Wine & Cocktails
Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion, or just the fact we made it to Friday, wine can make any day just a little more memorable. Red. White. Rosé. Champagne. Each one has something unique to bring to the table. Let’s use wine to spark memories, heighten our food experiences, or just enjoy a glass or two together.
How To Make a French 75 Cocktail
Elevate your cocktail game with the classic French 75! Made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne, this elegant and refreshing drink is perfect for celebrations or a sophisticated happy hour. You all know my love of a new cocktail, especially a wine cocktail. Well, this cocktail recipe isn’t my creation, but once I Read more…
Pear Bourbon Smash Cocktail
Cozy up with this Pear Bourbon Cocktail recipe! Made with fresh pear juice, bourbon, and a touch of lemon, this easy fall cocktail is the perfect blend of sweet and spiced. Learn how to make a Pear Bourbon Smash for your next gathering. When is the last time you enjoyed a pear? Did you know Read more…
What Is a Kalimotxo Cocktail?
Discover the Kalimotxo cocktail, a refreshing Spanish drink made with red wine and cola. This easy-to-make cocktail balances fruity, citrus, and vanilla flavors for a unique twist on classic cocktails. Perfect for warm evenings and casual gatherings! Have you ever heard of a Kalimotxo cocktail? If not, let me introduce you to this super simple, Read more…
Sparkling Rosé Cherry Lemonade Spritz – A Refreshing Summer Cocktail
Sip into summer with this Sparkling Rosé Cherry Lemonade Spritz! Made with fresh cherries, lemonade, and bubbly rosé, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for sunny afternoons and easy entertaining. There’s something about sipping a bubbly cocktail on a sunny day that just feels like summer and this Sparkling Rosé Cherry Lemonade Spritz delivers all those Read more…
What White Wine Goes Best with Seafood? Florida Favorites Inside!
Explore the best white wine pairings for Florida seafood favorites. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to elegant Albariño, discover perfect matches for your next coastal meal. White Wines & Seafood: My Florida Favorites I’ll be honest – I spent years just grabbing the same white wine whenever I served seafood. Then one day at a little Read more…
How To Make a Negroni Sbagliato Cocktail
The Negroni Sbagliato is a sparkling twist on the classic Negroni, made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and brut champagne. This refreshing Italian aperitif is perfect for any occasion—learn how to make it with this easy cocktail recipe! If you are looking for a simple and sophisticated cocktail that is easy to make at home, the Read more…
What to Pour This Summer: Drink Ideas for Every Outdoor Celebration
Hosting a summer party? Discover what to pour—from easy cocktails to non-alcoholic sips—and how to elevate your next sunny celebration in style. What to Pour When You’re Celebrating in the Sun Throwing a summer party? Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, beach bash, or rooftop hangout, what you pour sets the tone. From breezy cocktails to Read more…
Beyond Napa: Northern Wine Regions You Should Visit
Explore five exceptional wine regions outside Napa Valley in Northern California, including Clarksburg, Amador County, Fair Play, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Russian River Valley. Discover unique wineries, stunning landscapes, and delicious wines for your next California wine-tasting adventure. When you think about domestically made wines, you almost certainly think about Napa Valley in California. While Read more…
Wine Party Dinner Ideas: Themes, Pairings, and Tips for a Memorable Event
Discover how to host an unforgettable wine party dinner with themed ideas, perfect wine-food pairings, and essential tips. Elevate your next gathering with our expert guide to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all your guests. Hosting a wine party dinner is a special occasion where friends and family can come together to enjoy Read more…
Fun Ways To Learn More About Wine
Unlock the world of wine with our beginner’s guide! Learn how to navigate wine shops, taste like a pro, and explore wines from different regions. Discover fun and easy ways to become fluent in the language of wine and impress your friends with your knowledge. Many wine lovers spend a lifetime drinking wine but never Read more…
Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion, or just the fact we made it to Friday, wine can make any day just a little more memorable. Red. White. Rosé. Champagne. Pop the cork on that bottle of champagne from France and celebrate today! After all, wine, champagne, and cocktails are made to be enjoyed with good friends and delicious food. I believe in celebrating every moment.
Each wine varietal has something unique to bring to the table. Or should I say wine glass? Swirl a glass of a deep Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Inhale deeply, close your eyes, and just imagine the full-bodied red wine as it’s being aged to perfection in the bottle for you to enjoy. Go ahead and sip that beautiful, rich red wine and notice the high tannins and acidity. Uncork a Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, let your wine breathe, and then take a moment to fully appreciate the medium-bodied “lighter” flavors of these very popular red and white wines.
Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are crisp white wines that are enjoyed all year long, but they are especially refreshing when served ice cold during those hot summer months. Rosé is becoming more popular by the day, and that’s completely understandable due to its versatility in pairing, and crisp yet dry profile. And, let’s be honest, it has a beautiful color. Rosé wine is also used in wine cocktails frequently, Frosé anyone?
Speaking of cocktails, you will also find incredible cocktail recipes here on Food Wine Sunshine to help you lift your spirits with every season and the holidays that come with them. Discover how a simple syrup or easy to make mixers can transform an otherwise boring drink into a cocktail that is truly extraordinary. Let’s use wine and cocktails the way they were meant to be enjoyed – to spark memories, heighten our food experiences, and enjoy some time together.