Divina Blue Cheese Stuf Olives

Divina Blue Cheese Stuf Olives are green olives filled with blue cheese, sold as a cocktail garnish. The point of them is the contrast between the briny, slightly grassy olive and the sharp, salty, tangy filling. Specific details like the olive variety, brine strength and cheese style aren't listed for this product. Stuffed olives of this type usually give a firm, snappy bite first, followed by a creamy, pungent centre that lingers. Expect the brine to be salty enough that these work as a seasoning as well as a garnish. The classic use is a Martini, either gin or vodka, stirred and served very cold. One to three olives on a pick works well. The cheese softens slightly in the glass, so serve the drink straight away and eat the olives as you go. They also suit a Dirty Martini. The brine and the blue cheese pull in the same savory direction, so go lighter on added olive brine than you would with plain olives. A Gibson-style dry martini with a stuffed olive instead of an onion is another option, and so is a Bloody Mary, where a skewer of two olives stands up to the tomato, horseradish and spice. Gin's botanicals and a clean, neutral vodka both suit this garnish. Very sweet or fruit-forward drinks will clash with the cheese. For glassware, use a chilled coupe or a V-shaped martini glass, with the olives on a pick resting across the rim or standing in the drink. For a Bloody Mary, use a tall highball glass or a pint glass, which holds a longer skewer. Off the bar, serve them cold on a small plate beside cured meats, hard cheeses, crackers or nuts, or chop a few into a salad. Keep the jar refrigerated after opening and use a clean fork or pick each time, so the brine stays clear.