At Athens' The Dolli Hotel, the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the rooftop bar isn't the only thing that will captivate your senses. As you peruse the menu, you might stumble upon the Evening Walker, a unique Greek twist on the classic Negroni. This drink, crafted with Votanikon premium gin and house-made dry vermouth infused with white wine and Florina peppers, offers a delightful mix of local flavors. However, what truly sets it apart is the garnish—a disc of smoky cheese from a northern Greek mountain town. According to the creator, Fotis Kouletos, this cocktail is designed to celebrate the essence of Greece: its rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, and high-quality ingredients. One sip, and you'll find it goes down all too easily.

While the idea of cheese-topped cocktails might seem uniquely Greek—after all, they've been pairing wine with grated goat cheese since the days of Homer—bartenders worldwide are catching on to this savory trend. From replacing egg whites with creamy mascarpone to sprinkling parmesan shavings atop drinks, both professional mixologists and home bartenders are discovering the salty, savory, and creamy dimensions cheese can bring to cocktails. And there's no reason you can't join in on the fun.
Cheese adds not only rich flavors but also a new textural element to drinks, thanks to its fat and salt content. However, it's worth noting that experimenting with cheese in cocktails can be a bit pricey, so you'll want to proceed thoughtfully. For those adventurous enough to try making cheese-enhanced drinks at home, consider garnishing a classic martini with parmesan crisps or incorporating drops of parmesan oil into your martini mix. Bleu cheese-stuffed olives can also add a delightful twist to a dirty martini, either as a garnish or a tasty snack between sips.

Additionally, cheese can be used to fat-wash alcohol, infusing spirits with distinctive flavors that elevate traditional cocktails. Try letting cheese rinds or soft chunks of Camembert sit in gin or brandy, then use the resulting infusion to create unique versions of classics like Negronis and Sidecars. Once you start exploring the world of cheesy cocktails, you might find there's no going back.
So next time you're looking to elevate your cocktail game, don't shy away from the cheese. Whether you're sipping on an Evening Walker in Athens or experimenting in your own kitchen, cheese can take your drinks to a whole new level of deliciousness. Cheers to that!
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