SEE ALSO: The art of pairing cheese with drinks with some iconic examples →

The art of pairing: contrasting vs complementing

When pairing cheese with non-alcoholic beverages, there are two main approaches: contrasting and complementing. Both can elevate your tasting experience, but they rely on different principles.

Contrasting flavours

Contrasting pairings highlight opposing flavours that balance each other. For example:

• Rich and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair beautifully with tangy beverages like kombucha or sparkling water with lemon. The acidity cuts through the richness, cleansing the palate.
• Salty cheeses like Feta or blue cheeses shine when paired with sweet drinks like apple cider or cranberry juice. The sweetness tempers the saltiness, creating harmony.

Contrast works best when you want to explore dynamic and bold flavour interactions.

Complementing flavours

Complementing pairings focus on beverages that mirror the cheese’s characteristics. For instance:

• Nutty cheeses like Gruyère or aged Gouda pair well with beverages like rooibos tea or non-alcoholic beer, which share warm, toasty notes.
• Fresh and tangy cheeses like goat cheese pair beautifully with light, citrus-infused sparkling water, enhancing their bright, zesty qualities.

Complementary pairings create a seamless, cohesive flavour profile that feels natural and satisfying.

With the some ground rules out of the way, let’s dive into the best non-alcoholic pairings for cheese.

Herbal teas

Herbal teas like chamomile, mint or rooibos offer subtle, soothing flavours. These teas have delicate yet complex notes that don’t overpower the cheese.

• Chamomile tea has a natural sweetness and floral undertone that pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert. It softens the richness of the cheese while adding a subtle aromatic layer.
• Mint tea is refreshing and works particularly well with salty cheeses like Feta and Halloumi. The cool, clean flavour of the tea balances the saltiness and cleanses the palate.
• Rooibos tea has warm, earthy, and slightly nutty tones that complement nutty cheeses such as Gruyère. The tea’s smooth finish enhances the cheese’s depth.

Sparkling water with fruit

Infused sparkling water provides refreshing acidity to cut through rich cheeses. The carbonation also adds a textural element, cleansing the palate between bites.

• Add slices of citrus, berries or cucumber to sparkling water for a custom pairing. The bright acidity from citrus pairs well with tangy goat cheese, while cucumber’s freshness complements the mild creaminess of Havarti. The bubbles ensure that each bite feels light and enjoyable.

Kombucha

Kombucha’s tangy, effervescent character makes it a great match for cheese. Its acidity cuts through the fat, while its fruity or spicy notes add complexity.

• Fruity kombuchas, like raspberry or mango, pair beautifully with bloomy rind cheeses such as Camembert or Brie. The fruitiness mirrors the cheese’s creamy sweetness, while the acidity balances its richness.
• Spicier kombuchas, like ginger or chai-flavoured varieties, work well with aged Cheddar. The spice adds a kick that contrasts the cheese’s savoury and umami notes.

Apple cider

Non-alcoholic apple cider—whether sweet or dry—offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile cheese pairing.

• Sweet cider pairs exceptionally well with salty blue cheeses like Rogue River Blue and Roquefort. The cider’s sweetness tempers the saltiness, creating a harmonious flavour contrast.
• Dry, crisp cider complements milder cheeses, allowing the subtle flavours of the cheese to shine while adding a refreshing finish.

Hot chocolate

For a comforting treat, pair hot chocolate with aged Gouda or Gruyère. The creamy chocolate accentuates the cheese’s nutty and caramelised notes, creating a luxurious experience.

• Add a pinch of chilli to the hot chocolate for a spicy twist. This pairs well with the bold nuttiness of aged Gouda, adding warmth and depth to each bite.

Fresh juices

Vegetable and fruit juices can complement cheese flavours by adding sweetness, acidity or earthy tones.

