Drinks & Cheese Recipe
Make Drinks & Cheese Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
For the Cheese Board
For the Signature Cocktail — Honey Citrus Spritz
Honey Simple Syrup (makes ~6 tbs)
Method
For the Cheese Board
- 1
Prepare cheeses
Remove cheeses from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving so they come to room temperature for best flavor. Trim rind only if desired and cut the cheddar and manchego into bite-size cubes or small wedges. Crumble or serve a small wedge of blue cheese with a cheese knife. Place the goat cheese log whole or slice into rounds.
- 2
Arrange board
On a large wooden board or platter, place cheeses spaced apart to allow room for accompaniments. Add small bowls or ramekins for honey and fig jam. Arrange crackers and baguette slices in groups around the cheeses.
- 3
- 4
Final touches
Label cheeses if serving guests (small paper tags). Provide separate knives for each cheese to avoid flavor mixing. Add extra napkins and plates. Keep the board at room temperature and replenish crackers as needed.
For the Signature Cocktail — Honey Citrus Spritz
- 5
Make honey simple syrup
Combine 0.5 cup honey and 0.5 cup water in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the honey is fully dissolved. Do not boil. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. This yields about 6 tablespoons; refrigerate any excess up to 2 weeks.
- 6
Mix the base
In a large pitcher or shaker, combine 6 oz gin (or vodka), 4 tbs fresh lemon juice, 4 tbs fresh orange juice, 3 tbs honey simple syrup and 2 oz Aperol if using. Add ice and stir or shake briefly to chill and slightly dilute.
- 7
Assemble the spritzes
Fill four glasses with ice (about 3/4 cup per glass). Divide the chilled cocktail base evenly among the glasses (roughly 3 oz spirit + mixer per glass if making 4 servings). Top each glass with about 3 oz (approx. 2–3 tbs) club soda or sparkling water to add fizz. Gently stir once to combine.
- 8
Garnish and serve
Garnish each glass with an orange wheel and a sprig of thyme or rosemary. Serve immediately alongside the cheese board so guests can sip and snack.
