Summer Spritzes & Sangria

Haven’t you heard? Sherry is on trend. Not your nana’s Bristol Cream, we’re talking about dry Sherry, like a Fino. The Spanish know the secret to a good glass of Sherry served in tapas bars with olives and some salted almonds. The perfect aperitif.

A great way to enjoy Sherry in the summer is in a cocktail, as a lower alcohol alternative to spirits. A Rebujito is a refreshing, spritzer-style tipple that could not be easier to make. It originated in the 19^th century amongst the distinguished classes of Victorian England as the Sherry Cobbler.

Over time it grew in popularity and became the drink of celebration at the traditional “ferias” or festivals of Sevilla and Jerez (the hometown of Sherry!). The blend of fino sherry and refreshing lemonade is just perfect for a hot summer’s day. Another top Sherry tip – the naturally super sweet Pedro Ximenez sherry drizzled over good-quality vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it works!

Rebujito

Ingredients:

60 ml fino sherry (Tio Pepe works perfectly!)

120 ml of lemonade (Sprite or 7Up or similar)

Mint leaves

Slice of lemon to garnish

Ice cubes

Method:

Combine all the above ingredients in a jug following the above measures, pour and enjoy!

If you’re not keen on the distinctively yeasty taste of Sherry, why not try a white Port and tonic instead? The classic aperitif of the city of Porto is easy-drinking and a great switch up to your usual G&T.

The Douro Valley in Portugal is mainly known for its red fortified wines, but they also produce white and even rosé versions of Port. White Port is made from local grapes like Viosinho, Malvasia Fina, Codega and Rabigato.

Whilst many consider red Port as a winter drink, white Port is a fantastic summer alternative. Unlike red Port, white Port isn’t necessarily sweet, in fact most are made quite dry. The overall sweetness of the wine depends on at which point the brandy spirit is added during the fermentation process. The sooner it is added, the sweeter the finished wine will be!

Portônica

Ingredients:

100 ml white port

140 ml tonic

Ice

Lemon & mint to garnish

Method:

Add ice to a low ball glass, pour in your white Port and top up with tonic. Gently stir and garnish with lemon and mint sprigs.

Everyone has tried the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz, with its bright orange colour and distinctive bitter flavours. For something a little different this summer, try a Lillet Spritz instead.

Lillet blanc is a white wine-based vermouth style aperitif which has been made in Bordeaux since 1872. Made using the classic Semillon grapes of the Bordeaux region, it is a lot more subtle in flavour than Aperol with characteristic notes of orange, honey and exotic fruits. To supercharge your spritz, add some Champagne!

Lillet Spritz

Ingredients:

60 ml Lillet Blanc

90 ml Champagne

30 ml soda

Cucumber slices and grapes to garnish

When discussing summer wine serves, it would be remiss of me not to mention Sangria. The Spanish holiday favourite features red wine mixed with water, herbs, spices and fruit. For a lighter, fresher take on the classic serve, try it with Cava instead.

There’s nothing more refreshing than a glass filled with lots of ice and fresh fruit slices and it’s perfect to make up in larger batches for BBQs and summer parties. It’s best to chpose a dry Brut Cava then sweeten to taste.

Cava Sangria

Ingredients (makes 8 glasses)

2 bottles of Cava brut

120 ml of brandy

120 ml of Gran Marnier or Triple Sec

180 ml of pineapple juice

2 tablespoons of sugar

1 apple, thinly sliced

2 oranges, sliced into rounds

Some diced pineapple or peaches

Sprigs of mint

Ice cubes

Method:

In a large bowl combine the fruit and cover with the two tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Add the brandy, orange liqueur, pineapple juice and mint and muddle with a wooden spoon. Chill the mixture for an hour or so. When ready to serve, add open and add in the Cava and stir gently.

The key ingredients…

Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Jerez, Spain, £10, Tesco

Dry and refreshing with a distinctive flavour. Best served well chilled with some tapas or savoury nibbles.

Graham’s Blend No. 5 White Port, Douro, Portugal, £24.99, Waitrose

This special blend from Graham’s has been created specifically for the white Port and tonic serve. It is medium-dry with fresh citrus notes and a touch of orange blossom.

Lillet Blanc, £20, Harvey Nichols

A blend of wine, liqueurs, fruit and herbs, aged for 12 months in oak vats before release.

Cava Brut, £5.75, Sainsburys

This bargain fizz is perfect for cava sangria! Fresh and dry with zesty citrus aromas.