On the lighter side

Written By Joseph Sogge

Verdelho Julep

It’s hard to find a drink more closely associated with an afternoon in the sunshine than a Mint Julep. Typically a mix of spirits, sugar, and mint, the celebrated cocktail is a drink for just about any occasion or venue. But, its bourbon base can pack a big punch. A Verdelho Julep offers a flavorful, light-weight alternative.

Lost Arrow’s 2021 Trinity is a lively white wine blend of Verdelho, a bit of Alvarinho, and just a touch of Semillon that offers beautiful tropical fruit notes balanced with mild acidity. One of the benefits of our version of the classic Julep is it’s much lower in alcohol than the bourbon-based drink.

Muddling the fresh mint in the glass is one option, or simply add a large bunch at the end as an aromatic garnish. Be sure to use a a glass that can hold lots of crushed ice and mint.

Ingredients 

  • 3 ounces of Lost Arrow 2021 Trinity white wine blend 

  • 1 teaspoon creme de peche (or high-quality peach liqueur)

  • Fresh mint sprigs

How to prepare (Per single serving)

  • Add the Trinity and creme de peche to a wide-mouth glass.

  • Add lots of crushed ice and top generously with mint.


Light Sangria

Perhaps a more traditional way to use wine in a cocktail, chilled Sangria is a perfect compliment to just about any late summer and early autumn occasion. If you’ve enjoyed the classic red wine version, you might consider giving a light Sangria a try. You’ll find it a lighter, brighter way to use your favorite summer fruits in a white wine-based drink.

This recipe calls for peaches, green apples, and oranges but you can mix in just about anything that suits your fancy: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, plums or raspberries. 

After mixing, set it aside in the refrigerator for just a bit to allow the flavors to marry, but be careful… don’t leave it too long or the fruit may soften too much. An hour or two should do it. 

Ingredients 

  • 1 bottle of chilled white wine; pinot grigio, chenin blanc, or our 2021 Trinity white wine blend

  • 1 medium peach, pitted and sliced

  • 1 green apple, cored and sliced but unpeeled

  • 1 orange, sliced into wedges

  • 3-4 mint sprigs

  • Optional: Chilled club soda as top off

How to prepare (Serves 4-6)

  • Combine wine and fruit in a pitcher, then stir gently.

  • Chill from 1 to 2 hours.

  • Divide between 4 to 6 wine glasses. Fill each glass two-thirds full, then top it off with a splash of seltzer or club soda if you like, or fill it to the brim with the wine and fruit mixture for an explosion of flavors.

  • Finally, be sure to top off each glass before serving with fresh mint sprigs.

Cheers!

Joseph Sogge
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