Martini And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For A Classy Evening

A martini is a timeless happy hour selection—a crisp, clean blend of intense flavor that pairs well with just about anything, including cheese. While some people prefer to enjoy their martini as it is, there are many who like to experiment with their drink by adding a twist of blue cheese-stuffed olives or even infusing the martini with parmesan or blue cheese.

Blue cheese stuffed olives

Begin by choosing a good-quality blue cheese. You will only need a small amount, so it is worth splurging on something a little more expensive. Next, select some delicious green olives. Sicilian olives are a great choice, but any good-quality green olive will work. If you are unsure, ask your cheesemonger or grocer for recommendations.

Take a small amount of the blue cheese and gently work it into the cavity of the olive. It is best to do this yourself, rather than buying pre-stuffed olives, as it ensures the best flavour and texture. The olive may break slightly as you stuff it, but this is okay. Repeat this process until you have stuffed all your olives. You can then skewer the olives or leave them to float in the bottom of the glass.

Classic Martini with Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

To make the martini, start by chilling your martini glass. Fill it with ice and set it aside. Next, fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add your chosen spirit (gin is the classic choice, but vodka also works) and vermouth. Stir the shaker for about 30 seconds, then strain the mixture into your chilled glass. Garnish with your blue cheese stuffed olives and serve immediately.

Variations

There are a few variations you can try when making a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives. Some recipes suggest coating the glass with vermouth before adding the ice and spirit mixture. You can also add a dash of olive brine or juice to the shaker along with the spirit and vermouth. If you want to get creative, you can even add a dash of orange bitters.

Food Pairings

A classic martini is a great pre-dinner drink, but it can also be enjoyed with a main course. Some food pairings to consider include reverse seared ribeye steak, braised brisket in red wine sauce (especially if you use the same blue cheese in your olives and polenta), or classic Italian stuffed peppers.

Parmesan-infused gin or vodka

The idea of infusing spirits with Parmesan cheese may seem unusual, but it's a concept that has gained some interest, especially in the context of creating unique martini cocktails. In this exploration, we will delve into the possibilities of Parmesan-infused gin or vodka, providing instructive details on how to create such infusions and offering suggestions for potential cocktail creations.

Creating the Infusion

The process of infusing spirits with Parmesan involves grating the cheese and mixing it with the desired spirit. One popular method is to grate a wedge of Parmesan and combine it with a bottle of gin. This mixture is then filtered, and the resulting gin-soaked cheese can be used to stuff olives for a unique garnish. Another approach is to use Parmesan rinds, which are combined with gin or vodka and allowed to infuse for about a week before being strained and diluted. This method is particularly relevant for zero-waste initiatives, making use of leftover rinds from Italian restaurants or bars.

Cocktail Ideas

When crafting cocktails with Parmesan-infused gin or vodka, it's essential to consider the overall flavour profile. The savoury, salty, and nutty characteristics of Parmesan can be highlighted or complemented in various ways. Here are some ideas to consider:

• The Classic Dirty Martini: Combine Parmesan-infused gin or vodka with olive brine and a generous amount of ice. Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with stuffed olives, perhaps using the gin-soaked cheese from the infusion process. A sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper and a few drops of olive oil can also enhance the drink's savoury notes.
• The Mediterranean Twist: Play up the fruity and nutty aspects of Parmesan by pairing the infusion with ingredients like apples, figs, grapefruit, or starfruit. A touch of port or cognac XO could add depth to the cocktail.
• The Savoury Adventure: Experiment with pairings that enhance the salty, savoury notes of the Parmesan infusion. Think black truffles, balsamic vinegar, or even fried bacon. A rim of crushed Parmesan crisps or a skewer of cheese cubes could be an intriguing garnish.
• The Sweet Encounter: For a contrasting experience, balance the savoury notes of the Parmesan infusion with a touch of sweetness. Strawberries, raspberries, or a drizzle of honey could provide an unexpected but delightful twist to the cocktail.

Creating Parmesan-infused gin or vodka opens up a world of experimental cocktail possibilities. While it may not be a mainstream concept, it showcases the creativity and innovation that can be found in mixology. By embracing unique ingredients and flavour combinations, bartenders can craft signature drinks that surprise and delight their patrons, offering a savoury twist to the traditional martini experience.

