While I have smugly advanced past the cheapest of wines, that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in getting value for money. I think maybe I just drank too much of the Accomplice Sav. Blanc back in the day to even stomach anything like it these days. Haha. Recently I shared a post asking for wine suggestions and the hot tip. You delivered, as always, so I went on the hunt to see if I could find the wine that would become my new favourite.
Now, I’m no wine expert by any means.
But, I’ll try anything once and like what I like, whatever the price tag. My taste leans a little drier than your average white wine drinker, but not all the way. As I flicked through the pages of wines, I started wondering how good some of these wines could be for under $20! One was under $7, which is the limit of cheap and cheerful I go these days if I’ve learned my lesson. All can be bought in larger quantities that reduce the price further.
Would they taste okay? Would we enjoy them, and would I be able to share them with family and friends without being exposed as a cheapskate? Not that that should be your primary concern when making purchases, but come on, who doesn’t love to find an excellent drinking wine to bring that has people asking about it?
Lord of the wines, that’s my goal in life.
But also, is it possible to enjoy an inexpensive wine and not suffer the consequences of the preservative hangovers. Precisely what happens to me with some low-cost wines. Does that ever happen to you? One glass or many, it makes no difference. When the preservative hangover comes for you, you’re done for. If you know, you know. Yikes.
With a determination to enjoy another hot girl summer, I went hunting for the best summer wines. They had to be drinkable and perfect for beachside, poolside, picnics and BBQs. I’ve included Uncle Dan links in the list below and the complete product name if you want to find them elsewhere. I figure, who doesn’t (other than us here in Gympie) have access to a Dan Murphey, right? Anyway, who’s thirsty? Let’s dive into that, shall we?
Now, I can be a little partial to a pretty label, which is reflected in most of my choices. If it was a toss-up between two similar wines, I chose the prettiest. I’m a shallow and horrible human being, I know. But they wouldn’t have made this list unless I personally love them or the reviews gave them four or more stars with reviews that said they were highly drinkable. That’s what really matters, right? What’s on the inside.
And one last favourite!
One of my favourites, not under the $20 mark, but well worth the try, is the 6Ft6 Prosecco Nv ($25). I first tasted this at one of the Melbourne Fashion Week events and had to buy more once home. Plus, black and white stripes are so on-brand for me. Haha. Once, I even worked with them to do a giveaway on the blog (I made prosecco cocktails, you’re welcome). While it’s the highest-priced on the list, I find that you can often score an offer or deal that reduces the per bottle price. I’m keen to try their new 6Ft6 Prosecco Rosé, so if you score a bottle, let me know how it is.
How about some wine subscription action?
Something else that I enjoy doing to discover new wines is getting my Good Pair Days box (that’s my referral link, FYI. Sign up, and we both get a free $40 bottle of wine; score). I have a four wine bottle subscription delivered per month and have had the best time discovering new wines via their deliveries. Not to mention their packing rocks and they send all these presents as you order and reviews wines. Things like tea towels, bottle openers, champagne corks and even a thermal cup and bottle; I love that.
Are you interested in such things? I’ve done an entire post featuring some of the best-reviewed Wine Clubs and Box Subscriptions out there. If you’re into trying new things and are okay with other people having a go at picking your wines, check them out. I think it’s fun, and it’s like having a present to me, from me delivered every month. It’s the best use of my adult money I can think of. Haha.
We’re throwing things way back here with a Classic Red Wine Sangria from the #sugerDRINKS eBook. Yes, from 2017 and still available as a free download when you sign up for the Suger News. I received an email this week from a recent subscriber who was excited to get making some cocktails (same, what a week). And it reminded me, I haven’t done an update in a while. A long while.
So, let’s welcome back those dark, moody, slightly off-centre images from 2017, shall we? I love these photos, even now, but boy can I see how far I’ve come in terms of composition and editing since then. How’s that for a little reminder that when you feel stuck somewhere, taking a walk down memory lane to see how far you’ve come doesn’t hurt. Neither will some delicious red wine covered fruit. Let’s jump into this, shall we?
What you’ll need
Berries, mixed
2 Oranges (1 x sliced 1 x juiced)
1/2 Lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 tbsp Sweetener (sugar or honey)
1 cup Ice 1/2 cup Cointreau
2 cups Red wine, dry
What to do
Combine the ingredients; it’s just that simple. Leave it to sit in the jug until ready to serve. How easy is THAT! If it’s warm where you are, freeze the berries and instead of juicing the second orange, cut it into segments and freeze. Or go all out and add a third into the mix. Go nuts. When ready to serve, make sure everything is combined (in the eBook, I said blend, but well, that’s not exactly what I meant, lol) and serve in a large jug with extra fruit if you wish.
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The ‘recipe’ for this Classic Red Wine Sangria is from the #sugerDRINKS eBook (available as a free download when you sign up for the Suger News). It’s about time that I got off my butt and updated the offer, I think. So, if you have an idea for a download, printable or something that you’d like as a freebie for subscribers, let me know.
Ummm, prosecco fans, get yourself ready for your summer beverage of choice. You’re going to love this prosecco cocktail with blackberries and mint. The best news is it is easily adapted for one or for a crowd. And speaking of a crowd, it makes so well ahead of time you won’t even be mad at it. Entertainer win.
