There's nothing like a deep, dark glass of a robust red wine, emanating all sorts of hidden flavors from oak to chocolate to cherries. But when you're in the midst of heat wave or the tail end of an Indian summer, no room temperature drink is going to satisfy or make you forget how you almost passed out on the way to the mailbox. But there is a delicious compromise - a Red Wine Spritzer with Cherries and Strawberries. Fizzy and sweet, with slices of strawberries and whole cherries, our version still allows the complexity of the red wine to shine through.
The recipe is as simple as it gets, but you do need to turn on the stove. Just for a little while. I like to add a bit of simple syrup to amplify the fruit. However, if you're lucky to get a batch of super sweet strawberries and cherries, you can forgo this step.
That mint isn't just to make the glass look pretty. Crush a leaf or two and stir them into the red wine before adding the seltzer water. It adds a fragrant sharpness that complements the sweetness of the syrup and fruit and helps to highlight the notes in the red wine.
To make this an authentically Tuscan spritzer, you should spring for a Super Tuscan wine. A Super Tuscan is wine produced solely in Tuscany with both indigenous and non-indigenous grapes. The red wine is bright, bold, and pops in your mouth. But, they are a bit pricey. Er... some are a lot pricey.
In our exploration of Tuscan cuisine, we paired our dishes with wine made of only Sangiovese grapes, native to Tuscany. And found many affordable options. Most are excellent in quality and won't leave you feeling empty in the wallet.
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Suggestions and Alternatives
- If you like your spritzer sweeter, you can swap out the seltzer water for a lemon/lime soda like 7-Up or Sprite.
- This version works equally well with white wine, but you many want to try a sweeter lighter wine like a Pinot Grigio or Riesling.
- Keep your fruits chilled or even mildly frozen before adding to the red wine spritzer. It'll keep them perky and fresh if the drink sits out a bit in the sun.
- Try pairing this red wine spritzer with our Italian crepes - Ciaffagnoni with Chamomile Lemon Jelly and Pecorino Cheese for a perfect summer brunch.
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Red Wine Spritzer
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2 cups cherries, pitted
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cups ice
- 3 cups club soda
- 1 sprig mint
Instructions
- in a small pot add sugar and water
- bring to a boil and remove from heat
- cool completely.
- wash and slice fresh strawberries, set aside.
- wash, pit and slice cherries, set aside.
- In a large carafe add 1 bottle room temperature Cabernet Sauvignon.
- add cherries and strawberries to the carafe, stir.
- add club soda and simple syrup to taste.
- add ice, and stir.
- garnish with fresh mint.
Albert Bevia says
This reminds me alot of Spanish sangria, but with a different twist and a lot quicker to make, definitely a great drink for the hot summer, I have to try this
Katherine says
It's like five minutes and you're done.
Carlos At Spoonabilities says
Hello, Eddie, I love this spritzer. Also, the picture looks so GOOD!
I just signed up for your newsletter because I like the concept of your blog.
Question - Can I use Sour Cherry Spread instead of fresh Cherry?
Eddie D'Costa says
Good day Carlos, and thank you for signing up for our newsletter. Because Sour Cherries are just that, I would say yes, but please add it a little at a time. If your sour cherry spread also has sugar please keep that in mind as this recipe also has sugar in a the form of simple syrup. You want the right balance of sweet and tart while making the fruits the star of the show.
Christine says
This is right up my alley - We've got some hot temperatures in the forecast so I'm definitely going to be making trying it out!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I love strawberries! I prefer a flat drink, so think the idea of freezing it sounds really good to me.
Sarah Bailey says
What a delicious sounding summer spritzer, it sounds perfect for sitting in the garden with on a warm evening and just relaxing and unwinding.
Alli Smith says
This would be a cool, refreshing drink on a hot, summer night. I love the addition of the cherries, strawberries, and mint.
Jeanette says
Oh my gosh this will be perfect for my next girls day in. I love these kinds of spritzers because they are refreshing in the summer when it's really hot out.
Carol Speake says
This looks perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Love the bright colors.
lisa says
This sounds like the perfect summer drink! I love a great sweet wine during the summer, so I can't wait to try this recipe.
Sheri says
A great spritzer to make for hot summer days or for a nice summer evening dinner when yuou have friends over. Easy and fast to make is fantastic!
Debra J Hawkins says
What an absolutely gorgeous drink! I love making fruity spritzers! I will have to try out a non-alchoholic version of this!
Katherine says
You can swap out the wine for Hibiscus Tea, which will make the drink even redder. Plus it's very heart healthy. If you can't readily find Hibiscus, you can use cranberry or pomegranate juice (but disregard the sugar in the recipe if you get the sweetened juices.)
Catvills says
Let me check my pantry if I have all that I need to mix this drink. If I don't, then I am going to the store to get what I need. This refreshing drink is a must have for me today!
Eileen | yesmissy.com says
Yum! This sounds like such a refreshing drink! Looks perfect for a patio in the summer!
Jill Robbins says
The hot day in Texas is just begging for a drink like this one. It looks delicious and I LOVE the addition of cherries!
candy says
We have a cherry tree which produced tons of cherries this year. This would be perfect way to use some of those cherries up we picked.
maurene Cab says
Such a great way to enjoy your wine! This is something that I should try. The heat in our place is killing me!
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
This is my kind of drink! Berry drinks are some of the best. Wish I had one of these right now. Oh wait, take that back, It's only 8:30 in the morning, so maybe wait a few hours. 🙂 LOL! Your pictures are gorgeous. Pinned it!
Sandy N Vyjay says
My friends love spritzers! It is the best thing on a hot summer day. I think I will invite my friends over the weekend and try this out. You pics are awesome!
Chubskulit Rose says
If I am not drinking my mint infused lemonade, I would totally try to make this. Looks very refreshing!
Jenny says
This looks so refreshing on a hot summer day. I would probably use a Riesling with this since I love the taste. I'll have to give it a try soon.