Alp Blossom, Quicke's Mature Cheddar, and Jasper Hill Harbison

The classic martini is a James Bond favourite for a reason—the combination of gin, vermouth, and olive brine creates a crisp, clean blend of intense flavour that pairs well with almost anything, including cheese. While there are many cheeses that can be paired with a martini, here is some information about Alp Blossom, Quicke's Mature Cheddar, and Jasper Hill Harbison:

Alp Blossom

Alp Blossom is a fragrant, floral, and flavourful cow's milk cheese made in the Bavarian Alps. It is dressed in a coat of dried herbs and colourful flowers from the surrounding meadows, creating a juxtaposition of sweet and savoury notes. When pairing with a martini, take note of its brothy and floral notes, which will complement the drink's crisp and clean blend. To serve, triangle cut the Alp Blossom, leaving part of the floral rind on each piece.

Quicke's Mature Cheddar

This mature cheddar is a crumbly, savoury, and acidic cow's milk cheese that has been pasteurized and aged for 12 months. When paired with a martini, the cheese's essence of horseradish and chives will evoke a different element of the iconic drink. To serve, chunk or crumble the cheddar.

Jasper Hill Harbison

Jasper Hill Harbison is a woodsy, spoonable, and gooey cow's milk cheese that has been pasteurized and aged for 3-8 weeks. It has rich, savoury undertones with notes of woodsy spruce that will stand up to a strong, alcohol-forward cocktail like a martini. To serve, remove the top of the Harbison wheel by scoring around the edge of the rind with a knife and peeling it back.

When serving these cheeses with a classic martini, place the glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to chill. Then, add the gin, vermouth, brine, and optional bitters to a shaker or mixing glass with ice. Shake or stir the martini and strain it into the chilled glass. Finally, add a dash of orange bitters and garnish with 2 olives on a pick.

L’Affiné au Chablis, Point Reyes Original Blue, and Murray's Cave Aged Reserve Mini Greensward

LAffiné au Chablis, Point Reyes Original Blue, and Murrays Cave Aged Reserve Mini Greensward

LAffiné au Chablis

LAffiné au Chablis Germain cheese is a French delicacy made from cow's milk in the Burgundy region. The cheese has a delicate gold-tinged rind and a soft, creamy centre. Its mild flavour and distinctive colour come from a wash with Chablis wine, which also gives it a fresh, floral, and fruity aroma. This cheese would pair well with a martini as its soft, creamy texture and mild taste will complement the strong, alcohol-forward cocktail.

Point Reyes Original Blue

Point Reyes Original Blue is a classic California-style blue cheese. It is rindless, all-natural, and gluten-free, with a bold flavour and hints of sweet milk and a peppery finish. Its ultra-creamy texture and medium-strong blue mould flavour make it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used in cooking. Although Point Reyes Original Blue is typically paired with red wine, its strong flavour will also stand up to a martini.

Murrays Cave Aged Reserve Mini Greensward

This bold and creamy cheese is carefully crafted and aged by Murray's team of affineurs. The wheels of cheese are washed in cider and aged in Murray's Washed Rind Cave, resulting in a silky, oozing, spoonable paste with flavours of mushrooms, brandied cherries, and woodsy spruce notes. The cheese's delicate pungency and complex flavour profile will add an interesting dimension when paired with a martini.

Garlic-stuffed olives

If you're a fan of the classic martini, but are looking for a twist, why not try adding garlic-stuffed olives? This unique ingredient adds a punch of flavour to your cocktail, and is a great way to impress your guests at your next dinner party.

How to Make Garlic-Stuffed Olives

To make garlic-stuffed olives, you'll need to start by roasting some garlic. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and combine garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Essence on a sheet of aluminium foil. Fold the foil to form a tent and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the garlic is just tender. Allow the garlic to cool before removing the cloves from their skins, keeping the cloves intact as much as possible.

Next, you'll need to get your olives ready. If you're using pitted queen olives, you can carefully remove the pimientos and stuff each olive with one of the roasted garlic cloves. If your olives aren't pitted, you can carefully slice into them and stuff the garlic cloves inside. Return the garlic-stuffed olives to their brine and allow them to sit for at least two weeks before using. This will help infuse the olives with the garlic flavour.

Making the Martini

Now that you have your garlic-stuffed olives, it's time to make your martini! For each drink, you'll need 1 2/3 ounces of gin and 1/3 ounce of vermouth. Combine these ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker and shake until thoroughly chilled. You can also add a splash of olive brine to taste, if you like your martini on the dirty side. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with a couple of the garlic-stuffed olives.

So there you have it! A delicious and sophisticated cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a grown-up Halloween party or a fancy dinner with friends. The savoury notes of the garlic and olive brine pair perfectly with the crisp, clean blend of gin and vermouth. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions