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Classic Martini with Cheese Pairings


There’s a reason this James Bond favorite is a timeless happy hour selection--the combo of gin, vermouth, and olive brine is a crisp, clean blend of intense flavor that pairs well with just about anything, including cheese. For this dirty Martini, we’ve selected three cheese pairings to serve up: Alp Blossom, Quicke’s Mature Cheddar, and Jasper Hill Harbison. Distinctly different in texture and flavor profile, these cheeses all boast a rich savory essence that can stand up to a strong, alcohol-forward cocktail--take note of Alp Blossom’s brothy and floral notes, the cheddar’s essence of horseradish and chives, and Harbison’s woodsy spruce undertones, each evoking a different element of this iconic drink.

Featuring
  • prep time

    5minutes

  • assembly time

    5minutes

  • Serves

    1person

preparation & ingredients

1 ea. Castelvetrano Olives

1 Castelvetrano Olive for garnish

2 ½ oz Gin

½ oz Dry Vermouth

Dash of Orange Bitters (optional)

½ oz Castelvetrano Olive Brine

1/4 lb. Alp Blossom

1/4 lb. Quicke's Mature Cheddar

1 ea. Jasper Hill Harbison

Place glass into a freezer while mixing the cocktail. Allow to chill for at least 15 minutes.
Add the gin, vermouth, brine and optional bitters to a shaker or mixing glass with ice.
Shake or stir martini and strain into chilled glass.
Add a dash of orange bitters and garnish with 2 olives on a pick.
Serve with cheese pairings of your choice--we suggest Alp Blossom, Quicke’s Mature Cheddar, and Jasper Hill Harbison.
Triangle cut the Alp Blossom, leaving part of the floral rind on each piece.
Chunk or crumble the Quicke’s Mature Cheddar.
Remove the top of the Harbison wheel by scoring around the edge of the rind with a knife and peeling it back.

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