Cheese and non-alcoholic beverage pairings
Hello, cheese lovers! Are you joining the Dry January wagon or perhaps just trimming down the booze (aka Damp January)? Fear not, the joy of cheese pairing isn't lost! Today, we're diving into a world where cheese meets its non-alcoholic drink companions – a match made in culinary heaven for those of us living the "NA" lifestyle or just taking a little break from the spirits. So lets learn more about our cheese and non-alcoholic beverage ideas (zero-proof).
Cheese & Classic Soda Pairings
(Fresh) Chevre & Sprite: Start with something light and zesty. The tanginess of fresh chevre dances delightfully with the crisp, lemon-lime effervescence of Sprite. It's a pairing that sings of freshness and simplicity.(Bloomy) Cremont & Orange Fanta: The creamy, rich texture of bloomy Cremont finds its playful match in Orange Fanta. The duo brings together the lushness of cheese with a bubbly citrus burst, creating a joyous flavor fiesta.
(Washed) Taleggio & Cherry Coke: Taleggio, with its pungent aroma and savory depth, pairs surprisingly well with the sweet, nostalgic essence of Cherry Coke. It’s a combination that’s sure to bring a smile and a nod of appreciation.
(Semi-soft) Ossau Iraty & Big Red: The nutty and earthy notes of Ossau Iraty blend balance the cloying sweetness of Big Red. This pairing is an unexpected journey of contrasting yet harmonious flavors.
(Firm) Flory’s Truckle & Ginger Ale: The crumbly, aged Flory’s Truckle, with its sharp and salty profile, finds a lively partner in Ginger Ale. The fizz and spice of the soda cut through the cheese’s richness, creating a refreshing and balanced palate.
(Hard) L’Amuse Gouda & Dr. Pepper: L’Amuse Gouda, known for its caramel and butterscotch tones, pairs wonderfully with the complex, spiced sweetness of Dr. Pepper. This duo is like a cozy, comforting embrace in flavor form.
(Blue) Caveman Blue & Root Beer: Bold and creamy Caveman Blue meets the sweet, sassafras-infused depths of Root Beer. This pairing is for the adventurous, a delightful clash of titans in the world of taste.
Sparkling Water Pairings:
(Fresh) Ricotta & Plain Sparkling Water: The mild, creamy freshness of ricotta is beautifully highlighted by the crispness of plain sparkling water. This pairing is all about purity and letting the subtle cheese flavors shine.(Bloomy) Lake Breeze & Citrus Sparkling Water: The buttery, lush Lake Breeze finds a refreshing counterpart in citrus sparkling water. This combination is like a gentle breeze on a warm summer day – utterly relaxing.
(Washed) Quadrello & Black Cherry Sparkling Water: The robust and tangy Quadrello is beautifully offset by the sweet and tart notes of black cherry sparkling water. It’s a dance of bold and playful flavors.
(Semi-soft) Indigo Ridge & Watermelon Sparkling Water: Pair the earthy Indigo Ridge with watermelon sparkling water for a pairing that is both grounding and whimsically summery.
(Firm) Marieke Gouda & Peach Sparkling Water: The rich, full-bodied Marieke Gouda, with its notes of butterscotch and nuts, is delightfully complemented by the sweet, fragrant essence of peach sparkling water.
(Hard) Parmigiano Reggiano & Pineapple Sparkling Water: The king of cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano, with its granular texture and savory depth, is beautifully lifted by the tropical zing of pineapple sparkling water.
(Blue) Ba Ba Blue & Berry Sparkling Water: The sharp and salty Ba Ba Blue finds a sweet contrast in berry sparkling water, creating a playful and tantalizing pairing.
In the spirit of new beginnings and healthier choices, these pairings invite you to explore the delightful synergy between cheese and non-alcoholic beverages. Whether you're taking a break from alcohol or simply seeking new taste experiences, these combinations promise a journey of discovery and pleasure. So, here's to a year filled with delicious exploration – cheers with cheese!
And don’t forget, cheese and non-alcoholic pairings are not limited to just sodas and sparkling waters! There’s a whole world of zero-proof beverages waiting to be explored. Think kombucha, with its tangy and effervescent qualities, as a perfect match for cheeses like Comté or Gruyère. The slightly funky and fruity notes of kombucha can elevate the nutty flavors of these firm cheeses.
Or, if you’re a fan of tea, consider pairing a robust black tea with a sharp cheddar or a creamy oolong with a triple-cream Brie. The warmth and depth of tea can bring out complex flavors in cheese while offering a soothing alternative to traditional pairings. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, chai tea with its aromatic spices can pair wonderfully with the rich, savory taste of aged Gouda or Manchego.
Lastly, don’t overlook the potential of non-alcoholic cocktails. A well-crafted zero-proof mojito, with its minty and citrusy profile, can refresh your palate when paired with a tangy goat cheese. Or try a non-alcoholic Negroni with a blue cheese for a bold and exciting combination.
Experimenting with these pairings is part of the fun, so gather your favorite cheeses and NA beverages, and enjoy the adventure!
P.S. Got a favorite pairing or a new combination to suggest? Let us know, and stay tuned for more cheesy adventures!
For more inspiration enjoy this article about incorporating non-alcoholic beverages into you lifestyle from the LA Times.