• Carrot juice has a natural sweetness and earthiness that pairs well with fresh, tangy goat cheese. The juice’s bright orange hue also makes for a visually appealing pairing.
• Cranberry juice is tart and slightly sweet, which enhances the creaminess of Brie. Its acidity adds a refreshing contrast to the cheese’s buttery texture.
• Tomato juice, with a splash of Tabasco or a hint of celery salt, complements hard, salty cheeses like Parmesan. The umami notes in the juice mirror the cheese’s savoury depth.

Non-alcoholic wine and beer

Many brands now offer excellent alcohol-free wines and beers, designed to pair with food just as their alcoholic counterparts do.

• A non-alcoholic sparkling wine pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses like Camembert or a triple cream Brie. The bubbles cut through the richness, while the wine’s acidity highlights the cheese’s delicate flavours.
• Non-alcoholic hoppy beers have a bitter edge that enhances nutty cheeses like Comté. The beer’s slight sweetness and carbonation provide balance.

Coffee

Coffee’s roasted, slightly bitter flavours make it a surprisingly good match for cheese.

• A medium-roast coffee pairs well with an aged cheese like Manchego. The coffee’s caramel notes highlight the cheese’s nutty and savoury qualities.
• For a sweeter option, try a latte with Norwegian Brunost. The creamy coffee complements the cheese’s sweet caramel notes for a comforting pairing.

Chai

My final recommendation for non-alcoholic pairings for cheese comes from south Asia. Chai’s spicy, aromatic profile pairs well with cheeses that have mild or creamy flavours.

• Pair chai with Paneer for a traditional match. The warming spices enhance the cheese’s mild, milky taste.
• Chai also works well with a creamy Havarti, as the spices add depth to the cheese’s mild sweetness.

A healthy start to the new year

Looking for more ways to enjoy cheese during your health-focused January? Don’t miss our blog post on healthy cheeses for New Year’s resolutions. It highlights cheeses that fit into a balanced diet without compromising flavour.

Conclusion

Dry January doesn’t mean compromising on serving delicious and exciting drinks with your favourite cheeses. These non-alcoholic pairings for cheese let you explore exciting combinations while keeping it alcohol-free.

Which pairing will you try first? Let me know in the comments!

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post 10 Best Non-Alcoholic Pairings For Cheese For Dry January appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

SEE ALSO: How Camembert became a food icon around the world →

Tips for pairing Camembert with drinks

Before I go into specific pairings, let’s have a quick look at some ground rules. Of course, pairings can be subjective, but there are some principles that can help you choose your drinks to enjoy with Camembert cheese.

1. Balance the richness: Camembert is creamy and rich, so pair it with drinks that have good acidity or bubbles. This helps cleanse your palate between bites.
2. Match flavours: Complement earthy, mushroom-like notes in the cheese with drinks that have fruity or herbal undertones. Avoid overpowering flavours that might mask the cheese’s subtleties.
3. Consider texture: Light, crisp drinks contrast nicely with Camembert’s soft, buttery texture. A refreshing drink enhances the eating experience.
4. Sweet and savoury: Off-dry or semi-sweet wines balance the cheese’s savoury flavours, while dry drinks refresh your palate.
5. Experiment: Try different pairings to see what suits your taste. A range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can bring out different aspects of Camembert.

Best drinks to serve with Camembert cheese

Now that I’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s take a look at my 10 best drinks to pair with Camembert.

1. Champagne or Sparkling Wine

One of the most classic pairings for Camembert is Champagne. The lightness and bubbles of Champagne balance out the creamy richness of the cheese. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the buttery texture of Camembert, refreshing your palate between bites.

The fruity and slightly toasty notes in Champagne, such as apple and citrus, also complement the mushroomy flavour of the cheese rind. If Champagne is too pricey, a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava works just as well. Their crisp bubbles create the same contrast and add a touch of elegance to the pairing.

This combination is perfect for celebrations or indulgent cheese boards.

2. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and zesty citrus notes, is a fantastic white wine to pair with Camembert. The wine’s refreshing quality helps cut through the cheese’s richness, while its green apple and herbaceous flavours complement the earthiness of the cheese.

