Today’s the day to slow things down with an ice cold drink. And here’s a hot tip for wine lovers: you can mix a little vino into your lemonade recipe to create a delectable wine radler. What’s a wine radler, you ask? Traditionally, a radler is a light beer mixed with lemonade or lemon-lime soda. However, you can totally sub in wine for beer for a delicious low-ABV summer cocktail. Check out these 5 variations on wine radlers and enjoy whichever one suits your mood.
1. Riesling & Lemonade
If you like radlers made with beer, this classic wine radler will be a smooth transition. Mix together Riesling with lemonade – plus a splash of citrus or club soda if you prefer a spritzer – for an easy and delicious summer cocktail.Bright Cellars' own Gladiolus Riesling is our favorite for this wine radler. The slight sweetness will complement the tartness from the lemonade.
2. Sauvignon Blanc & Pink Lemonade
Grapefruit lovers, listen up. For a slightly tart take on a wine radler, mix homemade pink grapefruit lemonade with Sauvignon blanc – a light white wine with notes of grapefruit, peach, and honeydew. Again, you can add a splash of soda to make it a spritz.Bright Cellars' Colorfast Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect vino for this wine radler recipe. The light and bright flavors will go perfectly with the sweet/tart flavors from the pink lemonade.
3. Rosé & Strawberry Lemonade
To make a fruity wine radler, combine your favorite rosé with homemade strawberry lemonade. You can also add fresh strawberries for garnish, or blend in some frozen strawberries to make a frosé radler.Our favorite rosé for this recipe is Bright Cellars' Happy Medium Rosé. This Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect addition to this strawberry wine radler.
4. Muscat Blanc & Honey-Basil Lemonade
This homemade honey-basil lemonade is perfect for a hot, sunny day. Add natural honey and fresh basil to your lemonade, and then add Muscat blanc – a dry or slightly sweet wine with notes of honeysuckle, citrus, and pear.Our favorite Muscat for this recipe would be Bright Cellars' own Batik Muscat of Alexandria. This California wine is sweet and delicious! The flavors from the wine will pair perfectly with the honey-basil lemonade.
5. Pinot Grigio & Fizzy Ginger Lemonade
For a slightly spicy radler, combine this homemade fizzy ginger lemonade with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio. With a burst of acidity and notes of lemon zest, white peach, and crushed gravel, Pinot Grigio (aka Pinot Gris) pairs well with fresh ginger.Try making this wine radler with Bright Cellars' own Silvescape Pinot Grigio. The flavors of green apple, lemon, and a hint of honeysuckle pair nicely with the ginger flavoring in the radler.
