Photo by Ata Ebem
Summer is here, and all we want to do is lie by the pool with something chilled to sip. The problem is that for a lot of people, when the temperature soars, wine is the last thing they reach for.
We understand that.
Red wine can be a bit heady in the midday sun, and even though a fresh, chilled glass of white can be thoroughly delicious, more often than not you’re looking for something longer to quench the thirst.
So, whilst we dedicate our time and our web pages to praising the winemaker’s craft and explaining how grape, region and technique can bring about subtle differences in wines, this week we’re taking off our purist hats and we’re going to give you three ideas for great cocktails that can turn a glass of wine into a refreshing summer drink.
Get your ice ready….
Agua de Valencia
This famous Valencian cocktail is like a Bucks Fizz on steroids. But taken in moderation, it’s a cracking summer cocktail. The drink was invented by Galician painter Constante Gil, who at the time was owner of a Valencian bar called Cervecería Madrid, now known as Café Madrid. You can read more on this dedicated Facebook page (in Spanish).
There are various versions of Agua de Valencia but this one should do you nicely:
- 2 parts orange juice (ideally freshly squeezed and strained)
- 2 parts Grimau Brut Cava
- 1 part vodka
- 1 part gin
Simply add the cava, gin and vodka to the orange juice, stir gently and pour over ice. Decorate with a slice of orange and enjoy. ¡Molt ric!
Blanco de Verano
You’ve no doubt enjoyed a Tinto de Verano on a Spanish terrace in the summer months. But we find this version a slightly lighter option – especially if you’re not a fan of red wine. It’s essentially a white wine spritzer but using the local gaseosa instead of soda water.
- 3 parts gaseosa
- 1 part Viña Clavidor
Simply mix together the two ingredients and pour over ice (couldn’t be easier). If you want to add an extra flourish, why not drop in a few fresh mint leaves, or even a couple of thin slices of cucumber to give it a bit more zing!
Spanish Rossini
OK, so technically this is an Italian cocktail, but the combination of strawberry puree and sparkling wine make this a delicious summer tipple. And instead of prosecco, we’re using cava, which we think is a much better than prosecco and is made using the same method as champagne. So don’t let a little geography stop you.
- Strawberries (about 3-4 per person)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon per person)
- Squeeze of fresh Lemon
- Grimau Brut Cava – well chilled
Put the strawberries, sugar, and a good squeeze of lemon juice into a blender and whizz them up to make a puree. Pour a small amount (about a quarter of a glass – but adapt to taste) into a champagne glass. Then top up carefully with the very chilled cava. Finish off with a small slice of strawberry to decorate.
We hope you enjoy these fresh summer recipes and if you need to refill your wine rack to get them made, we’re delivering to your door throughout the summer. So don’t hesitate to place an order.
Cheers!