Recipes

Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 oz) dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a crisp Lebanese white like a Blanc de Blancs)
• 30 ml (1 oz) fresh orange juice
• 15 ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice
• 10 ml (0.33 oz) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and cooled) - adjust to your sweetness preference
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves
• 2-3 thin slices of orange
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnish: A sprig of rosemary or a small edible flower

Instructions

• Muddle the Herbs (Optional but Recommended): In a cocktail shaker or a sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup. Don't over-muddle, as it can make the mint taste bitter. A few gentle presses are enough to release the aroma.
• Combine Liquids: Add the white wine, orange juice, and lemon juice to the shaker (or glass).
• Add Ice: Fill the shaker (or glass) with ice cubes.
• Shake (If Using a Shaker): If using a cocktail shaker, close the lid tightly and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.
• Strain (If Using a Shaker): Strain the mixture into a chilled wine glass or a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with Soda: Top the drink with sparkling water or club soda to your desired level of fizz. Start with about 60-90 ml (2-3 oz) and adjust to taste.
• Garnish: Garnish with the orange slices and the optional rosemary sprig or edible flower.

Tips and Variations

• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the cocktail before adding the sparkling water and adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different aromatic twist. Muddle them gently as well.
• Fruity Variations: Add a few muddled berries (like strawberries or raspberries) for a fruity variation. You might need to adjust the simple syrup depending on the sweetness of the berries.
• Sparkling Wine Option: For a more celebratory version, you can use a dry sparkling wine (like Prosecco or Cava) instead of still white wine and omit the sparkling water topping.
• Make it a Pitcher: To make a pitcher for sharing, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Combine all the ingredients except the sparkling water in a pitcher. Just before serving, add ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with plenty of fruit slices and herb sprigs.