(Entertaining)

These Cocktail & Cheese Pairings Are Perfect For Those Who Aren't Into Wine

Try them all this summer.

by Ashley Tibbits
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Planning to do some entertaining this season? Switch up the usual wine and charcuterie with some expert-approved cocktail and cheese pairings for the most memorable summer soirée. Ahead find eight dynamic duos, as recommended by the best in the business.

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Margarita & Queso Fundido

“The piquant notes play well with a pepper jack. Take it up a notch by melting the cheese into a ‘fundido’ and dip your favorite tortilla chips in for a perfect bar snack.” — Matt Landes, Founder & CEO of Cocktail Academy Warren Price Photography/Shutterstock

New York Sour & Soft Brie

“The red wine [in the cocktail] complements the subtle Brie. Try adding dates or dried apricots to your cheese board to help bring out flavors in each.” — Adriana Ramos of Employees OnlyAlexander Prokopenko/Shutterstock

Scotch Old Fashioned & Aged Gouda

“The cheese heightens Scotch’s peaty flavor in a way that is totally unexpected and immediately crave-worthy.” — Matt Landes, Founder & CEO of Cocktail Academy Dr Faulkner/Shutterstock

Champagne Cocktail & Assorted Cheeses

“For added fun, bring a selection of bitters so that your guests can create their own unique version.” — Jeremy Wade, Bar Manager of RonanBrent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Aviation & Sharp Cheddar

“My favorite is an Aviation without the Creme de Violette with a delicious yet sharp clothbound cheddar from Jasper Hills. The sharpness and the acid of the cocktail make a great pairing.” — Tamy Rofe, Partner & Sommelier of Disco Tacos and Colonia Verde MODpix/Shutterstock

Mezcal Last Word & Brebis

“The fresh French sheep’s milk cheese has enough fat to stand up to the mezcal and it has a light herbaceous quality that is highlighted by the signature Chartreuse.” — Mike Seely, Executive Chef of Bayberry GardenBrent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Watermelon Soju & Aged Parmesan

“It sounds weird but the saltiness of the cheese is delicious and the watermelon soju acts as a refreshing palate cleanser.” — Sol Han, Executive Chef of LittleMadVG Foto/Shutterstock

Negroni & Raclette

“My go-to pairing is a Negroni and Reading Raclette. It’s a match made in heaven.” — Greg Baxtrom, Chef-Owner of Olmsted and Maison YakiMarian Weyo/Shutterstock

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