Lean Into Being an Old Lady With This Vinho Verde Wine Spritzer

Hey, remember last summer, when I gave you this white wine spritzer recipe and you made it — and then drank, like, three in a row — and then you were surprised you got super drunk? I mean, what did you expect from a wine spritzer that tastes amazing and also calls for an ounce-and-a-half of gin?

If you’re new to this drink, you should know that it differs pretty significantly from what you expect old rich white ladies to drink at lunch. This is not your mama’s white wine spritzer; it will get you drunk. (Or maybe, despite my foul mouth and giant tattoos, I’m just leaning into being an old white lady, minus the rich part, and those ladies were onto something all along.) If you were one of the people sending me drunk DMs about it last July, you should know that I’ve simplified the recipe just a smidge. Really, I just took out the mint muddling step at the beginning. Mostly because it’s so damn hot here, even my mint is all shriveled and dry. Plus, nobody really likes getting soggy mint in their mouth whilst sipping on a fabulous fucking cocktail.

If you’re not familiar with vinho verde, let me tell you a little about my favorite summer (and spring, and fall, and sometimes even in the winter) wine. Vinho verde is Portuguese for “green wine,” and unlike most of the wines we’re used to, it isn’t made with any specific type of grape — just young (or “green”) grapes. While it comes in a variety of colors, my preferred vinho verde, Casal Garcia, is a white and it’s only $8 or $9 a bottle at my local grocery store (and even cheaper online). It’s bright, and a little tart, and not at all oaky or buttery. (Does that make me sound like I sound like I know wine or something? Because I don’t really know what I’m talking about and only drink the $8 shit that tastes good in my mouth.)  There’s a rosé version too, and it’s good, but this one is my ride or die vinho verde. Like, I will take it in a plastic cup on a ride (no, not when I’m driving) and will probably drink it until I die. It’s so, so, so, so, so perfect for a refreshing summer spritzer.

Boozy Vinho Verde Spritzer

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces vinho verde
1.5 ounces gin
¾ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce (or 1 tablespoon — it’s the same damn measurement!) fresh-squeezed lime juice
Club soda
Lime wheel for garnish
Fresh mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Add the vinho verde, gin, simple syrup, and lime juice to a large stemmed or stemless red wine glass (really, it needs to be big because of all the shit we’re putting in it). Stir well and then add a handful of ice. Top it off with the club soda, give it another quick stir, garnish with the lime wheel and fresh mint, and enjoy. Perhaps even over lunch. With your old-ass friends.

NOTE: I played with the amount of simple syrup and because I don’t really like sweet drinks, landed on ¾ ounce as the best option. If you like a slightly sweeter drink, make it a full ounce.

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