I made this cocktail on a patio in August and the first sip was cold, herbal, and fruity all at once. Two thick cucumber slices, four blackberries, and eight mint leaves muddled in a glass. One cup of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay and two tablespoons of lemon juice stirred in. Topped with half a cup of soda water. It looked like a garden in a glass.
The muddled blackberries turn the drink a deep purple at the bottom, and the mint rises through the soda water bubbles. The Chardonnay is light and dry, and it carries the fruit and herb flavours without being heavy. The cucumber is cool and green underneath everything. This is a wine cocktail that tastes like it belongs at a party and takes thirty seconds to assemble.
Tips for Making a Summertime Spritz
Muddle gently, do not crush
Press the cucumber slices, blackberries, and mint against the bottom of the glass with a muddler or spoon. You want to bruise the mint and break the berries open, not pulverise everything.
Over-muddled mint is bitter. Over-muddled cucumber is watery. A few firm presses are enough.
Top with cold soda water
Pour the wine and lemon juice over the muddled fruit. Stir once. Top with cold soda water and stir gently again.
The soda water should fizz through the drink. Aggressive stirring kills the carbonation. One fold is enough.
Summertime Spritz Wine Cocktail
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Description
Muddled cucumber, blackberry, and mint with Chardonnay and soda water — cold, herbal, and fruity in one glass.
Ingredients
Units
- 2 1-inch thick cucumber slices
- 4 blackberries
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 cup Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup soda water
Instructions
- Muddle the cucumber slices, blackberries, and mint leaves in a glass.
- Add the Chardonnay and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
- Top with soda water and gently stir.
- Garnish with additional mint leaves or a lemon slice if desired.
Notes
- Muddle with a few firm presses, not a full crush. Overworked mint turns bitter and overworked cucumber turns the drink watery.
- Stir once to combine the wine and lemon, then fold the soda water in gently. A hard stir kills the fizz you just built.
- Want something crisper than the Chardonnay’s slight oakiness? A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works just as well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different wine?
Any light, dry white wine works. Chardonnay is slightly oaky and pairs well with the blackberry and mint. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are drier alternatives.
Can I batch this?
Muddle the fruit and mint in a pitcher. Add the wine and lemon juice. Top each glass with soda water individually when serving to keep the fizz.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the wine with white grape juice or sparkling apple cider. The fruit, mint, and soda water carry the drink on their own.
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