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Top 5 Wine Cocktails for Summer and How to Store Them Right

Top 5 Wine Cocktails for Summer and How to Store Them Right

Summer is the best time to indulge in light and refreshing beverages. Wine cocktails are great fun and a perfect way of adding some glitz to your gatherings. They are easy to prepare and even better when served cold.

Whether you’re hosting friends or unwinding after a hot day, summer wine cocktails add a hint of relaxation and fun to the season. Indeed, if you’ve ever had one presented at precisely the right temperature, you can appreciate how much that chill counts.

In this article, you will go through some refreshing wine cocktails and learn the importance of proper storage.

Perks of Wine Cocktails

Wine cocktails are:

  • Light
  • Simple
  • Versatile

You won’t need much in the way of ingredients or bartending expertise to get them to function. The great news is that they’re a perfect canvas for summer flavors, such as citrus, berries, herbs, etc.

Importance Of The Right Temperature

Before we start mixing, let’s talk about temperature. A warm wine cocktail? Not fun. Serving wine at the right chill keeps its flavors crisp and its structure intact. For example:

  • White wines are best served around 45-50°F
  • Rosé is lovely around 50-55°F
  • Light reds are great at 55-60°F

That perfect chill improves the fruit, balances acidity, and helps your cocktail stay cooler for longer. This is where wine refrigerators come into play. A good wine fridge helps you serve every glass at just the right temperature. There is no requirement for last-minute ice buckets anymore.

Some refreshing cocktails

1. Classic White Wine Spritzer

The drink is perfect for warm afternoons or quick catch-ups with friends. It’s low on alcohol but big on refreshment. It is light and bubbly.

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz chilled white wine (Sauvignon Blanc works great)
  • 2 oz club soda or sparkling water
  • Orange slice or lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  • Pour wine over ice and top it with soda
  • Now garnish it and serve chilled.
  • It is best to use a crisp, dry white for maximum refreshment.

2. Rosé Sangria

Well, imagine sunshine in a pitcher. Rosé Sangria is playful and packed with juicy vibes. Also, it is pretty beautiful to have in your hands. It is perfect for a weekend brunch or garden party when you do not want to think too much but have something fun and fruity.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle rosé
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp simple syrup or honey
  • Sparkling water to top

Instructions:

  • Combine wine, fruit, and sweetener in a pitcher.
  • Let it sit for at least two hours in the fridge.
  • Serve over ice and top with a splash of sparkling water.

3. White Wine Mojito

A classy twist on a beachside classic. The white wine mojito is zesty, fresh, and surprisingly mellow. It’s great for slow summer evenings when you just want to unwind and refresh.

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz white wine
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Club soda to top
  • Ice

Instructions:

  • Muddle mint and sugar.
  • Add wine, lime juice, and ice.
  • Top with club soda and stir gently.

4. Peach Bellini

It is pure summer elegance in a glass. With its golden hue and gentle fizz, it’s perfect for those who enjoy subtle sweetness and a touch of class.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe peaches, pureed
  • 4 oz sparkling wine or Prosecco
  • Splash of peach liqueur (optional)

Instructions:

  • Add peach puree to a chilled flute.
  • Slowly top with sparkling wine. Add liqueur if desired.

5. Red Wine Slushie

Well, you can imagine a frozen treat that comes with an adult twist. It is sweet and perfect for hot days. It is full of berry flavor and great for relaxing in the sun.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups red wine (Pinot Noir or Tempranillo works well)
  • 1 cup frozen berries
  • 1/2 cup ice
  • Dash of honey or agave (optional)

Instructions:

  • Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
  • This cocktail tastes like grown-up sorbet and hits the spot when the sun’s blazing.

Storing Wine the Right Way

It is important to store the wine properly. A regular fridge will not support this in the long run. The temperature of the fridge is often too cold and can dull the flavor. Also, vibrations and frequent door openings can disturb the wine.

However, wine refrigerators will take care of your bottle. They are designed for:

  • Optimal humidity
  • Stable temperature
  • Proper storage angles (especially for cork-sealed bottles)

There are some models that provide dual-zone settings. It allows you to chill your whites and reds at different temperatures.

So, if you’re mixing cocktails all summer or simply love having wine on hand, a wine refrigerator will cater to all your needs. Your drinks will taste better, and your bottles will stay at their best.

Hosting Tips for Summer Wine Cocktails

Hosting a summer party or having a few friends over? Here are some quick tips:

  • You need to pre-chill your wine for cocktails, especially during warm weather.
  • Frozen fruits are the best for slushies. However, you need to use fresh fruits for sangrias and spritzers. It gives the drinks color and flavor.
  • The good news is that sangria and spritzers can be prepared in large pitchers, which will save you a lot of time.
  • Cocktails are supposed to be a refreshing drink. So, try not to add too much sugar or spirits to it.
  • A good garnish can change the entire look. Fresh herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, etc., can raise the appearance and taste of your beverages without any effort.

The Bottom Line

The summer season is the right time for cool and refreshing drinks. Wine cocktails provide a solid way to set the tone for the season’s get-togethers. They are pretty easy to make. Also, when they are served at the right temperature, they easily become the highlight of the parties. So, it is best to invest in the right refrigerator to keep your drinks at the optimum temperature. You can plan ahead and make some of them in advance to avoid last-minute hassle. Your refrigerator will make sure that everything is ready at the time of the party. Besides this, it keeps your bottles at the ideal temperature, preserving flavor and making sure your cocktails always taste their best. So, as the heat rises, try some of these chilled drinks with your family and friends.

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