This wine also has a slightly grassy note, which pairs well with the savoury, mushroomy flavours of Camembert’s rind. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc alongside a soft wedge of Camembert is a refreshing and balanced pairing, ideal for summer gatherings or light meals.

3. Chardonnay

Chardonnay, particularly the oaked variety, is another excellent choice for pairing with Camembert. An oaked Chardonnay has a rich, buttery texture that mirrors the creaminess of the cheese. The wine’s flavours of vanilla, toasted oak and ripe apple enhance the mild yet earthy tones of the cheese.

For a fresher option, try an unoaked Chardonnay. It will have bright acidity and notes of citrus and green apple that balance Camembert’s buttery texture while adding a crisp finish to each bite. Whether you prefer an oaked or unoaked version, Chardonnay and Camembert make a luxurious pairing, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.

4. Dry Cider

Cider is one of the most natural pairings for Camembert, especially considering both originate from the Normandy region of France. A crisp, dry cider brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese. The slightly sweet and tart flavour of cider cuts through the fattiness of the Camembert, while the apple notes enhance the earthy undertones of the cheese.

Sparkling cider adds a fun, effervescent element, making it even more refreshing, while a still cider provides a more subtle pairing. This combination is perfect for a rustic picnic or a cosy evening with a cheese platter.

5. Pilsner

For beer lovers, a light pilsner is a fantastic pairing with Camembert. The crisp, clean flavour of a pilsner complements the cheese’s creamy texture without overpowering it. The gentle bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the Camembert, while the carbonation adds a refreshing contrast to the soft cheese.

Pilsners often have floral or grassy notes that work well with the earthy flavour of Camembert’s rind. This pairing is great for a casual meal or picnic, offering a light and satisfying balance of flavours.

6. Pale Ale

If you’re after a beer with a bit more complexity, a pale ale is a great match for Camembert. Pale ales have a slightly more robust flavour than pilsners, with a gentle bitterness from the hops that complements the richness of the cheese. The hoppy, citrusy notes in a pale ale contrast with the creamy texture of Camembert, while the beer’s malt backbone provides a balancing sweetness.

This combination works well if you enjoy a bolder flavour profile and is perfect for a relaxed evening at home with a cheeseboard.

7. Riesling

Riesling is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with Camembert, particularly the off-dry or semi-sweet varieties. The wine’s sweetness contrasts with the cheese’s savoury, mushroomy flavours, while its bright acidity cuts through the rich texture.

Riesling’s notes of peach, apricot and floral hints add a touch of sweetness that enhances the creaminess of the cheese. Whether you’re serving a younger, milder Camembert or a more mature, earthy version, Riesling brings out the best in the cheese.

This pairing is perfect for an indulgent cheeseboard or a light afternoon snack.

8. Apple Juice (Non-Alcoholic)

For a non-alcoholic option, apple juice is an excellent choice to pair with Camembert. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of apple juice create a refreshing contrast to the creamy, earthy cheese. The crisp, fruity flavour of the juice enhances the cheese’s buttery texture, making for a balanced and enjoyable combination.

Opt for fresh, cold-pressed apple juice for the best experience, as it retains more of the apple’s natural flavour and acidity. This pairing is ideal for family gatherings or when you want a non-alcoholic alternative that still elevates the cheese.

9. Cranberry Juice (Non-Alcoholic)

Cranberry juice offers a tart, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture of Camembert. Its bright acidity cuts through the fat of the cheese, while the bold, fruity flavour provides a delightful contrast to the earthy, mushroomy notes of the rind.

For those who prefer a sweeter option, cranberry juice blends that include apple or grape can soften the tartness, making the pairing even more enjoyable. This non-alcoholic option is perfect for casual meals or as part of a festive cheeseboard.

