Chilling Wine with Fruit
The sun is shining, and it feels like a great time to kick up your feet and enjoy the Benicia breeze coming into your backyard.
Problem is, you don’t have the stuff to make a great summer cocktail, and the white wine that would be perfect to drink is at a balmy room temperature. Doesn’t sound super satisfying.
I have created some tips and tricks to get that bottle chilled, so you can chill faster.
Fruit!
Now, I’m not talking about making a sangria, but the best way to chill that almost-chilled glass of wine even faster without diluting that beautiful vino with an ice cube is fruit.
Frozen berries are a great way to chill down your glass and help add a little extra flavor. Use frozen fruit from a bag or create your own frozen fruit cubes by slicing a few strawberries or pineapple pieces and placing them in an ice cube tray — my favorite way to chill down some Prosecco or Pinot Gris. Simply slice your fruit in thin or thick slices and place in the tray. No water needed. Freeze and then drop in your favorite white wine or even your favorite cocktail. As the fruit warms up, you’ll notice a nice little sweetness added to your drink.
Fruit Pairing Ideas
Pinot gris, non-oaked chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and prosecco – Sliced lemon, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple and watermelon
Juice Ice Cubes for Cocktails!
I don’t know about you, but I hate when a ton of ice waters down a nice cocktail. Here’s a fun way to prep cocktails ahead of time without having to chill them in the fridge.
Blueberry Basil Mojito
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Blueberries
- 1 cup of water
- ½ cup of Sugar
- ¼ cup of Fresh Basil
- ½ of a lime
- 1oz of White Rum
- ¼ oz of Simple syrup
- Fresh mint to your discretion
Preparation
Make a blueberry syrup. Simply take frozen or fresh blueberries, add water and granulated sugar to a small pot and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes. Make sure to crush the berries to help bring out more of the flavors.
After 10 minutes, or until reduced (not watery) let the syrup cool off of the heat. While cooling, add a few leaves of fresh basil to the pot and stir in gently. No straining needed. We want all the extra bits.
Once cool, use a large cube tray and pour the syrup into the tray. Add mint leaves to each cube. Freeze for at least 4 to 5 hours.
Add your rum, crush some extra mint at the bottom of your glass, add cubes and follow up with club soda.
Chilling Bubbles or a White
Ice buckets are great, but what if you don’t have a ton of ice on hand?
Soak a few paper towels or even a dish towel in water, then wrap it around your bottle and place in the freezer for up to 20-30 minutes. This can help bring down the internal temperature of your bottle safely. A quick way to cool down if you have last minute guests or after a hard day at the office.
Stay cool the smart way.
Happy Summer!
