Summertime! Who wants to fuss around the kitchen? Nobody. Still, we want to enjoy our wine at the right temp and we want it to be delicious. So here are a few tips/tricks/hacks to save time…and some frosty serving ideas to keep everybody chill and happy this summer.Summer ShortcutsChillingFor quick-chill tips and more, check this out.Storing Temperatures for RedsPlease don’t store reds above 70 degrees. Also keep them away from sun exposure and windows.Serving Temperatures for RedsLots of the reds are best when served slightly cooler than room temperature. Bold reds like Cabs or Malbecs only need an hour in the fridge before you serve them. Lighter reds like Pinot Noirs can be served even cooler.Stains! Uh-Oh!You're barbecuing, having a good time and whoops – some wine has made its way to your clothing. Here’s a few ways to remove stains:MilkIf stain is still wet, pour milk onto it. Let it soak. Stain should be gone in an hour.SaltImmediately after a spill, cover it with table salt. Let it absorb. Brush the salt off the fabric.Shaving creamFor a dry stain, cover with shaving cream. Then toss into the washing machine and wash in hot water.Tempting TreatsRed Wine FloatThe ultimate treat for your inner childINGREDIENTS:Vanilla ice creamRed wine (We recommend our Table Red Wine or Gemme Cellars 2016 Ruby)Sparkling waterMaraschino cherries Whipped cream (optional)DIRECTIONS:1. Scoop ice cream into a glass.2. Pour wine and sparkling water over the ice cream.3. Top with cherries and whipped cream.Fruity Popsicles in WineWhy not forget the ice and try premium “adult” popsicles? Stick to frozen favorites or experiment with combinations. We recommend this recipe for our Moscato Pops – YUM! Try this with our Moderna 2016 Muscat.Rainbow SangriaPour yourself a wild & colorful serving of fruitINGREDIENTS:1 chilled bottle of white wine (We recommend our Table White Wine or Gemme Cellars 2016 Gewürztraminer)
2 tbsp. lime juice
8 cups bite-sized strawberries, peaches, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries & purple grapes
1/2 cup club soda or ginger aleDIRECTIONS:1. In a pitcher, combine wine and lime juice and stir until combined. In individual glasses, add the fruit in layers, in order of: purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. 2. Pour wine over the fruit and refrigerate the glasses for at least 15 minutes. Top with a splash of club soda or ginger ale.
The type of fruit you use is entirely up to you. If it fits a color group, substitutions like mandarin oranges instead of peaches will work with this recipe and still give you the same great effect.For more seasonal inspiration, recipes and cocktails, please follow us on Pinterest.