A W E L L - M A D E C O C K T A I L I S
every bit as complex and food f riendly as wine or
beer. With the craft cocktail culture thriving, it's
easier than ever to create pairings that are sure to
please. Here are three cheese and cocktail pairings
to try while it's still summer.
VERMONT CREAMERY
HERB FRESH GOAT CHEESE +
Gin and Tonic
Few cocktails embrace warm days quite like a gin
& tonic. Gin's bright personality is a perfect partner
for goat cheese, especially f resh versions. The lactic
tang of a young chèvre keeps the pairing breezy.
To really emphasize the soft herbaceousness of gin,
choose a cheese coated in f resh herbs.
COTIJA +
El Senor's Margarita (see recipe)
This pairing is all about contrast. The cocktail's
tartness and the soft vegetal tones f rom the tequila
are offset by the cheese's saltiness. Manchego also
has a subtle bite and lingering finish, which keeps
it f rom disappearing in the drink's f resh acidity.
ABBAYE DE NOTRE-DAME DE BELLOC +
Vodka Martini
Pyrenees brebis cheeses have a gloriously milky
sweet flavor with hints of brown butter and nuts.
That richness of flavor and fuller-bodied mouthfeel
provide a great canvas for the nuances of a well-
crafted martini.
A DA M C E N TA M O R E , Summer 2 019
A B B AY E D E
N O T R E - D A M E
D E B E L L O C
Summer
Cocktails
wit
Cheese
PHOTO:
Cocktail:
hansgeel,
Adobe
Stock;
Cheese:
Jon
Sullivan,
Wikimedia
Commons
EL SENOR'S MARGARITA
2 ounces tequila
1 ounce agave nectar
Juice of half a lime
Sparkling water (optional)
▶ Combine first three ingredients in an ice-filled
cocktail shaker and shake until cold. Strain into an ice-
filled cocktail class. Top with sparkling water if desired.
