Apart from the New Year’s Resolution, Spring has always seemed like a time to try something new, redefining old ways and searching for something more. Wine cocktails have great range and, if you’re inventive enough, can satisfy just about any palate.

The spritzer has long been established as the queen of wine cocktails. A perfectly balanced blush with a touch of bubbles can expend even the coldest of winter’s chill. Variations and infusions with juices, herbs, botanical essence evoke all sensory areas of the palate. If the spritzer is the queen then I would say Sangria is the king. Fruit forward, complementing the realm of fruit forward wines but also finding balance with the driest of whites.

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Mango Sangria

Warmer weather with the sun beating down means time to hydrate. This works, right?

Pinot Grigio ¦ Mango Rum ¦ Peach Schnapps ¦ Sliced Oranges ¦ Lemon-Lime Soda

Sangria is easy in that you can add all the ingredients in any amount and tweak to your desired flavor preference.

We suggest Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio. Great balance that brings out most any fruit flavor, especially mango. Affordable enough to mix but will not burn a hole in your wallet when 10 of your closest friends show up to share.

Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio

$9.99

http://www.eccodomani.com/content/ecco-domani%C2%AE-2017-pinot-grigio-delle-venezie

 

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New York Sour

Great for any season and if you’re looking for more of a boozy cocktail.

2oz Bourbon Whiskey ¦ 1oz Fresh Lemon Juice ¦ 1oz Simple Syrup ⇒ Shake

Float 2oz Malbec ¦ Garnish with Luxardo Cherry

Amazing, amazing cocktail and I have to be bias, my fiance makes the best version I’ve ever had. This cocktail has everything you look for in a flavor profile. We highly suggest on making the Luxardo Cherry mandatory -you’ll thank us.

We suggest Alamos Malbec. Solid and un-apologetically complex. The fruit forward cuts through the bourbon and the long finish complements the fresh lemon juice pucker.

Alamos Malbec

$9.99

http://www.alamoswinesus.com/malbec

 

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Stone-Fruit Spritzer

A crowd-pleaser. We give you some poetic license with this one when it comes to what fruit flavor you would like to add. You cannot go wrong.

Sauvignon Blanc ¦ Stone Fruit (Peach or Apricot) ¦ Simple Syrup ¦ Fizzy Lemonade

Great cocktail when mowing the lawn or doing some work in the garden. Peak season for California apricots starts in May and wraps up in late July so we suggest this time frame; the flavor difference is amazing.

Josh Sauvignon Blanc is the way to go for this recipe. Pairs well with the lemonade. Mix all ingredients cold, cold, cold for an amazing result.

Josh Sauvignon Blanc

$13.99

https://joshcellars.com/wine-sauvignon-blanc.php

 

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A great recipe from our friends at Bon Appetit is an amazing Spinach and Artichoke Melt.

A great intro to the lighter fare of warmer weather.

Cheers to the moment!

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/spinach-and-artichoke-melts