[COCKTAIL] Hydrating Wine Cocktails for Summer

Photo: Emily Rentsch

Picture it: The sun is burning high in the sky. You’re lounging on a colorful beach towel, listening to the tinkling sounds of children laughing in the background as your skin slowly warms. The hazy blue line of the ocean waves at you in the distance. You’ve got a good book nearby. You’re all SPF-ed up. And you’re sipping on a little pink wine from your canteen. It’s the perfect day.

Perfect, that is, until you get dehydrated. Gasp!

Nothing goes better with the summer sun than a glass of crisp wine. But this delectable combo can be a little lethal when you’re not watching your water intake. Luckily, there’s a simple and delicious way to keep that from happening.

Say hello to hydrating wine cocktails! Below you’ll find three easy recipes for some wine-based beverages that will keep you feeling healthy and sober while still enjoying the season.

And when I say “recipes,” I really mean loose instructions. Feel free to make these cocktails your own! Add fresh mint, rosemary, or fruit. Switch...

[RECIPE + PAIRING] What to Drink With Summer Scallops

Photo: Tamarind Knutson

Nothing screams summer louder than al fresco dining, and here in Minnesota, the patio vibes are buzzing like live wires! After five months of winter, we take good weather VERY seriously. Now that it’s June, EVERYTHING must happen outdoors! And that means eating and drinking too.

I like a quick seafood situation paired to a little white wine and a setting sun. And lucky for me, two of our Sip Better wine club members, Mark and Tamarind (follow them at @honeysadventures), make a killer sea scallop dish that I plan on whipping up multiple times this summer (recipe below).

The only thing that truly makes this dish better is a glass of Domaine des Homs Viognier, a pretty little white wine from France with a gorgeously round mouthfeel that plays well with the freshness of this meal. And bonus--this wine is under $20! Splash it into a Bordeaux glass and have yourself a very good time outside.

BUY THE WINE >>


SUMMER SCALLOPS RECIPE

From Mark and Tamara Knutson | Serves 4

Ingredients

4 ears of fresh...

A Savory Holiday App paired to Leslee's Winter (Wine) G+T

Photo: Amusée

Looking for that perfect holiday tipple + appetizer pairing that will 'WOW' your guests?


This week on The Jason Show, our very own somm, Leslee, shows off her wine-tail making skills with her original Winter (Wine) G+T Recipe paired to one of her best pal's Gougère Spinach + Artichoke Recipes.

Chef out Leslee + Chef Corey of Create Catering on The Jason Show earlier this week!



In the meantime, enjoy Leslee's Winter G+ T Recipe and learn how to make Chef Corey's delicious gougères!


A Somm's Winter G+T

Infuse approx 2oz of fresh spruce tips in to a bottle of dry London gin (Bombay or Beefeater) for 24hrs

(May infuse longer, however, be aware the longer the infusion, the more bitter your gin will become from the pine resin, etc.)

Strain spruce tips, needles, etc. from gin + rebottle

Cocktail Time:

  • Shake 2oz (per person) of infused gin with ice
  • Pour into large Burgundy wine glass
  • Top with 4oz of delicious Cava -- like this one!



Chef Corey's Spinach + Artichoke filled Gougères

Makes roughly 50...

The Sip Better wine club is all about

  • Truly awesome wines.
    No re-packaged bulk juice here!
  • Introducing you to new wines,
    hand-picked by me, just for YOU
  • Supporting boutique,
    family-owned wineries
  • Fun & Education! You'll become an
    expert with our videos and tips