Refreshing and Relaxing Ways with Wine

Summer is almost here once again, a sweet, warm relief after the long winter months. It's easier to get together with friends and entertain in the warmer months. While wine can be crisp and refreshing on its own, why not try a few fun and fresh ways to dress it up a little?

An easy way to liven up your drinks is with fruit. Puree your favorite summer fruit with a splash of simple syrup and a little lemon juice and then strain through a food mill or strainer. For a refreshing twist add some mint leaves and lemon zest. You can use strawberries, blueberries, a mixture of berries, peaches, nectarines, plums; the list is endless. Spoon two tablespoons in the bottom of champagne glasses. Pour sparking wine or champagne and enjoy! This is nice to sip while sampling an antipasto platter with cheese, fruit, breads and meats. You don't have to use the expensive stuff for this drink. There are lots of affordable sparkling wines available. If you have any leftover puree freeze it in ice cube trays. It's a great way to keep your wine or other cocktails chilled without watering them down.

Sangria is a refreshingly delicious way to stretch your budget. There are many recipes out there and you can make either a red or white wine sangria. You should begin with an inexpensive wine because you are going to add your own complexity of flavors. Slice two of each: lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit. Layer them into a punch bowl or a large pitcher. Then add your favorite summer fruits, such as berries or peaches. Sprinkle with about ¼ - ½ cup sugar, depending on your taste and the sweetness of the fruit. You could also use simple syrup. Pour in white wine until about ¾ full. Give it a stir and let it chill for at least an hour before serving. For an extra punch you can add ½ cup of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cassis. If you like a little fizz in your drinks add some sparkling water just before serving. This is the kind of cocktail does well with improvisation.

Rose wines are deliciously crisp and light, especially on a hot summer evening. They're wonderful on their own, but try a sweet addition. Freeze grapes, berries, sliced peaches and nectarines, or chunks of cantaloupe or other melons. Add two or three pieces of these fruity freezer treats to a glass of wine. They will keep your wine chilled without watering it down, and when you finish your drink they will have defrosted and absorbed the flavor of the wine.

Place a splash of your favorite liqueur in the bottom of your glass and top off with white wine, such as a pinot grigio, pinot gris, or sauvignon blanc.. Chill the liqueur in the freezer for an extra blast of refreshment. Some good choices to add to a crisp white wine might be: limoncello (intense lemon flavor), Grand Marnier (velvety orange flavor), Framboise (deep raspberry), Cassis (sweet black currant), or Fraise (summery strawberry.)

Use your creativity and some of these suggestions to create a soft, sensuous ambience that will wash away the stress of the day. Sit back on a summer evening and enjoy these relaxing and refreshing ways with wine.