Sip & Snack: Summer Cheese + Mocktail Pairings
Alright, cheese lovers — it’s summer, and you know what that means: sunshine, chill vibes, and snacks that make your taste buds sing. But let’s be honest — sometimes you want all the fun of a great pairing without waking up feeling like you lost a wrestling match with a hangover. Enter: mocktails. Yep, those stylish, flavor-packed, totally alcohol-free drinks that are quietly taking over summer gatherings everywhere.
Mocktails aren’t just for the designated drivers or the “I’m watching my calories” crew anymore. They’re the cool kids on the block, bringing fresh, zesty, sometimes spicy, always delicious sips that pair beautifully with your favorite cheeses. And trust me, pairing cheese with mocktails is where the magic happens — a whole new level of flavor harmony without the booze fuzz.
Today, I’m spotlighting four amazing cheese + mocktail combos that scream summer chill:
La Clare Blueberry Vanilla Chevre
BelGioioso Burrata
Island Havarti (from Hoard’s Dairyman Farm, because local always wins)
Sartori SarVecchio Parmesan
1. La Clare Blueberry Vanilla Chevre + Citrus Basil Spritz
This little beauty is creamy goat cheese with a perfect blend of blueberry sweetness and smooth vanilla notes. It’s like summer in a bite. Pair it with a Citrus Basil Spritz — a mocktail that zings with fresh lemon and lime juice, gets a herbal lift from basil, and finishes with sparkling water bubbles.
Why it works: The citrus cuts through the creamy sweetness while basil adds a fresh twist that keeps things lively and light. Plus, it’s fancy enough to impress but easy enough to whip up on a whim.
2. BelGioioso Burrata + Cucumber Mint Cooler
Burrata = rich, buttery, milky indulgence. Pair it with a Cucumber Mint Cooler — think muddled cucumber, fresh mint, a splash of lime, and sparkling water. This drink refreshes the palate and keeps every bite feeling like a little escape.
Why it works: The cool, fresh notes of cucumber and mint highlight the creamy burrata without stealing the show. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds.
3. Island Havarti + Honey Ginger Lemonade
Island Havarti is your soft, buttery, slightly tangy BFF for summer snacking. It melts beautifully but also shines cold with apples, honey drizzle, or tangy pickles.
Pair it with a Honey Ginger Lemonade — fresh lemon juice, zingy ginger syrup, a touch of honey, and sparkling water for bubbles and refreshment.
Why it works: The honey echoes the cheese’s buttery notes, while the ginger and lemon bring a fresh kick to keep things interesting and balanced.
4. Sartori SarVecchio Parmesan + Blackberry Sage Sparkler
Sartori SarVecchio Parmesan is aged to perfection, boasting rich, nutty flavors and a satisfying savory tang that’ll make your taste buds sit up and pay attention. It’s the kind of cheese you want to sprinkle on everything or nibble alongside something bright and refreshing.
Pair it with a Blackberry Sage Sparkler — a mocktail that combines muddled fresh blackberries with fragrant sage, a squeeze of lemon juice, a touch of honey, and sparkling water for fizz and fun.
Why it works: The berry’s natural sweetness and the earthy sage balance the Parmesan’s bold nuttiness, while lemon juice cuts through with a bright, fresh pop. This combo is sophisticated, summer-ready, and surprisingly easy to make.
Why Mocktails Are the Real MVPs of Summer
Look, mocktails are no longer the wallflower at the party. They’re vibrant, versatile, and they elevate your cheese game by bringing complex, fresh flavors that complement everything from creamy to tangy cheeses. Plus, no hangover means you get to enjoy all the cheese AND wake up ready for more (cheese, that is).
Mocktail Recipes to Keep You Cool and Cheesy
Citrus Basil Spritz
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz lime juice
1 tsp simple syrup or honey
4-5 basil leaves
Sparkling water
Ice
Muddle basil, mix juices and syrup with ice, strain over fresh ice, top with sparkling water, garnish with basil.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
4 cucumber slices
6-8 mint leaves
1 oz lime juice
1 tsp agave or simple syrup
Sparkling water
Ice
Muddle cucumber and mint, add lime and syrup with ice, strain, top with sparkling water, garnish with mint or cucumber ribbon.
Honey Ginger Lemonade
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz ginger syrup (or muddled fresh ginger + honey + hot water)
1 tsp honey (to taste)
Sparkling water
Ice
Mix lemon, ginger syrup, and honey with ice, top with sparkling water, garnish with lemon wheel or candied ginger.
Blackberry Sage Sparkler
6-8 fresh blackberries
2-3 fresh sage leaves
1 oz lemon juice
1 tsp honey or simple syrup
Sparkling water
Ice
Muddle blackberries and sage gently, add lemon juice, honey, and ice, shake or stir well, strain into a glass with ice, top with sparkling water, garnish with a sage leaf or a few blackberries.
Ready to sip and snack like a summer pro?
Grab your favorite cheeses, mix up these mocktails, and enjoy the best of both worlds — flavor-packed fun without the fuzz. Because summer deserves fresh vibes, good snacks, and no regrets.
