Hey Wine Lovers!
Okay, confession time. I love red wine. Like, seriously, if I could bathe in Cabernet Sauvignon, I probably would (don’t judge). So, when someone first told me they chill their red wine, I gave them the side-eye. Cold red wine? Blasphemy, right? But then, summer hit, and my beloved full-bodied reds felt a little…heavy. That’s when I discovered the magic of the Refreshing Red Wine Spritzer. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
This isn’t your grandma’s wine cooler (though, no shade to grandma). This is a sophisticated, light, and bubbly concoction that’s perfect for those scorching summer days. It’s also ridiculously easy to make, which, let’s be honest, is a huge plus. Because who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when you could be, you know, sipping?
So, grab your favorite bottle of red (I used a Cabernet Sauvignon because I’m a traditionalist, but feel free to experiment!), and let’s get spritzing!
What You’ll Need for the Ultimate Red Wine Spritzer:
- Your favorite Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir – whatever floats your boat!)
- Lemon-Lime Soda (Sprite, 7Up, or a store brand – no judgment here!)
- Ice, Ice, Baby! (About 3 cubes per glass)
- Garnish (Optional, but makes it fancy: A lime wedge, a few berries, a sprig of mint… you get the idea.)
How to Make a Red Wine Spritzer (It’s So Easy, You’ll Be Making Them All Summer Long):
- Chill Out: Okay, so I did end up chilling my red wine slightly. Just for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t go crazy and put it in the freezer! You want it cool, not ice cold.
- Fill ‘Er Up: Grab your favorite wine glass (the bigger, the better, in my opinion). Add your ice cubes.
- Wine Time: Pour in your chilled red wine, filling the glass about halfway.
- Get Fizzy: Top it off with your lemon-lime soda. The ratio is totally up to you! I like mine a little more wine-forward, but if you prefer it sweeter, go heavier on the soda.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Add your fancy garnish (if you’re feeling fancy), and give it a gentle stir.
- Repeat: Because let’s face it, one is never enough!
Why I’m Obsessed with This Red Wine Spritzer:
- Light and Refreshing: Perfect for hot weather when a full-bodied red can feel a bit too heavy.
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, it takes like two minutes to make.
- Customizable: You can adjust the wine-to-soda ratio to your liking, and experiment with different garnishes.
- Socially Acceptable: It’s a great drink to serve at parties or barbecues. Everyone loves a good spritzer!
Pro-Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of red wine! A fruity Pinot Noir or a light-bodied Beaujolais would also be delicious in this spritzer. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of fruit juice or a flavored sparkling water.
So, there you have it! My new favorite summer drink. Ditch the heavy reds (just for a bit!), embrace the chill, and get ready to sip on the most refreshing Red Wine Spritzer you’ve ever had. Cheers to summer!
What are your favorite summer drinks? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear your suggestions!
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Red Wine Spritzer
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 glass
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Description
An easy-to-make summer cocktail.
Ingredients
- Red wine (use your favorite, we used Cabernet)
- Lemon-Lime soda (aka Sprite)
- Ice Cubes (half to a whole handful)
Instructions
- In an ice-filled glass, pour red wine over ice about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way. Start with half and add more red wine as needed.
- Fill the remaining space with sprite.
- Stir and serve immediately.