Cheese And Margarita: Perfect Pairing For A Zesty Treat

There are two types of margaritas that are commonly paired with cheese: the pizza and the cocktail. A Margherita pizza is a Neapolitan-style pizza that traditionally uses fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil, reflecting the colours of the Italian flag. A cocktail margarita, on the other hand, is a drink made with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau. While the pizza pairs well with mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and feta, the cocktail is better suited for Basque-style sheep's milk cheese, such as manchego.

Mozzarella, tomatoes and basil are the traditional toppings for a Margherita pizza

Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are the traditional toppings for a Margherita pizza. This combination is said to reflect the colours of the Italian flag. The pizza is named after Queen Margherita, who was presented with the pizza by Raffaele Esposito in 1889. The pizza was apparently a hit with the monarch, and so it was named in her honour.

A Margherita pizza must adhere to a strict set of rules. Fresh mozzarella is a requirement, and for an authentic pie, you should use mozzarella di bufala, or buffalo mozzarella. The pizza also features a generous helping of sauce, which can be spiced or made with plain, blended tomatoes. Fresh basil leaves are another must, and the pizza may also be topped with olive oil and salt.

The dough is traditionally made with fine 00 flour, which creates a delicate, pillowy dough that turns into a crispy crust. This type of pizza cooks very quickly—in a proper wood-burning oven, it can be ready in as little as twenty seconds. In a regular oven, it will take around six minutes at the highest temperature setting.

A Margherita pizza is typically smaller than a standard cheese pizza, with a diameter of less than a foot. This is partly due to the moisture from the sauce and cheese, which can create a soupy consistency if the pizza is too large.

Fresh mozzarella is a requirement for an authentic Margherita pizza

The Margherita pizza is said to have been created in honour of Italy's Queen Margherita when she visited Naples in the late nineteenth century. The red, white, and green toppings were patriotic, as they decorated the pizza with the colours of the Italian flag.

The pizza should be topped with fresh basil leaves, not cooked, as this will cause them to wilt. The basil is added after the pizza is baked, along with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt.

A classic Margarita cocktail can be paired with a Basque-style sheep's milk cheese

Martin Johnson, the cheese, charcuterie, beer, and wine buyer for Gastronomie 491 in New York City, says that "the margarita is the ultimate test of the concept that Basque sheep cheeses pair with anything and everything". Johnson also notes that the buttery flavour of the cheese "isn't a bad ending to a margarita".

While the specific cheese recommended by Johnson is not mentioned, another source recommends pairing a Margarita cocktail with Bouton de Culotte cheese. This source also notes that Fourme d'Ambert and Saint-Marcellin were found to be good pairing options by some participants in a Margarita and cheese taste test.

A Margarita cocktail can be paired with Bouton de Culotte cheese

A Margarita Cocktail and Bouton de Culotte Cheese: A Match Made in Heaven

The Perfect Pairing

A Margarita cocktail and Bouton de Culotte cheese is a match made in heaven. This fun-loving, life-of-the-party cocktail is the ideal partner for the equally fun-loving Bouton de Culotte cheese. With its vibrant, citrusy notes, the Margarita brings out the best in this cheese, creating a tasting experience that is simply sublime.

The Margarita Cocktail

A Margarita is a classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau. It is a zesty, vibrant drink that is perfect for those who enjoy a lively and refreshing tipple. The key to a great Margarita is freshness—always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best results. A salt rim on the glass adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the flavour profile.

Bouton de Culotte Cheese

Bouton de Culotte cheese is a unique and delightful cheese that pairs exceptionally well with a Margarita. This cheese has a strong, distinctive flavour that stands up to the cocktail's citrus notes. The combination creates a tasting experience that is both intriguing and satisfying. The cheese has a buttery texture and a range of nutty and spicy tones, providing a wonderful contrast to the drink's zesty character.

A Successful Marriage of Flavours

The success of this pairing lies in the complementary flavours and textures of the Margarita and Bouton de Culotte cheese. The cocktail's bright, tangy flavours are balanced by the cheese's rich, creamy character. The salty rim of the Margarita glass also enhances the savoury notes of the cheese, creating a harmonious and indulgent tasting experience. This pairing is a testament to the art of food and drink combinations, showcasing how the right match can elevate both the cocktail and the cheese.

Customisation Options

While the classic Margarita and Bouton de Culotte cheese pairing is a winning combination, there are also opportunities for customisation. For a unique twist, a Tommy's Margarita, which has a darker and slightly smokier flavour profile, can be paired with Bouton de Culotte for a distinct tasting experience. Additionally, a spicy salt rim can be added to the glass, providing an extra kick that complements the cheese's nutty and spicy tones. Experimenting with different variations can lead to exciting discoveries and expand the possibilities for this dynamic duo.

A Margarita pizza is cooked quickly, in as little as 20 seconds in a wood-burning oven

A Margarita pizza is cooked very quickly—in as little as 20 seconds in a wood-burning oven. This is because the pizza's traditional base is made from fine 00 flour, which creates a delicate, pillowy dough that crisps up fast.

The Margarita pizza is a Neapolitan-style pizza, and its simplicity means that it is the quality of each component that is the star of the show. The pizza's sauce is a key element, and it is usually made from fresh, high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, although fresh Roma tomatoes are also a good option. The sauce can be spiced, but plain blended tomatoes also work well.

The cheese is another vital component of a Margarita pizza. Fresh mozzarella is traditional, and this is usually the creamy variety stored in liquid, rather than processed shredded mozzarella. For an authentic pizza, you could use mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella). Other cheeses can be added, too—a four-cheese Margarita pizza might include mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and feta.

Finally, a Margarita pizza is always topped with fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

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