White wine spritzers always make me think of Liz Lemon (any other 30 Rock fans out there?). There's an episode where she orders a Manhattan and the bar tender asks what kind of bourbon. And she replies, a white wine spritzer. :) Love that. Been there.
So, naturally after seeing that episode some years ago I promptly looked up what a white wine spritzer was because it obviously should be a drink I know. And it turns out that they are simple, light and super refreshing. I love this basic recipe from Martha Stewart. But I also like to add mint. Here's two variations for making your own.White Wine Spritzer with Mint Simple Syrup
To make the mint simple syrup heat equal parts water and sugar (1/2 cup each for a small batch) plus 2-3 sprigs of mint (stems and all) over high heat, stirring constantly until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove the mint leaves and store your syrup in a air tight container.
Now mix 6 ounces white wine (any kind you prefer) and 1/2 tablespoon mint simple syrup, stir to incorporate. Add 3 ounces club soda, ice and a few slices (or balls) of melon. Garnish with a mint sprig.Lazy White Wine Spritzer, makes one.
Combine 6 ounces white wine, 3 ounces Sprite (or Sierra Mist or 7up), a few ice cubes and melon+mint to garnish. This version is great if you're pressed for time, or camping, or just not feeling like making simple syrup.I love both versions! And as long as you garnish, they both end up looking quite fancy (so no one is the wiser!). Enjoy these while it's still warm guys. xo. Emma
I love creative ideas like this for parties and gatherings. Part of the fun of having a party is preparing everything in my opinion.
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Posted by: ttea | August 23, 2012 at 06:28 PM
Emma, both you and Liz Lemon are ladies after my own heart.
Now tell me how to make the perfect waffle so I can make Leslie Knope's favorite food at home. I already know how to make the whipped cream to top it!
xoxo
Posted by: Heidi | August 23, 2012 at 06:31 PM
Love 30 rock too! And I think adding mint is such a nice touch. Looks so refreshing! :)
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Posted by: Aizzing | August 23, 2012 at 06:35 PM
never tried that one. Oh m this recipes of yours are full of surprises Emma! lov' that
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Posted by: call me debbie | August 23, 2012 at 06:36 PM
I've never had one but it sounds delicious. I love Liz Lemon. I'll be so sad when 30 Rock is over but there's always syndication!
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Posted by: Allison | August 23, 2012 at 06:38 PM
It really is all in the garnish, which is what I usually forget... as I'm too excited to gulp it down and all :) Love the colorful melon balls and mint! First: Patience. Second: Melon Balls.
Britt
The Secondhand Magpie
Posted by: Britt | August 23, 2012 at 06:44 PM
i love WWS! perfect summer drink. plus you feel 'like a grown up' (from the 80s) drinking it....it kind of reminds me of a 'pretend you're an adult' type drink.
Posted by: sarah | August 23, 2012 at 06:49 PM
It looks creative and seems yummy! Nice picts!
Posted by: Jennifer - Stylish Clin d'Oeil | August 23, 2012 at 06:50 PM
look so yummy
Posted by: 3lin | August 23, 2012 at 06:53 PM
I am watching that episode RIGHT NOW on syndication, and wondered, "What IS a white wine spritzer?". Well timed! -LEMON OUT!
Posted by: Lindsey Robinson | August 23, 2012 at 06:57 PM
Interesting what you Americans call a White Wine Spritzer :-))) If you ever come to Austria, don't be surprised. I am not sure but I guess we invented the "Spritzer" as it's called here. The German (Austrian) word "aufspritzen" means to add sparkling water (which is called Soda - but it's just tap water with gas *gg*)to any kind of juice or wine. Therefore a Spritzer is just wine and sparkling water - of course there are variations now, very popular these days is Aperol Spritzer or Hugo (mixed with elderflour syrup)
Your recipes look very yummi though and I think they are exactly the right drinks for these warm summer nights.
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | August 23, 2012 at 07:00 PM
Lovely...I always forget about white wine spritzers! And living in Jamaica where it's warm all year, it's a very refreshing drink! And such a nice change from just a glass of wine all the time...
Posted by: Jeanine Tribley | August 23, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Remove the mint and try it with soda and lime....squeeze 1/8 lime in and then drop it in the top. The slight tartness is perfect on a hot summer day when sometimes the sugar can get a bit cloying.
Posted by: CC | August 23, 2012 at 07:36 PM
I LOVE white wine spritzers! They are my go to summer drink! In Australia we just add Soda Water, and sometimes a little mint, but the recipes above have me inspired!
Posted by: Serena {Pretty Fluffy} | August 23, 2012 at 08:07 PM
I just watched that episode! Love 30 Rock, and these look delicious :)
Posted by: Sandy | August 23, 2012 at 08:23 PM
White wine spritzers are my favorite summer drink. However, we make them a little differently. Trader Joe's has this carbonated French Berry Lemonade that is absolutely fantastic mixed with white wine (pinot grigio, or else it's too sweet). It's DELICIOUS!
Posted by: Nancy | August 23, 2012 at 08:31 PM
Gotta try these & 30 rock is awesome.
Posted by: Sam | August 23, 2012 at 09:15 PM
I have seriously never heard of these and they look great! Bring in summer in Australis so we can enjoy too!!
Posted by: tahlia- the parenting files | August 23, 2012 at 09:38 PM
great ideas for summer drinks (including the comments). i will have to remember them for next summer when white wine is back on my personal menu ;)
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Posted by: beth-ann | August 23, 2012 at 09:46 PM
Lovely!!!! Thanks for sharing!
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Posted by: Kate @ A Creative Cookie | August 23, 2012 at 10:19 PM