Mixologist Jim Cunningham of Merkin Vineyards serves up three tantalizing twists on summertime wine drinks.

1. Arizona Citrus Tequila Sangria

Serves 6

 

Ingredients

3 oranges

3 limes

1 lemon

1 cup sliced fresh pineapple

1 cup simple syrup

1 cup Blanco Tequila

750ml bottle white wine

5 cups club soda

 

Directions

Squeeze the juice from 2 oranges, 2 limes and 1 lemon into a bowl. Using a mesh sieve, strain the citrus to remove any pulp and seeds.

In a large pitcher combine fresh citrus juices, simple syrup, tequila, wine and club soda. Stir to combine.

Slice the remaining fresh orange and lime in wheels. Add sliced orange, lime and pineapple to pitcher. Stir and enjoy.

Serve over ice.

 

2. Ginger Lime Spritz

Serves 6

 

Ingredients

4 limes

1 lemon

½ cup Ginger liquor (Domaine de Canton)

½ cup vodka

750ml sparkling white wine such as Prosecco or Cava

12 oz ginger beer (such as Fever Tree or Bundaberg

Fresh mint or basil to garnish

 

Directions

Squeeze the juice from 3 limes and 1 lemon into a bowl. Using a mesh sieve, strain the citrus to remove any pulp and seeds.

In a large pitcher combine fresh citrus juices, ginger liquor, vodka, wine and ginger beer. Stir to combine.

Slice the remaining fresh lime into wheels. Add lime to pitcher and fresh mint or basil. Stir and enjoy.

Serve over ice.

 

3. Raspberry Lemon Virgin Mojito

Serves 6

 

Ingredients

1 cup simple syrup

2 pints fresh raspberries

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons)

1 fresh lemon, sliced into wheels

5 cups club soda

1 bunch fresh mint

 

Directions

In a pitcher combine 1 pint fresh raspberries with 1 cup simple syrup. Using a wooden spoon, mash the berries to break them down and release their juices. Then add 1 cup fresh mint leaves, stems removed. Continue to mash the mint leaves to break them up and release the essential oils.

Add fresh lemon juice, sliced lemons and club soda to the pitcher. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Serve over ice topped with a few fresh berries and mint leaves.