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Wine cocktails: Easy, entertaining for good times
Open a new chapter: An interpretation of the classic Negroni with a Shiraz reduction, gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and citrus, to which the shiraz blends in flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon
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pen a new chapter: An interpretation of the classic Negroni with a Shiraz reduction, gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and citrus, to which the shiraz blends in flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon. (Courtesy of Zeno)
Life might be too short for just one favorite drink consumed repeatedly. If you consider yourself a wine person, a wine cocktail or two every other happy hour should suit you just fine. Casual events, such as unwinding with friends after work, or a pool party on a sunny day could be the ideal setting for wine cocktails.
Apart from the ever popular and refreshing red wine cocktail sangria, there are a number of wine cocktails worth ordering. Champagne and cognac with a dash of bitters, mimosa and aperitivo spritz are those deemed “always fabulous” by London-based Ni Luh Sekar, the holder of a Cape Wine Academy diploma, South Africa and Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) 3 certified.
Ni Luh told The Jakarta Post in a text message that she was not a cocktail person but wouldn’t say no as long as the cocktails involved champagne, “especially in the hot summer evening or boiling indoor winter”. She even makes her own cocktails when entertaining at home, as she feels obliged to have them on offer along with straight drinks for her guests.
She said it had taken her one or two parties to perfect her mixology skills.
“[…] But you’ve got to know your audience and try to gauge their palates, [and] my drink glasses are always chilled. I don’t serve cocktails in warm glasses,” said Ni Luh.
While she said that basically all wines; red, white, still and sparkling could be made into cocktails, she emphasizes that “fine wines you keep and drink straight”.
Those who prefer to drink their champagne straight, however, may turn to red or white for cocktail-making, such as Penfolds Max’s shiraz or chardonnay.
Max’s is a mass-market label launched by Penfolds, one of the world’s most acclaimed wine makers. First launched in 2015 to commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of its first chief wine maker, Max Schubert, the label aims to cater to the trend of more young people drinking wines on casual occasions.
“Max’s range of wines simplifies the wine-drinking experience for younger drinkers, who may be intimidated by the confusing list of wine bin numbers,” according to Pamela Yeo, PR manager of Treasury Wine Estates Southeast Asia.
Penfolds recently presented a cocktail-making session using Max’s in a neon-themed event titled #PenfoldsNeonNights in Jakarta, featuring creations titled “Open a new chapter” and “Twist and shout”.
Currently distributed in 80 countries, Penfolds’ focus in Southeast Asia are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
Max’s was said to be popular among young drinkers since it was first launched. Although considered enjoyable to drink on its own by the glass, there are other possible ways to indulge in the beverage, namely by incorporating it into cocktails.
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Twist and shout!
Penfolds Max's Chardonnay With Gin * Campari * Chilli Lychee Syrup
20 ml Penfolds Max's Chardonnay + 45 ml Gin + 15 ml Campari + 10 ml Chilli Lychee Syrup
* Stir all ingredients in mixing glass, strain and serve in old fashioned glass with ice
Garnish: Lemon Peel
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Open a new chapter
Penfolds Max's Shiraz Reduction With Gin Campari * Sweet Vermouth * Dry Orange
20 ml Penfolds Max's Shiraz Reduction + 20 ml London Dry Gin + 20 ml Campari + 20 ml Sweet Vermouth
* Stir all ingredients
Garnish: Rose, Dry Orange
