Welcome to our first cocktail episode!  On this episode:

• Wine Cocktails
• Sangria!
• White Wine Spritzers

Wine Cocktails

Wine cocktails tend to come in all shapes and size.  While any wine could be used, it make more sense to stick to cheap for these cocktails.  This doesn’t mean that Franzia is a great idea, but any wine preference is fine, if it doesn’t break the bank.

Stylistically, wine cocktails are experimentation, and do compromise the integrity of the wine.  Do NOT use anything that you wish to savor on it’s own or have saved for a special occasion.

Sangria

Ah, wine punch.  It comes in many different forms to the point, where a simple search of the term sangria turns up over 200,000 hits on google recipe search. Arguably, there’s no right or wrong way to make one of the best known wine cocktails.  What is it though?

Classically, Sangria is an wine drink, typically from Spain of Portugal, made with a light bodied red wine that has not undergone heavy oak.  Fresh fruit is then added, as is optionally a sweetener  and / or fortifying spirits.  In some parts of the U.S., Seltzer or lemon lime soda can be added.  The wine is left to steep for several hours to over night.

Remember, half the fun of Sangria is experimentation and that no two are the same.  Post your favorites below!

First Pour Wine Sangria:
Every sangria is different, here’s the First Pour Wine spin!  (A crisper, fruity red)

Wine
1 750ml young, red, fruit forward wine:  (Beaujolais, Tinto Roija, Gamay, Pinot Noir in a pinch…)

Liquor
1/2 Cup Brandy
1/4 Cup Grand Marnier (or comparable orange liquor)

Fruit
1 Red Delicious Apple
1 Orange
2 Plums
A handful of Strawberries

1.  Wash all of the fruit well.  Taking care to remove stickers, and scrub any fruit wax off the citrus.

2. Remove pits, stems, strawberry tops, and slice fruit into small wedges.  (Approximately the size of the container opening or smaller.)

3.  Combine wine, brandy, Grand Marnier, and fruit.  Stir to combine.  Cover and refrigerate.

4.  Remove and consume in 2 hours minimum or overnight for a stronger fruit infusion.

Wine Used: 2010 Yellow Tail Pinot Noir

White Wine Spritzer

Spritzers are pretty straightforward, add sparkling water so that the quantity that can be consumed goes up, and is refreshing.  Traditionally, this is done with a multitude of beverages by adding club soda or seltzer.

Cheers to Chow for the base of this recipe!

4 oz white wine (any type will do, but crisp dry whites will be more refreshing)
2 oz club soda
A twist of lemon (optionally, you can squeeze in a hit of lemon for added bite)

Simply combine in a glass, with or without ice, and consume.  Don’t bother stirring, it will remove bubbles!

Wine Used: N/V Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc

So if you’re looking to be refreshed, give these a shot. Got a recommendation or a favorite recipe? Leave us a comment! Cheers!