CAlifornia GROWN
In this cocktail, we paired flavors of jammy roasted grapes, woodsy rosemary, and bright fresh lemon with the effervescent bubbles of sparkling wine.
A wine cocktail is a mixed drink, similar to a true cocktail. It is made mostly with wine, into which distilled alcohol or another drink mixer is combined, but wine cocktails can also be made with wine as the solo spirit in the drink.
01
Combine water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear.
02
Increase heat to a heavy simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat and cool before using.
03
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss grapes and rosemary with olive oil on a sheet pan. Roast for 20 minutes until the grapes are just starting to burst. Allow to cool slightly before making a cocktail.
04
Squeeze a lemon wedge into a glass then drop the wedge in. Add roasted grapes and use a muddler to crush the grapes into the lemon. Continue to muddle until all of the grapes are crushed.
05
Add 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup to the glass and stir to combine.
06
Fill the glass with ice and pour in sparkling wine. Garnish with a wedge of lemon, whole roasted grapes, and a rosemary sprig if desired. Serve immediately.
This simple Rosemary and Roasted Grape Wine Cocktail for example is ideal during the late summer and early fall when you want something refreshing and delicious, but you aren’t looking for it to be quite so formal.