10. Herbal Infusions (Non-Alcoholic)

Finally, herbal infusions, especially chamomile or mint, makes for a soothing and refreshing pairing with Camembert. Chamomile tea, with its light, floral notes and apple-like sweetness, brings out the mild, buttery flavour of the cheese. The warmth of the tea enhances the cheese’s creamy texture, while the floral notes complement the earthiness of the rind.

On the other hand, mint tea, with its refreshing coolness, contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese, cleansing the palate after each bite. This pairing is ideal for a relaxing afternoon or evening, offering a non-alcoholic option that’s light and satisfying.

Conclusion

Camembert’s rich, creamy texture and earthy flavour make it a versatile cheese that pairs beautifully with a wide range of beverages. Whether you prefer a crisp glass of Champagne, a refreshing cider or a soothing cup of herbal tea, the right drink can elevate your cheese experience.

The beauty of Camembert is its ability to work with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it perfect for all occasions. From the elegance of Sauvignon Blanc to the simple pleasure of apple juice, there’s a pairing here for every palate.

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post 10 Best Drinks Pairings for Camembert (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.

SEE ALSO: How to create the perfect cheese platter for any occasion →

How to choose your cheeses

Choosing the right cheeses is key to a successful Halloween platter. For this holiday, we’re going all-in on cheeses that echo the season’s colours and spooky vibes, starting with Mimolette, Shropshire Blue and Époisses.

Mimolette

Mimolette is a natural choice for Halloween. Its round shape and bright orange colour make it look just like a pumpkin. This French cheese has a nutty, buttery flavour with a crumbly texture that becomes harder as it ages.

Aged Mimolette, in particular, has a deeply pocked rind that looks almost ghoulish, adding to its spooky appeal.

Why it works for Halloween: Its vibrant orange colour and resemblance to a pumpkin make it perfect for a Halloween-themed platter.

Shropshire Blue

Shropshire Blue brings a slightly creepy vibe to your platter, thanks to its striking blue veins running through the orange paste. It’s similar to Stilton but slightly milder, with a creamy texture and tangy flavour. The contrast between the orange and blue is eye-catching and adds a haunted look to your cheese board.

Why it works for Halloween: The eerie contrast of bright orange and dark blue makes it visually spooky and perfect for the season.

Époisses

Époisses is a French washed rind cheese known for its yeasty aroma and soft, creamy texture. Its rind is often a reddish-orange hue, thanks to being washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne. Époisses has a strong, bold flavour that balances between salty and sweet, and its runny interior makes it an indulgent centrepiece for your platter.

Why it works for Halloween: Its gooey texture can add a slightly eerie touch, like a melted cauldron of cheese. Plus, its orange rind ties in beautifully with the other orange cheeses.

Other Halloween-friendly cheeses

• Red Leicester: Mild, creamy, and perfect for adding more orange to the board.
• Double Gloucester: A smooth and mellow cheese that’s also a deep golden-orange.
• Langres: This small wrinkly washed rind from Champagne has a rind that looks almost brainy.

You can discover my complete list of the best orange cheeses for Halloween here.

Spooky presentation: setting the scene

Once you’ve selected your cheeses, it’s time to think about how to present them in a way that matches the Halloween theme. The presentation will add that extra touch of fun and intrigue to your platter.

Step 1: Choose the right platter

For a Halloween cheese board, opt for a dark serving surface. Black slate or dark wood boards are ideal, as they allow the bright orange of the cheeses to stand out. If you’re feeling extra festive, a pumpkin-shaped board could add an extra Halloween touch.

Step 2: Prepare and arrange your cheeses

• Mimolette: Cut Mimolette into thick wedges to highlight its crumbly texture. You could even carve it into a pumpkin face for extra Halloween fun!
• Shropshire Blue: Break Shropshire Blue into chunks to showcase the contrast between the blue veins and the orange cheese.
• Époisses: Époisses should be served whole, in its wooden box or on a small plate, with a cheese knife so guests can scoop its creamy interior. Its gooey texture will add a deliciously sinister look to the board.

Scatter the cheeses across your board in an organic, slightly chaotic way. A neat, orderly presentation is less fitting for Halloween, so aim for something more rustic and wild.

