How to Pair Dalston's Sodas with Cheese and Charcuterie: A Chef-Inspired Guide

Cheese and charcuterie boards have long been the domain of wine, beer, or cocktails. But as more hosts seek sophisticated non-alcoholic options, artisan sodas are stepping into the spotlight. Dalston's Soda Co, where real fruit sodas are made by chefs, offers a lineup of vibrant, low-sugar, fruit-forward sodas that can elevate any grazing board with surprising and delightful pairings.

In this guide, you'll learn how to pair specific Dalston's sodas with classic cheeses and cured meats. Whether you're planning a dinner party, a casual get-together, or a quiet evening treat, these chef-inspired combinations will help you create memorable flavor harmonies without a drop of alcohol.

Why Dalston's Sodas Work So Well with Cheese and Charcuterie

The key to any successful food pairing is balance. Dalston's real fruit sodas are crafted by chefs using whole fruit juices and natural ingredients, resulting in bright acidity, subtle sweetness, and complex flavor profiles that mirror the structure of fine wine or craft cocktails. The gentle carbonation acts as a palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of aged cheeses and fatty cured meats.

Unlike overly sweet commercial sodas, Dalston's offerings are deliberately low in sugar, allowing the fruit character to shine without overwhelming the food. This makes them ideal companions for a wide range of textures and flavors, from creamy brie to salty prosciutto. Plus, the absence of alcohol means guests can enjoy multiple pairings throughout an evening without the heaviness.

• Bright acidity in sodas like Lemon cuts through creamy, high-fat cheeses.



• Gentle sweetness in Peach complements salty, umami-rich charcuterie.



• Carbonation refreshes the palate between bites, much like sparkling water or wine.

Classic Pairing: Dalston's Elderflower with Soft-Ripened Cheese

Soft-ripened cheeses such as brie, camembert, or triple-cream varieties are beloved for their buttery, earthy richness. To balance that decadence, you need a pairing that offers floral lift and gentle acidity. Dalston's Elderflower soda is a perfect match. Its delicate elderflower notes and subtle pear-like sweetness provide a fragrant counterpoint that cleanses the palate without competing.

The light effervescence of this soda lifts the creamy texture of the cheese, making each bite feel fresh. For an elevated board, add a drizzle of honey or a few fresh berries alongside the cheese to echo the floral tones of the soda. This pairing is ideal for a spring or summer gathering.

• Try Dalston's Elderflower with a triple-cream brie and fresh figs.
• The floral notes also pair well with goat cheese and a touch of lavender honey.

Bold Match: Dalston's Ginger Beer with Aged Cheddar and Spicy Salami

When you're serving sharp, crystalline aged cheddar or spicy cured meats like soppressata or chorizo, you need a soda with enough backbone to stand up to intense flavors. Dalston's Ginger Beer delivers with a bold, warming ginger kick and a hint of citrus. The spiciness of the ginger beer complements the heat in spicy salami while its natural sweetness softens the sharpness of aged cheddar.

This pairing is a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a bit of heat. The ginger also aids digestion, making it a smart choice for a heavy cheese board. For a more complex experience, add some dark chocolate or dried apricots to the board, which will link the ginger's warmth to the fruit notes in the soda.

• Pair Dalston's Ginger Beer with a 12-month aged cheddar and spicy chorizo.
• Add a slice of fresh apple to bridge the ginger and cheese flavors.

Fruity Harmony: Dalston's Peach with Prosciutto and Manchego

The classic combination of sweet fruit and salty cured meat is timeless. Dalston's Peach soda, made with real peach juice, brings a natural, sun-ripened sweetness that mirrors the flavor of fresh peaches often paired with prosciutto. The soda's gentle fizz and balanced acidity prevent it from being cloying, making it an excellent partner for thinly sliced prosciutto and nutty Manchego cheese.

To build a board around this pairing, include Marcona almonds and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The almond's crunch and the balsamic's tang will echo the soda's complexity. This combination is elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weekday treat.

• Dalston's Peach soda with prosciutto di Parma and Manchego is a guaranteed hit.
• Add a few slices of fresh peach or nectarine to reinforce the fruit theme.

Refreshing Contrast: Dalston's Lemon with Blue Cheese and Smoked Meats

Blue cheese and smoked meats like smoked duck breast or speck are bold, pungent choices that need a bright, acidic partner. Dalston's Lemon soda, with its zesty citrus profile and clean finish, cuts through the funk of blue cheese and the smokiness of cured meats like a squeeze of lemon over a rich dish. The acidity refreshes the palate, preparing it for the next bite.

This pairing works particularly well with a creamy Gorgonzola or a crumbly Stilton. The lemon soda's effervescence lifts the creamy texture, while its tartness balances the saltiness of the meats. For a visually striking board, add lemon zest or candied lemon peel as a garnish.

• Pair Dalston's Lemon with Gorgonzola dolce and smoked duck breast.
• The citrus also complements a tangy chèvre and herbed crackers.

How to Build a Dalston's Soda and Cheese Board

Creating a board that showcases multiple Dalston's sodas is easier than you think. Start with a variety of textures: one soft cheese, one hard cheese, and one blue cheese. Add two or three types of cured meat, such as prosciutto, salami, and a smoked option. Then, include accompaniments like nuts, dried fruit, honey, and crackers that can bridge flavors between sips and bites.

Arrange the sodas in small glasses or tumblers alongside the board, and encourage guests to try each soda with different components. For a truly chef-inspired experience, consider offering a Dalston's Mixed Pack or a Dalston's Variety Pack so everyone can sample multiple flavors. The key is to let the soda's fruit character guide the pairing.

• Use small tasting glasses for each soda to control portions.
• Label each soda with a small card suggesting which cheese or meat to try with it.
• Include palate cleansers like plain water or bread between pairings.

Pairing Dalston's real fruit sodas with cheese and charcuterie opens up a world of sophisticated, non-alcoholic entertaining possibilities. Whether you choose the floral elegance of Elderflower, the bold spice of Ginger Beer, or the sunny sweetness of Peach, each soda brings a chef-crafted balance that elevates your board. Start your tasting journey today with a Dalston's Mixed Pack and discover your own favorite combinations.