Cheese fondue is a delicious melted cheese dish that originated in Switzerland and France and has become popular all over the world. It typically consists of melted cheese and wine or kirsch liqueur served communally with bread for dipping. Finding the perfect beverage to complement the rich, gooey cheese can take cheese fondue from a tasty snack to an extraordinary dining experience. This article will explore the best beverage pairings to enjoy with cheese fondue.
What is Cheese Fondue?
Cheese fondue is a dish made by melting cheese together with wine and seasoning until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Traditional versions use Emmental and Gruyère cheeses. The fondue is kept warm in a communal pot and eaten by dipping bites of bread into the melted cheese using long-handled fondue forks.
The dish originated in Switzerland, with the earliest known recipe dating back to 1699. However, it became more popular in the 1930s and 1940s when condensed Swiss cheeses that melted easily became widely available. This allowed an easy fondue to be made without lengthy preparations.
The most common types of cheese fondues include:
- Classic Swiss – Uses Emmental and Gruyère cheeses melted with dry white wine.
- French – Utilizes Comté and Beaufort cheeses with kirschwasser cherry brandy.
- Italian – Contains Fontina and Parmesan cheeses melted with white wine.
- Cheddar – Uses aged cheddar cheese and beer as the liquid.
Part of the appeal of fondue is its convivial nature. Dining on fondue promotes leisurely conversation as everyone cooks, dips, and savors bite after bite of cheesy goodness.
Why Pair Drinks with Cheese Fondue?
Finding the right beverage to go along with the molten cheese, crusty bread, and communal experience of fondue makes for an exceptional overall dining experience. Here are some of the benefits of cheese fondue drink pairings:
- Complements and enhances the flavors of the cheese and other fondue ingredients.
- Balances out the richness of the melted cheese.
- Allows you to thoughtfully match tastes, aromas, and textures.
- Adds variety and interest to the meal.
- Encourages a relaxed, convivial dining atmosphere.
Much like pairing wine with the right food, selecting the perfect fondue beverage requires considering elements like flavor profiles, mouthfeel, acidity, sweetness, and alcohol content.
Best Drinks for Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue
The nutty, slightly pungent flavors of Emmentaler and Gruyère cheeses make Swiss fondue a versatile pairing for many beverages. Here are some of the best options:
Dry White Wine
Since dry white wine is typically used in the fondue itself, more white wine is a natural pairing. The crisp acidity of whites like Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc cut through the richness. Avoid oaky wines, which can clash with the cheese.
Sparkling Wine
The effervescence and acidity of sparkling wines complement the smooth, melted cheese. Dry options like Brut Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava work well. Sweeter styles can become cloying.
Dry Hard Cider
The subtle sweet-tartness of dry hard cider balances the saltiness of the cheese. Look for drier ciders with champagne yeast character. Avoid sweeter varieties, which won’t pair as nicely.
Wheat Beers
The mild fruit and spice flavors of Belgian-style wheats pair wonderfully with nutty Emmentaler. The carbonation also helps cut through the cheese’s richness. Try lighter wheat beers rather than dark varieties.
Apple Juice and Soda
For alcohol-free options, the brightness of apple juice and juice-based sodas complement the fondue flavors. The sweet-tart apple notes match nicely with the cheese. Avoid strongly flavored sodas.
Perfect Pairings for French Cheese Fondue
The nutty Comté and Beaufort cheeses and kirsch liqueur used in French fondue lend themselves to these delightful pairings:
Alsatian Riesling
The relatively low alcohol, crisp acidity, and hints of sweetness in Alsatian Rieslings are a tried-and-true fondue pairing. The citrus and mineral notes meld beautifully with the cheese and kirsch.
Gewürztraminer
Like Riesling, dry Gewürztraminer has enough acid to balance the rich cheese, along with spicy aromas that complement the kirsch liqueur. The more fruit-forward style pairs better than very dry versions.
Kir
A classic Kir cocktail combines dry white wine with a splash of crème de cassis blackcurrant liqueur. The sweet-tart blackcurrant notes marry perfectly with both the cheese and kirsch.
Hard Apple Cider
The fruit flavors and hint of sweetness in French-style hard ciders provides an appealing counterpoint to the strong cheese. Choose a drier cider with more complexity.
