Cheese And Cocktail Pairing: A Match Made In Heaven

The world of cocktails is as diverse as the world of cheese, with thousands of combinations just waiting to be tested. While a side plate of cheese often complements a cocktail, some bartenders have also started experimenting with putting cheese in cocktails. The complex flavours in cheese contrast nicely with cocktails, which can be sweet, sour, thin or creamy. The most important element of any cocktail is the spirit that forms its base, and different types of spirits go best with different types of cheeses. For example, gin pairs well with a variety of cheeses, while rum, whisky and cognac pair well with sweeter cheeses. Vodka doesn't typically have much flavour, so it's often whatever the vodka is mixed with that determines the type of cheese to pair with it.

Gin and tonic with mild and creamy cheeses

The key to a great gin and tonic is balancing the bitterness of the tonic against the gin, ensuring neither flavour is too overpowering. To make a classic gin and tonic, fill a highball glass with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, and top with 4 ounces of tonic water. A squeeze of fresh lime and a lime wedge are also essential to brightening up the drink.

For a fun twist, you can replace the lime with lemon or add a sprig of rosemary and muddled orange peel. If you're feeling adventurous, try using cucumber tonic or garnishing with a slice of pink grapefruit and some bay leaves.

Now, how to incorporate mild and creamy cheeses into this cocktail? Here are some ideas:

Cheesy Foam Topping

As we've seen, a gin and tonic is typically topped with a slice or wedge of lime. Why not get creative and replace this with a foam made from mild and creamy cheeses? You could try using a soft, milky cheese like mozzarella or a cream cheese such as mascarpone or Philadelphia. Simply blend the cheese until it forms a frothy foam and use it to top your gin and tonic.

Cheesy Ice Cubes

Another way to add cheese to your gin and tonic is by freezing cubes of mild and creamy cheese and using them as ice cubes. This way, as the ice melts, you'll get an extra burst of cheesy flavour in your drink.

Cheese-Infused Gin

If you're feeling particularly experimental, you could try infusing your gin with mild and creamy cheeses. This technique may require some trial and error, but it could result in a unique and intriguing flavour profile. Simply soak your chosen cheese in the gin for a few hours or overnight, then strain the mixture to remove any solid cheese pieces.

Cheesy Rim

For a more subtle approach, consider coating the rim of your glass with a mild and creamy cheese. This way, you'll get a hint of cheesy flavour with each sip. You could even mix the cheese with herbs or spices to create a savoury rim that complements the other flavours in your drink.

Remember, when pairing cheese with cocktails, it's important to use the right type of cheese and to ensure it doesn't overpower the other flavours in the drink. Feel free to experiment with different varieties of mild and creamy cheeses to find the perfect match for your gin and tonic!

Cocktails with egg whites go well with firm and crumbling cheeses

Egg whites are a common ingredient in cocktails, from the classic Whisky Sour to the more modern Amaretto Sour. They add a smooth texture and foam to cocktails, giving them a luxurious weight. When paired with firm and crumbling cheeses, cocktails with egg whites can be taken to the next level.

One example of a cocktail with egg whites that would pair well with firm and crumbling cheeses is the Cold Pizza cocktail from Double Chicken Please in New York. This cocktail is a blend of layered ingredients, including Don Fulano blanco, parmigiano reggiano, burnt toast, tomato, basil, honey, and egg white. The parmigiano reggiano adds a savoury element that gives the cocktail depth of flavour.

Another option is the Parmigiano Sour, which is a twist on the classic Pisco Sour. This cocktail features grated parmesan cheese, giving it a unique texture and flavour. The saltiness of the cheese pairs well with the sharpness of the sour, and the egg white adds a silky smooth texture.

The Melon, Cheese & Pepper cocktail from Two Schmucks in Barcelona is also a great choice. This cocktail features a cantaloupe-flavoured base made with gin, dry vermouth, and cantaloupe cordial, and a top layer of mozzarella foam. The mozzarella foam adds a creamy, milky texture that pairs perfectly with firm and crumbling cheeses.

Finally, the Cheers Mr. Johnson cocktail from Rezdora in New York is worth considering. This cocktail is made with parmesan-infused gin, vodka, and basil Cocchi americano. The parmesan adds a salty, umami flavour that would complement a variety of firm and crumbling cheeses.

Sweet cocktails complement certain qualities in cheese

The consistency of a cocktail also influences how the cheese is experienced. A creamy cheese can be paired with a less creamy cocktail, while a crumbling cheese goes well with a frothy drink. For example, a gin sour, which is a gin-based cocktail with lemon juice and egg whites, is perfect for serving with both a mild double crème and aged gouda. The caramelized notes in gouda contrast nicely with the acidity and floral taste of the gin.

Another example of a sweet cocktail is an Old Fashioned, which combines aged notes from bourbon with orange notes from orange rind and Angostura bitters. An Old Fashioned is an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of cheeses, as its sweetness and caramel notes go well with mild white mold cheeses, firm, aged cheeses, and blue cheese. A Manhattan, a sweet bourbon cocktail with a bitter kick from vermouth, is also a perfect match for a wide array of cheeses, especially blue cheeses, as the sharp taste of the mold is somewhat muted.

Sour or bitter cocktails bring out other qualities in cheese

The consistency of the cocktail also influences the cheese experience. A creamy cheese can be offset by a less creamy cocktail, while a firm, crumbling cheese is enhanced by a frothy drink containing egg whites.

Additionally, the balance of flavours in a cocktail is essential. Bitter flavours can bring out subtle flavours in cheese, balancing out sweet and sour notes, and adding depth to the overall taste experience.

For example, a gin sour cocktail with its combination of acidity from lemon juice and froth from egg whites, is an excellent match for both mild brie and aged gouda. The caramelised notes in the gouda are particularly accentuated by the cocktail's acidity and floral gin notes.

Blue cheese likes strong and sweet drinks

Blue cheese is a love-it-or-hate-it food, but it can lend a magical touch to cocktails. The key is to find the right balance so that the drink is more sweet than savoury, with a subtle layer of funk and salinity from the blue cheese.

At Tel Aviv's Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar, the Life's a Beach cocktail is a fruity, gin-based drink with Amaro di Angostura, watermelon syrup, lime, and a splash of soda. The blue cheese is undetectable, adding just a hint of funk and salinity to the sweet and fruity cocktail. At Bell Boy, another bar in Tel Aviv, the Josephine's Pet is a twist on the classic Sidecar made with Roquefort-infused Cognac. The blue cheese adds body and texture to the drink, making it more complementary to the array of flavours in the cocktail.

Blue cheese also works well in more traditional cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Martini. For a Blue Maple Old Fashioned, you can use a blue cheese fat wash with bourbon and add maple syrup, bitters, and an orange peel garnish. If you're looking for a festive Martini, try garnishing it with a Stilton-stuffed olive. The creaminess of the blue cheese pairs perfectly with the aromatic botanicals from the gin or the creamy savoury notes from the vodka.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add blue cheese to a Bloody Mary. Simply stuff some Stilton into a celery stick and use it as a garnish. The ripe tomato, earthy celery, and creamy blue cheese flavours create a sumptuous snack paired with one of the most iconic drinks in the world.

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