Photo via Louis Hansel | Unsplash
Summertime means more social gatherings and entertaining—often with a glass of something boozy in hand. If you’re hosting barbecues and al fresco dinners this season, you’ll want to be sure you have the right snacks (read: cheeses) around to accompany those summertime libations. Of course, you can’t go wrong when it comes to experimenting with any drink and curd pairings, but we’re here to take your grocery-store-cheddar-and-beer-type staples to the next level with some unconventionally tasty options.
Whether your preference leans more towards wine, beer, seltzers, or liquor, we’re here to guide you through some of the most fool-proof cheese and booze pairings that’ll elevate your summer gatherings and keep your guests impressed. Bookmark this page and re-visit it all summer long!
Wine With Cheese
When it comes to summer wines, most people look for something light, chilled, and refreshing to help beat the heat. So sparkling wines, white wines, and rosé are all no-brainers. But don’t overlook reds (especially ones that can be chilled) to enjoy with the right wedges, too. Get the details behind which flavors match best here.
Sparkling Wine + Triple creams
Riesling + Washed-Rind Cheeses
Petit Sirah + Clothbound Cheddar
Beer With Cheese
Nothing hits quite like a cold and crisp beer on a warm summer afternoon. And when it comes to beer options, there really is something for everyone: wheat beers for those who like to keep it light, IPAs for those who seek out bold flavors, even sour and fruity options for anyone who might be on the fence about beer in general. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your ultimate brewed match.
Gose + Burrata
Saison + Taleggio
Hefeweizen + Goat’s milk feta
Fruity beer + Mascarpone
Ciders + Seltzers With Cheese
Okay, so maybe you (or your guests) still aren’t on board with the taste of beer—even the fruity ones. That’s when you can turn to the ever-reliable and crowd-pleasing cans of ciders and seltzers to crack into instead. Hard ciders and flavored seltzers have been gaining intense popularity in past years, and there are more options popping up on shelves every day. Take your pick and pour one out beside your next cheese board.
Pomegranate-flavored hard seltzer + Manchego
Cranberry-flavored hard seltzer + Ricotta salata
Dry hard cider + Aged sheep’s milk cheese
Sweet hard cider + Funky blue cheese
Cocktails With Cheese
If you had something stronger in mind for your warm weather sipping, we’ve got you. (It is summer, after all!) There are plenty of cocktails that are easy to prepare at home and perfect for washing down cheese.
Gin and tonic + Herbed chèvre
Margarita + Manchego
Martini + Abbaye de Belloc
Spirits With Cheese
Skipping the mixer? Keep things simple with high-quality liquor, a few cubes of ice, and the right cheese for a pre-dinner aperitif or post-dinner nightcap. There are plenty of options when it comes to matching the intense flavor of your favorite spirit with the right cheese. Sip slowly and take it all in.
Rye whiskey + Beemster X-O
Rum + Espresso BellaVitano
Amari + Chällerhocker
Monica Petrucci
Monica is Culture's former Social Media Editor. Coming from a formaggio-obsessed Italian family, she was very excited to combine her passions for cheese and writing at Culture. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and pairing wine and cheese in her spare time.
