
A classic combination that will never disappoint your guests. Toss small potatoes with a spicy and smoky seasoning mixture, then wrap them in bacon and roast until crisp.
Cauliflower pakoras
These crispy and tender snacks are seasoned with Kashmiri chile powder, garam masala, and turmeric. They make a satisfying and flavourful bite that your guests will love.
Deconstructed hummus
A rich and bright take on traditional hummus. Serve whole chickpeas in a tahini-based sauce with warm pita bread or cut vegetables for dipping.
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Frequently asked questions
A good rule of thumb is to serve 3 ounces of cheese per person. If cheese is being served before a meal, 2 ounces per person will suffice, and 1 ounce per person should be enough if served after a meal.
It's a good idea to include a variety of cheeses with different flavours and textures. Some cheeses to consider include soft cheeses like goat cheese, semi-hard cheeses like cheddar, and aged cheeses like Parmesan. If you're serving a large party, you can include 5-6 different types of cheese.
You can serve a variety of crackers, bread slices, and dips with the cheese. You can also include some fruits or spreads to add some sweetness. If you're serving alcohol, wine is a popular pairing with cheese.