Pale Beers
The maltiness of Belgian pale ales enhances the sweetness of the cheese and contrasts with the fruit of the kirsch. The carbonation also cuts through the fondue’s richness.
Ideal Matches for Italian Fontina Fondue
The buttery Fontina cheese and fruity white wine base of Italian fondue partner well with these thirst-quenching beverages:
Pinot Grigio
The higher acidity and citrus-driven aromas of Pinot Grigio balance the buttery richness of the cheese. The relatively neutral flavors let the fondue shine.
Soave
The crisp minerality of Soave has enough weight and texture to stand up to molten Fontina while complementing its nutty qualities.
Dry Riesling
Dry Rieslings have vibrant acidity that cuts through the cheese’s fattiness and aromatics that harmonize with the fruity white wine base. Avoid sweet late-harvest Rieslings.
Prosecco
The lively bubbles and bright lemon-lime notes of Prosecco are the perfect foil for ultra-rich Fontina. The lower alcohol content keeps the focus on the fondue.
Pilsner Beers
Crisp, refreshing European pilsners have a delicate maltiness and herbal hops that wash down ooey-gooey forkfuls of fondue beautifully. Avoid assertive IPAs and stouts.
Delightful Drinks for Cheddar Cheese Fondue
The sharp, salty flavors of aged cheddar paired with the malty sweetness of beer in cheddar fondue make these playful pairings sing:
English Pale Ale
The balance of maltiness and hoppy bitterness in English pale ales mirrors the blend of sweet and salty cheddar notes. Bonus points if you use the same ale in the fondue itself.
Scotch Ale
The intense malt-forward caramel sweetness of Scotch ale contrasts beautifully with salty sharp cheddar. The alcohol helps cut through the richness.
Porter or Stout
The roasty flavors and creamy mouthfeel of dark beers complement molten cheddar’s savoriness. They have enough heft to stand up to the cheese’s assertive flavor.
Hard Cider
The touch of sweetness in dry hard ciders balances the saltiness of aged cheddar. Fizzy varieties also help cut through the dish’s richness.
Ginger Ale
The spicy bite of good ginger ale offsets the dense cheese beautifully. Look for drier styles with prominent ginger spice rather than candied ginger flavors.
Other Tasty Cheese Fondue Beverage Pairings
In addition to the classic fondue styles, creative modern spins provide even more pairing possibilities:
| Cheese | Beverage Pairings |
|---|---|
| Blue Cheese | Sweet white wine, lambrusco, sangria, fruit-flavored soda |
| Smoked Gouda | Scotch, amber ale, bourbon, cold brew coffee |
| Pepper Jack | Pilsner, margarita, bloody mary, iced tea |
| Brie | Sparkling wine, sancerre, rose, honey mead |
The options are virtually endless when you consider the wide range of cheese and beverage styles available. Feel free to get creative and develop your own tasty fondue and drink pairings.
Tips for Pairing Drinks with Cheese Fondue
Follow these helpful tips when selecting beverages to serve with hot, melty cheese fondue:
- Consider the flavors of the cheeses and other ingredients used in the fondue.
- Choose beverages with enough acidity to cut through the richness.
- Carbonation helps refresh the palate – try sparkling wines or beers.
- Pick drinks with complementary (not clashing) flavors.
- Balance the fondue’s saltiness with subtle sweetness in the beverage.
- Contast the thick fondue texture with crisp, dry drink styles.
- Stick to lower alcohol beverages to keep the focus on the food.
- Offer a selection – provide drink choices for varied preferences.
Having a well-stocked bar will allow your guests to try different pairings and determine their favorites. Offering fondue without the right beverages is like hosting a party without music – it may still be fun but pairing fondue with drinks elevates the experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a traditionalist enjoying classic Swiss cheese fondue with Riesling or experimenting with bold new flavor combinations, selecting the perfect beverages can make your fondue party truly memorable. Drinks with complementary aromas, flavors, and textures enhance this communal, convivial dish and encourage a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Just be sure to provide plenty of beverage options – with all that gooey cheese, your guests are guaranteed to get thirsty!