Cocktail

If you ask those dear to me, they would say my poison of choice would be a nice glass of dry red wine or a Grey Goose cocktail (oh—and of course bubbly). But on those warm summer days, I find that a chilled fruity glass of White Wine Sangria is the perfect accompaniment to any occasion.

This quick and easy White Wine Sangria recipe serves as a great base for any direction you’d like to take this refreshing summer cocktail. Often times I’ll substitute the nectarines with sweet mangoes or leave out a bottle of the white wine at the beginning only to top it off before serving with a chilled bottle of Prosecco — for that added effervescent fun that only “bubbly” can offer. And finally, for those who enjoy sweeter wines, try adding a few tablespoons of simple syrup to round out the flavors of the fresh fruit.

With us well into the month of July….what are you waiting for? Mix up a pitcher of these and you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long to do so before. 🙂

Salut!

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White Wine Sangria with Nectarines and Peaches
Serves: As many as you’re willing to share with 🙂

2 Bottles of White Wine (such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
½ Cup Orange Liqueur
12 Ounces Peach Nectar
12 Ounces Club Soda
Juice of 1-2 Limes
1 Peach, sliced thinly
1 Nectarine, sliced thinly
½ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves, slightly bruised to release oils

Pour wine into pitcher and add Orange Liqueur, Peach Nectar, Club Soda, and Lime Juice. Stir well. Add in fruit slices and mint leaves. Chill for a minimum of 2-3 hours.

Serve over ice.

I have always been a cocktail type of gal. Something chilled, strong, and tasty. Unfortunately, as I have grown older, my tastes have turned away from the fruity drinks and I have found myself “predictable” when saddling up at a bar—Grey Goose Dirty Martini…EXTRA Dirty.

But there are times when I miss the flirty colors and tastes of those pretty cocktails. So on some nights, like the other night, I recall my old bartender school days and take matters into my own hands. This way, I control the sweetness and what goes into my pretty glass.

I rummaged through our fridge and cabinets to come up with this “Berry” Nice Cocktail…..and it was goooood and potent. I only wished I had a little mint to add while I muddled the berries. Oh well–there’s always next cocktail hour.

Don’t like your drinks too stiff? Half my vodka amount and replace it with some lime soda. You’ll like it just as much. 🙂

CHEERS!

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“Berry” Nice Cocktail
Serves 2

Ingredients:

½ Cup Mixed Frozen Berries
8 Ounces Premium Vodka
8 Ounces Limeade (or Lemonade or Lime Soda)
2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 Teaspoon Lime Juice
Ice

In a shaker, muddle frozen berries with sugar. Add vodka, limeade, lime juice, and ice. Shake well. Strain and pour into glasses. (And of course, enjoy responsibly!)