Smashing Summer Wine Spritzer @CK Mondavi Wines

If you follow me you’ve likely determined that I am a wine drinker!  White during the warm summer months and reds in front of the fire in the fall and winter.   Lately the temps have been a bit toasty here in North Carolina so I keep a chilled bottle of white handy for the cocktail hour. The problem is, the hub and I like to sit outside in the evenings and the wine usually gets warm quickly – quicker than I can drink it.  I found a solution to this problem and I’m going to share this smashing spritzer recipe with you!

A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting Janice Mondavi of CK Mondavi at the Food Wine Conference in Orlando.  CK Mondavi wines are produced in Napa, California – you know I love this place!  The CK Mondavi brand is noted as one of the most successful wines in America due to it’s outstanding quality and fine value. American grown, produced and bottled the grapes are sourced from family owned vineyards using sustainable farming methods.  And guess what?  These wines are delicious!  Marc Mondavi together with winemaker, John Moynier produce, 5 whites, 1 white Zinfandel, and 4 reds.

The beautiful Oak Tree on the label holds enormous significance to the Mondavi family.  An iconic feature found in the family owned vineyards, the Oak portrays strength. For this recipe I used Blonde Five, a light white with honeysuckle and pear aromas and flavors of honey and lemon zest – yes please!  However, the Moscato a floral and fruity white or the Sauvignon Blanc (my personal fav) a crisp, refreshing white would both work just as well for my Smashing Summer Spritzer!

I’m loving this spritzer because poured over ice, it stays chilled during these warm evenings.  Fruity, summery, and invigorating it will liven up your cocktail hour too!  #It’s 5 o’clock anywhere!

Smashing Summer Wine Spritzer @CK Mondavi Wines

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons hot water

• 1 750 milliliter bottle CK Mondavi Blonde 5

• 1 Persian cucumber, cut into thin rounds

• 1 mango, sliced or cubed

• 1/2 lime, sliced

• 12 sprigs fresh mint

• 1 cup Ginger Ale

Instructions

1. Stir sugar and hot water in a pitcher until sugar is dissolved.

2. Add wine, cucumber, mango, lime and 6 sprigs of mint.

3. Stir into pitcher.

4. Cover and chill for about 3 hours.

5. Stir ginger ale into pitcher – just before serving.

6. Fill large wine glasses with ice and fill with spritzer.

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