WINE SPARKLERS: Perk up your next warm-weather party the way its done in Austrian wine country: by mixing sparkling water or 7-Up with white wine. Served over ice with skewered grapes, it's bubbly refreshment at its best.
SANGRIA: Say olé to this Spanish kitchen-sink of a drink, which can include a little bit of this and that from your cupboard and refrigerator. Key ingredients include red or white wine, or both, a hearty splash of brandy, and sliced fruit (think oranges, pears, strawberries, nectarines, lemons, and apples). Let it sit overnight, covered, in the fridge so the flavors can infuse.
HOT MULLED WINE: This warm, seasoned sensation is winter's answer to sangria. To cook up a batch, combine in a large pot one inexpensive 750ml bottle of red wine, the rinds of one lemon and one orange, a half cup of sugar, three cinnamon sticks, 10 cloves, a quarter teaspoon nutmeg, and an eighth teaspoon of allspice. Heat until hot but not boiling and serve.
FLAVORED BUBBLY: Save cash and add flash by serving inexpensive sparkling wine such as cava (Spain's version of champagne) or prosecco (Italy's version) with a sexy splash of juice or booze. Killer concoctions include bubbly with a shot of Chambord or Grand Marnier or a hearty pour of pear nectar, strawberry nectar, or good old-fashioned OJ. Cheers!
