There’s something almost magical about a charcuterie board in the summertime. A warm breeze, good company, and a spread of gourmet meats, cheeses, and smoked seafood — all elevated with the perfect cocktail in hand. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, heading to a beach picnic, or just treating yourself to a patio moment, a great drink-and-board combo can make any occasion feel extra special.
At Jet Set Sam, we know a thing or two about creating elevated experiences — and that starts with premium, wild-caught Canadian smoked salmon. One of our seasonal favorites? Our Wild Smoked Sockeye Maple Salmon Nuggets. They’re sweet, smoky, protein-rich, and irresistibly snackable — a must-have centerpiece for your summer charcuterie spread.
Let’s dive into the top 5 cocktails that pair beautifully with your summer board — and explore how to build one that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
🧀 First, What Makes a Great Summer Charcuterie Board?
The secret to a standout charcuterie board lies in balance, variety, and a hint of indulgence. Your summer board should be light and refreshing but still packed with flavor.
Key Elements:
- Smoked and cured proteins: Think prosciutto, soppressata, and most importantly, a smoked seafood star like our Smoked Sockeye Maple Salmon Nuggets.
- Cheeses: Mix textures and flavors—soft (brie, goat), hard (aged cheddar, Manchego), and funky (blue or gorgonzola).
- Fresh fruits: Berries, melon, and citrus slices offer sweet, juicy relief in the summer heat.
- Crunchy elements: Crackers, crostini, and a handful of almonds or cashews keep things interesting.
- Pickled or marinated items: Olives, pickled onions, or gherkins provide acidity to cut through rich flavors.
- Something sweet: A few chunks of dark chocolate, honeycomb, or fig jam round it out.
Now that we’ve built the board, let’s pour the drinks.
🍹 Top 5 Summertime Cocktails to Sip with Your Charcuterie Board
1. Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz
Light, botanical, and ultra-refreshing
Gin’s herbal notes and cucumber’s cool crispness are a dream with smoky, sweet salmon. Add in mint for brightness and top it with soda water to keep things airy and patio-perfect.
Pair it with:
- Smoked Sockeye Maple Salmon Nuggets
- Soft goat cheese with honey
- Sliced cucumber and fresh melon
How to make it:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 4 cucumber slices
- Fresh mint
- Soda water
Muddle cucumber and mint, shake with gin, lime juice, and syrup. Strain into a glass over ice and top with soda.
2. Grapefruit Paloma
Zesty, slightly bitter, and unapologetically summery
The grapefruit’s tartness and tequila’s earthy bite contrast beautifully with fatty meats and the smoky-sweet salmon nuggets. Add a salted rim for an extra layer of flavor.
Pair it with:
- Manchego and smoked almonds
- Smoked salmon nuggets
- Citrus-marinated olives
How to make it:
- 2 oz tequila
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Club soda to top
Shake everything but the soda, pour over ice, top with soda, and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
3. Rosé Spritz
Fruity, floral, and made for sunsets
This blush-pink spritzer is easy to sip and even easier to love. A lighter alternative to red wine, it pairs effortlessly with everything on your board—especially smoked seafood and creamy cheeses.
Pair it with:
- Brie and strawberries
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Smoked Sockeye Maple Salmon Nuggets
How to make it:
- 3 oz dry rosé
- 1 oz elderflower liqueur (optional)
- Splash of sparkling water or Prosecco
Build in a wine glass with ice, garnish with an orange peel or berry skewer.
4. Bourbon Maple Smash
Smoky, sweet, and seriously bold
This cocktail mirrors the flavors in our maple-glazed smoked salmon nuggets. With fresh lemon and mint, it stays balanced and summery.
Pair it with:
- Sharp cheddar
- Apple slices and walnuts
- Smoked Sockeye Maple Salmon Nuggets
How to make it:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz maple syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Fresh mint
Muddle mint with syrup and lemon, add bourbon, shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass.
5. Classic Mojito
Bright, citrusy, and endlessly refreshing
With its crisp minty punch, the mojito is a great contrast to saltier charcuterie meats and the sweet-smoky flavor of smoked salmon.
Pair it with:
- Dill Havarti
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Salmon nuggets with a squeeze of lime
How to make it:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Mint leaves
- Soda water
Muddle mint, lime, and syrup; add rum, shake, and top with soda in a tall glass.
🥂 Final Toast
Your summer charcuterie board is more than a snack — it’s an experience. With a thoughtful mix of textures, flavors, and a splash of something cold and bubbly, you can create unforgettable moments for friends and family. Don’t forget to feature a Canadian twist by adding our delicious Smoked Sockeye Maple Salmon Nuggets to your lineup. They’re gourmet, effortless, and undeniably summery.
Cheers to sunshine, smoked salmon, and sips that satisfy!