How to make Suger’s Prosecco Blackberry Punch
YOU’LL NEED
6Ft6 Prosecco
Lemonade
Vodka
Blackberries
Mint
DO THIS
Combine the vodka, blackberries and mint in a jug. I left my mint whole, but tearing or chopping into smaller pieces would work too, as would muddling it in the bottom of the glass or jug. Use one shot of vodka per serve. Add the prosecco and lemonade at approximately a half/half ratio. I prefer mine more prosecco, less lemonade, but you do you. Serve chilled. Frozen berries assist with this on a hot day! So if serving frozen, add berries when all ingredients are combined.
So, you’ve got a giveaway too, huh?
I’ve been on the lookout for a blog wine sponsor for a number of years. My search has proven to be fruitless but it won’t even stop me trying. That’s when I’ll know I’ve made it. For sure. Alas, this is not that moment, BUT the kind people of 6Ft6 wines have provided some goodness to giveaway!
Competition closes Friday 20th October 2017, with the winner being announced shortly after that. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to win. This is a game of skill, Mr Suger and I will be choosing our favourite answer with a little help from the 6Ft6 team.
The prize pack includes THREE bottles of 6Ft6 Prosecco, a set of four 6Ft6 wine glass tags and their new limited edition tea towel valued at $99. Woooo.
To win the prize pack you must be following @sugercoatit and @6Ft6wines on Instagram and tell me in the comments below what YOU would do with your prize pack? Do you have a special occasion coming up or friends coming over? Get creative and the best entry wins. Competition closes Friday 20th October 2017, with the winner being announced shortly after that. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to win. This is a game of skill, Mr Suger and I will be choosing our favourite answer.
EDIT: If you’re having problems with Disqus (my comment system) you can now enter on Instagram!
Oh yeah, this is happening. It’s so hipster it hurts. This mason jar pomegranate cocktail {with ginger and lime!} is delicious. Bonus, it can {and should} be made ahead of time. That makes them party friendly otherwise, they are NOT. At all. Trust me, you’re not going to want to be tackling peeling and deseeding a pomegranate at the last minute in your party best. Even your BBQ best. Nope. Don’t do that to yourself. If prep isn’t your thing, buy them prepared. Otherwise, expect a big, red, crazy ass mess.
You’ve been warned.
Now, my cocktail drinking friends, it’s time to get to business. There’s a list of ingredients below plus my usual casual method of recipe giving. Let me know if you have any questions before you get started, I’ll help where I can. As always, if you want the ENTIRE #SugerDRINKS eBook, just subscribe to the Suger News weekly newsletter and it’s all yours. FREE.
Did I say drink responsibly? No? Yeah, I didn’t think that sounded like me. Haha.
Mason Jar Pomegranate Cocktail
YOU’LL NEED
1⁄2 Pomegranate
2cm piece of ginger (sliced)
1 lime (half juiced/half sliced)
1 cup Soda Water
60ml Vodka
Ice
(per mason jar/serve)
DO THIS
First, let me apologise for this. Pomegranate as delicious and colourful as they are, are a giant pain in the ass. What a mess! So, I will completely understand if you want to buy them deseeded.
This one is pretty simple after you get through that. Muddle the pomegranate, ginger and lime slices in the bottom of your glass or jar. Smoosh them all together, add the lime juice, vodka and ice. Then fill with soda water. Done!
I said earlier you can prepare them ahead of time. And you can! Prep the fruit and even prep the smooshing of them all together. It depends on how far ahead you need to be. Seriously, if you’re smooshing, I highly recommend putting the vodka in with them and it’ll be delicious.
In the continuing attempt to bring back summer by making delicious cocktails, meet the Pineapple Mojito Jug! You’re welcome. THIS is my new favourite drink. Did I say that about the Coconut Margarita too? I forget. Anyway. It’s pretty great, and I don’t just say that because I was raised on a pineapple farm and have a strange affinity for pineapple. It’s so good. If you’re not feeling the rum bases, try it with tequila. Also very good, trust me, I’m a tequila expert.
Said no one ever.
But moving right ahead! Grab a jug or a punch bowl (if you’re old school) and get ready to make this one for your next house party or gathering. I don’t care if it’s cold and blah right now; tropical is in. And sooner or later, winter has to end, right? But first, how about some pretty pictures to make you thirsty. I’ll meet you after them with the recipe.
Pineapple Mojito Jug
YOU’LL NEED
1⁄2 bottle of white rum
A pineapple
5 limes
Bunch of mint
1⁄4 cup organic sugar
Soda Water or Lemonade
Ice
DO THIS
Who’s ready to prep?
Start by peeling the pineapple. Cut half of the peeled, whole pineapple into core-less slices and the rest into wedges. Juice 3 of the limes and slice the other two. Save any of the juice from the slicing for the jug, where possible. Combine the sugar and any spare juice to start it dissolving. If there’s not enough liquid, squeeze a little more. This step makes it easier later if you don’t do it; meh, no biggie.
Ready to serve?
Place the pineapple and lime slices in and around the edges of the jug. Add a cup or two of ice. Pour the rum, juice and sugar mix into the jug. If you’re using lemonade, you probably won’t need the sugar. Place a handful of mint, chopped or bruised (in your hand) on top of the ice. Use a muddler (or rolling pin, whatever works) and smoosh it all together. If you’ve got time, let it all sit there for a bit in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pour the soda water or lemonade (don’t use a combination, it actually tastes a bit weird) over the entire mixture and serve.
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Happy mixing team! And don’t forget, if you subscribe to the Suger News, you can download a copy of the entire #sugerDRINKS eBook for free. We’d love to have you. I send an email every week with a lesson I’ve learned or a trick for living well. It’s pretty awesome if I do say so myself. Emails go on a Saturday morning; Be there, or be square!
