5 Wine Cocktail To Unleash The Flavors of Summer Wed, Jul 05, 23 | wine cocktails As the temperatures rise and summer settles in, it's the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing wine cocktail that combines the best of both worlds. Wine cocktails have a rich history that dates back centuries. These delightful drinks blend the vibrant flavors of wine with the creative flair of mixology resulting in delicious, refreshing beverages that’s sure to impress you and your guests. The key to creating a well-balanced wine cocktail lies in finding complementary ingredients that can enhance the flavors of wine and take your traditional sipping experience to the next level. 1. Bellini From two simple ingredients - Prosecco and peach purée - the Bellini is a classic, Italian wine cocktail that has withstood the taste of time. Originating in Venice and named after a famous Italian Renaissance painter, Giovanni Bellini, it’s a luscious and elegant drink that can serve as a creative and decadent alternative to the widely popular, brunch favorite - mimosas. The peach puree can be made in advance for up to a week - simply peel, blend, strain (for a finer texture, a fine-mesh strainer can be used), then chill in a refrigerator. A squeeze of lemon juice can be used to help preserve the fresh, peach flavors. Then serve in a champagne or fluted glass for a summer soirée or as a refreshing aperitif. For the perfect Bellini, the key is to have both the prosecco and the peach purée chilled as much as possible - offering a refreshing getaway from the summer heat. The recipe traditionally calls for Prosecco, a sparkling wine native to the region of Veneto, but in a pinch any decent sparkling wine can do! When Champagne is used and peach is substituted for Crème de Cassis, the drink is called Kir Royale, a French favorite. These wine cocktails are both sophisticated and celebratory, having the ability to transport you to the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean Sea or an elegant terrace overlooking an oasis of beauty and culture. 2. Rose Aperol Spritz For a bubbly, citrus-driven drink that embodies everything we love about summer, try a Rosé Aperol Spritz! It is a variation of the traditional Aperol Spritz, a favorite among cocktail and wine enthusiasts worldwide, but with the vibrant addition of rosé wine. The fusion of ingredients creates a drink that is both crisp and fruity, highlighting the flavors of Aperol, a popular Italian liquor known for its bitter-sweet taste and bright red-orange hue. To make the cocktail, mix 3oz of Aperol with a touch more sparkling rosé, preferably rosé prosecco, add some fruit (such as orange, tangerine, or peaches), then top with club soda, sparkling or seltzer water. The result is a unique, brightly refreshing summer cocktail with infusions of subtly bitter herb and spice undertones, sweet orange, and the fruity and floral notes of rosé wine. Its light, effervescent quality makes it a fantastic and irresistible drink for outdoor gatherings or lounge days by the pool, evoking feelings of joy and relaxation. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit to add extra zest and visual appeal, then serve in a wine glass, making it an Instagram-worthy drink that is sure to impress your friends and family! 3. French 75 When it comes to elegance and refinement, few can rival the classic, timeless appeal of a French 75. Named after the powerful French 75mm field gun known for its accuracy and speed, the drink was said to have such a kick that it felt like being hit by such a weapon. The cocktail is a delightful blend of gin (ideally a London dry gin or a floral gin like Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire), lemon juice for a bright and zesty kick, a touch of simple syrup - shake with ice - then top with sparkling wine (traditionally, Champagne). During World War 1, it quickly gained popularity as a celebratory drink for both soldiers returning home and civilians alike. Today, it remains as a staple drink for those seeking a stylish cocktail for a special occasion or an evening of sophisticated indulgence. To make the perfect French 75, balance is key. The gin adds a distinctive botanical flavor while the acidity from the lemon juice brings out a tangy punch. The simple syrup counters the tartness, adding a touch of sweetness. Finally, the sparkling wine adds a hint of sophisticated effervescence that dances on your tongue, transporting you to a world of elegance and refined taste. Santé! 4. Blood Orange Sangria There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of Sangria to beat the heat, but make yours with a unique twist that will take your drink to a whole new level. The deep crimson color of Blood Orange and its sweet and tangy juice enhances the fruity flavors and vibrant colors of a classic Spanish Sangria, adding a distinct and captivating twist. To make a delicious Blood Orange Sangria, you’ll need a mix of bold and flavorful ingredients - a bottle of red wine, traditionally a Spanish Rioja though any full-bodied red can work in a pinch, freshly squeezed Blood Orange juice for a burst of citrus goodness, a splash of orange or raspberry liqueur such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Chambord, and slices of fresh fruit (Blood Orange and other seasonal fruits like apples, berries, and maraschino cherries) with some soda water or ginger ale for bit of fizz if you like. Allow these ingredients to meld together for a few hours or overnight, infusing the sangria with natural fruit juices and vibrant hues. The result is a captivating, beautifully layered drink that is sure to impress. When the drink is ready to be served, pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a spring of rosemary for added aroma and elegance. 5. Sherry Cobbler In the vast world of wine cocktails, there are some hidden gems that often get overlooked by the more popular mixes. One of these lesser known treasures is the Sherry Cobbler. With a history that dates back to the early 19th century, its rejuvenating and unique flavors make it a perfect choice for those seeking to take a walk down history. The Sherry Cobbler hails from the United States and was particularly popular during a time when fortified wines like sherry were all the rage. This cocktail makes perfect use of the intricate, complex flavors that sherry brings to the table - nutty, crisp, tangy and ranging from the briny, delicate acidity expressed by Fino or Manzanilla to the bold, dried apricot, hazelnut-y flavors of the Amontillado or the Oloroso. Combine your choice of sherry with muddled fruit such as oranges, peaches, fresh berries, a touch of sugar to taste, and crushed ice, then sit back and relax to enjoy its refreshing flavors and timeless charm. The Sherry Cobbler’s ability to be endlessly adaptable is what truly sets it apart, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of fruit to customize your Cobbler to your taste. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, orange slice or even a mint bouquet - the end result is a unique and refreshing concoction that has enchanted cocktail lovers throughout history and continues to do so to this day. As you embark into the world of wine cocktails, remember that the world of wine cocktails is constantly evolving. Experimentation is key, so don’t be afraid to combine different spirits, fruits, herbs, and spices to create your own unique concoctions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home or looking to impress your guests, wine cocktails offer an endless variation of fun and delicious flavors that can allow you to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of each season. By Abel Desta Tags: summer champagne sangria event planning spritz