If there's one rule we live by during the summer, it's to stay hydrated. Summer water, aka rosé, white wine—ok, any wine—is the best way to do it. Especially during such situations, going out of our house for a quick cocktail is out of the question.
But who said it could stop us from relishing our summer day? If you think the best part of the season is the excellent beverages, try one of the wine cocktails below, put on your sunglasses and flip-flops, and daydream about those long, balmy nights.
Check them out!
1. Summery White Bliss
For those clear summer evenings spent in the backyard with nothing but the summer sky staring down at you, a glass of this wine cocktail can be the perfect companion. Traditionally enjoyed in Spain, this drink is a simpler version of sangria made with white wine to cool off the summer days. Upgrade the oft-diluted, light drink with basil-infused vermouth and cucumber slices to make it even more summery. Make sure to eat those cucumber slices that have been soaked with the punch!
Things You'll Need:
- Sula Chenin Blanc Wine
- Basil
- Apricot Brandy
- Cucumber Slices
- Ice
Directions to Wine It:
- Combine the wine, basil vermouth, and apricot liqueur in a pitcher.
- Fill in the pitcher with ice and stir well.
- Garnish with the cucumber slices and serve in chilled white wine glasses.
Image Courtesy: Wine Folly
2. Sangria With a Twist
This recipe focuses on the unique fruit flavours of strawberry and peach and gives a twist to the standard sangria recipe. You might want to go with a dry Chardonnay in this recipe. This wonderful drink recipe will elevate your summer date nights at home. A cheese plate can be the best thing served with this excellent drink, bringing out the wine's gentle fruit flavours like strawberry and pear. It pairs well with smoked salmon, brie, berries, and chocolate, so now your menu is fixed too.
Things You'll Need:
- Sula white wine
- Brandy
- Strawberries cut into slices
- Peaches cut into slices
- Lemon cut into slices
Directions to Wine It:
- In a large pitcher or bowl, mix brandy, lemon juice, wine, and sugar.
- Float slices of strawberries and peaches in the mixture.
- If you like to keep things fizzy, add club soda just before serving.
Image Courtesy: Parada
3. Summery Mi-Mosa Su Mosa
Nothing beats Champagne, wine, and chilled citrus juice for a party setting that the grownups can enjoy. A Champagne, wine, and chilled citrus juice can liven up the fun for your summer afternoon. This cocktail is all about a perfect combination of white wine and sparkling Champagne with a tangy touch. It won't be long before your brunch mates are saying 'more mimosa please!'
Things You'll Need:
- Sula White Wine
- Sula's Seco
- Orange Juice
- Orange peel
Directions to Wine It:
- Mix three parts of your favourite white wine to one part of orange juice.
- Top it with some champagne – we love Sula's Seco for that light, sparkly fizz with fruity notes. P.s- If you do not have Champagne, you can avoid it too.
- Garnish with an orange peel spiral.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
4. Wine Mojito
If you're craving a mojito, but are looking for an even smoother alternative to the traditional rum base, try substituting white wine for the rum. A great summery drink, it's something that is not as sweet but offers a bit of zest to drinkers' tongues. With the high acidity of this drink, it's best to pair it with a tangy salad like cucumber dill yoghurt, which can bring out the green, grassy flavours of the wine and the mojito ingredients.
Things You'll Need:
- Sula white wine
- Sparkling lemonade
- Limes cut into slices and juiced
- Mint cut into pieces
Directions to Wine It:
- Mix lemonade and Sula white wine in a pitcher.
- Combine mint and the mixture in a cocktail shaker with lots of ice and get shakin'.
- Pour it in a glass and garnish it with lime slices.
Image Courtesy: The Economics Times
5. Wine Slushie
The rising temperature demands a chilled glass of wine with some twist in it. We know this one is going to perk you up from your weekday blues and freshen up your taste buds. A great food pairing to enjoy with this drink would be spicy and flavorful, like a zesty pad Thai chicken.
Things You'll Need:
- Lemon-Lime Soda
- Sula's Satori Merlot or any Sula Red Wine
- Lemon cut into slices
- Ice
Directions to Wine It:
- Blend classic red wine with lemon-lime soda and lots of ice.
- Garnish it with a slice of lemon, and you're good to go!
Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen
Wine cocktails are fun ways to try new combinations of ingredients that can be sure to please your taste buds. Consider some of these wine cocktails whenever you are up for some summery beverage for the right blend of refreshment and pleasure.
So, swirl, smell, and sip!