Step 3: Add themed accompaniments

To bring the whole platter together, add Halloween-themed accompaniments:

• Charcoal Crackers: Their black colour adds an eerie touch and contrasts beautifully with the orange cheeses.
• Red Grapes: Arrange them around the board like little creepy eyes.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: These add crunch and stay on theme with the autumn feel.
• Fig Jam: Its deep, blood-red colour and rich flavour work well with strong cheeses like Époisses and Shropshire Blue.
• Dried Apricots: Their bright orange hue complements the cheeses while adding a chewy texture.
• Honeycomb: A drizzle of honey or a chunk of honeycomb provides a sweet contrast to the salty cheeses, and its golden appearance is perfect for autumn.

Applying the finishing touches

Halloween is all about the details. Here are some ideas to decorate your platter and create a spooky atmosphere.

1. Mini pumpkins and gourds

Scatter mini pumpkins and gourds around your cheese platter for a festive feel. You could even hollow out a small pumpkin to serve nuts or dried fruit in.

2. Spider webs and plastic spiders

For a truly creepy touch, add some fake spider webs around the platter (just be sure they’re food-safe or kept clear of the cheese). Dot a few plastic spiders throughout the board to keep your guests on edge!

3. Halloween-themed cutlery

Consider using black or skull-shaped cheese knives to keep with the spooky theme. You could also opt for bone-shaped cutlery for an extra eerie touch.

4. Mood lighting

Create a haunting atmosphere by dimming the lights and adding some flickering candles around the table. You could even use orange or black candles to match the colour theme. Lanterns and LED lights in pumpkin shapes also add a cosy yet spooky vibe to your spread.

Best drink pairings for your Halloween cheese platter

Pairing your Halloween cheese board with the right drinks will take it to the next level. Here are a few suggestions to match the autumnal flavours of your cheese selections.

1. Red wine

A deep, rich red wine like a Merlot or a Shiraz works wonderfully with the strong flavours of Shropshire Blue and Mimolette. The boldness of the wine complements the tangy and nutty notes of the cheeses, while the red colour keeps with the Halloween theme.

2. Cider

A crisp cider is a great pairing for Époisses and Mimolette. The sweetness of the apples balances the saltiness of the cheeses, and cider’s autumnal feel is a perfect fit for Halloween.

3. Pumpkin ale

If you want to lean into the Halloween theme, a spiced pumpkin ale is an excellent match. The warm spices complement the buttery richness of Époisses, while the pumpkin flavours tie everything together.

4. Non-alcoholic options

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, consider offering a sparkling apple juice or a festive spiced punch. You can make a Halloween punch by combining cranberry juice, apple cider and cinnamon sticks for a warming, spooky drink.

Serving tips

To make sure your Halloween cheese platter is as impressive as it is delicious, follow these serving tips:

• Serve at Room Temperature: Let the cheeses sit out for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this allows their flavours to develop fully.
• Label the Cheeses: You could have fun with this by giving the cheeses spooky names. For instance, label Mimolette as “Pumpkin Head” and Shropshire Blue as “Ghostly Veins.” Small chalkboards or parchment labels work well for this.
• Keep It Clean: Use a separate knife for each cheese to avoid mixing flavours and to make it easier for guests to serve themselves.

Conclusion

A Halloween cheese platter is all about embracing the spooky, autumnal feel of the season while offering your guests a rich and delicious experience. By highlighting vibrant orange cheeses like Mimolette, Shropshire Blue and Époisses, you can create a visually stunning and tasty spread that’s perfect for any Halloween gathering.

With the right decorations, accompaniments and drink pairings, your cheese board will become the centrepiece of your party. So get ready to impress your guests with a cheese board that’s equal parts creepy and delicious!

Jonah Kincaid

Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online. 

cheesescientist.com

The post The Ultimate Halloween Cheese Platter (With Spooky Pairings) appeared first on Cheese Scientist.