Wine & Cheese Tasting Theme: Beverage Ideas

 

Please Drink Responsibly.
Serve alcoholic beverages only to guests of legal drinking age. Offer non-alcoholic options and ensure transportation is available for those who may need it.

  1. Red Velvet Sangria

Rich and elegant with dark fruits and spice

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1 orange (sliced)
  • 1 apple (diced)
  • 1/2 cup pitted cherries
  • Optional: cinnamon stick

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
  2. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Serve over ice in stemless wine glasses with a fruit garnish.

Cheese Pairing: Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda

  1. Rosé Thyme Spritzer

Light, herbal, and refreshing

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle dry rosé
  • 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
  • Club soda
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Lemon slices

Instructions:

  1. Fill a wine glass halfway with rosé.
  2. Add a splash of elderflower liqueur and top with club soda.
  3. Garnish with a thyme sprig and lemon slice.

Cheese Pairing: Brie or triple cream

  1. Chilled Mulled White

Spiced white wine served cold for a summer twist

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1/4 cup peach schnapps
  • 1 orange (sliced)
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Honey to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine wine, schnapps, and spices in a saucepan and heat just below simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Cool to room temperature, strain, then chill.
  3. Serve over ice with an orange wheel.

Cheese Pairing: Havarti or alpine cheeses

  1. Sparkling Rosé Lemonade

Fruity, pink, and gently bubbly

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle sparkling rosé
  • 1/2 cup homemade lemonade
  • 2 oz limoncello
  • Fresh raspberries or strawberry slices

Instructions:

  1. Mix lemonade and limoncello in a pitcher.
  2. Gently add sparkling rosé.
  3. Pour into flute glasses and garnish with berries.

Cheese Pairing: Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella

  1. Pinot Punch (Non-Alcoholic Option)

Fruity, festive, and flavor-packed without alcohol

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • Club soda to top
  • Orange slices, mint, and berries

Instructions:

  1. Mix juices in a pitcher and chill.
  2. Add club soda just before serving.
  3. Serve in wine glasses with fresh fruit garnish.

Pairs well with: Any cheese board selection; ideal for designated drivers

 

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