Refreshing strawberry white wine spritzer cocktail recipe

I came up with this rejuvenating wine spritzer recipe when looking for something to serve alongside my bagel and cream cheese board for a recent brunch party. In the spirit of hassle-free hosting, I wanted something that would be easy to make and require little hands on work, but that would taste crisp and not too sweet.

I had perfectly ripe fresh strawberries on hand, and some local apple juice. A little splash of lime juice or lemon lime soda adds zest, and a touch of grenadine for sweetness - and when topped with a nice Chardonnay wine and sparkling water or you can use club soda, soda water or ginger ale, this quick and easy white wine spritzer was born!  It's perfect for sipping on, and not too strong to serve for breakfast.

White wine spritzers are popular drinks during the summer season - but not just! It is made by combining wine and club soda, mineral water, tonic water or juice, with garnishes like citrus, fresh or frozen fruit. I think this cocktail, with its sweeter taste, beautiful color and combination of crisp and rejuvenating white wine, would be right at home at any spring or summer gathering and Pinterest worthy! 

Based on the classic white wine spritzer recipe, a common variation that adds a fruity twist includes using  strawberries, peaches, blackberries, melon, grapefruit or frozen berries. Using these summer fruits results is a refreshing and fruity sip, perfect for sunny days.

A white wine cocktail is a lighter and more refreshing alternative to a full-bodied wine, making it a popular choice for those who want to cool down in style. You can also add fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme to elevate this drink. 

When making a wine spritz, the type of wine you use can greatly affect the taste. I chose to make this strawberry flavored seltzer with chardonnay - I find that its dry and has subtle flavor. 

White wine is typically used as the base for this drink, with sauvignon blanc and chardonnay being popular choices. If you prefer a sweeter wine, then riesling may be a great option for you. The key is to choose a wine that pairs well with the other ingredients in the recipe. 

I love serving this beverage for breakfast or brunch. But even more specifically, this is my simple drink of choice to serve for Mother's Day or Easter brunch. If you ask me, nothing says Mother's Day brunch or Easter brunch quite as well as a juicy, fruity, pink and refreshing cocktail!

It goes very well with my bagel board, a light quiche, or a filling salad like my smoked salmon salad or fried halloumi cheese salad. If serving for dessert, try with Rice Krispie Easter Eggs.

In general, flavored seltzers and spritzers are low-alcohol options that are perfect for a casual summer party, a midweek happy hour, or just a light and refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day in the summer months.

• Apple Juice - you can use any apple juice you like. I like to use unfiltered local apple juice when I have the choice!
• Strawberries - use the juiciest ones you can find - that's where all the flavor is! You can also use frozen strawberries.
• Lime juice - or lemon juice would both work here.
• Grenadine syrup - if you don't have grenadine syrup on hand, feel free to use honey or maple syrup  or even date honey.
• Chardonnay white wine - I love using this white wine here (I created this recipe with Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay in mind), but it can also work with any white wine. Also love pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, other dry wine substitution or even a sweet riesling.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Wash and hull the strawberries. Dice them into quarters and add them to a blender or magic bullet. Process until they form a smooth puree.

Taste the puree. Depending on the ripeness and sweetness of your berries, you can add a little bit of sugar or honey to sweeten it.

Transfer the puree into a cocktail shaker with ice. Add apple juice, grenadine and lime juice.

Shake vigorously until well combined. Taste, and add more grenadine or lime juice, to taste.

Strain the fruit mixture into a wine glass, or a champagne coupe for a festive appearance. Top with chardonnay, or another white wine of your choice (the best wine to use in this is a semi-dry wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc).