Summer Spritzer

Well I've been back at work for three days now, and I'm already ready to head back to the lake. Luckily, two of my girlfriends that recently got engaged are planning their bachelorette party in Key West which gave me an excuse to schedule another vacation before coming home from my last one. (Thanks ladies!) I concocted this boozy spritzer while I was on vacation last week, and it was the perfect portable refreshing cocktail to take out on the boat with us! I could actually really use one today. We had a department picnic at work this afternoon, and it was especially hot and humid. If I wasn't so exhausted from the heat I would be whipping up a batch right now.

In order to make the Summer Spritzer you'll need a bottle of white wine (Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio works best), sugar, water, cucumber, mango, fresh mint, and club soda.

Pause. Do you guys know the difference in Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio? A lot of people do not. They actually come from the exact same grape. The difference is Pinot Gris, the original, is French. Pinot Grigio is Italian. The popularity of this wine grew more so from the Italian origin. Pinot Grigio tends to be lighter and more crisp. Pinot Gris has more of a full bodied taste with spice, and is best when ageing.

In order to make this cocktail stir together 1 tbsp. sugar with hot water in a large serving bowl or pitcher until dissolved. Add wine, sliced mango, mint, and cucumber. Stir and cover. Refrigerate for 3-6 hours to infuse the wine with the fruit/herb flavors.

Use a ladle to scoop wine mixture into a wine or martini glass. Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig. Spritzers are a great way to sip on wine all day without too much alcohol due to the club soda mixture. Enjoy one in the sun! Cheers!

Summer Spritzer

 

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Prep time

3 hours

Total time

3 hours

 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1 750ml bottle of white wine (Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris work best)
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• ¼ cup hot water
• 1 mango, sliced into small pieces
• 1 cucumber, sliced into thin wheels
• 20 mint leaves
• club soda
• mint sprig, garnish

Instructions

1. Stir together sugar and hot water in a large serving bowl or pitcher until dissolved.
2. Add wine, mango, cucumber, and mint.
3. Cover and chill for 3-6 hours.
4. Ladle or pour into a wine or martini glass.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with mint sprig.

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