Three cheers to summer! In the PNW, we wait longingly for blue skies and sunny days to show up. This time around, we got ourselves a hot, hot summer, and then some! Record-breaking highs (thank you, global warming!) necessitate cooling off with a refreshing drink.
We are all for celebrating life’s smallest and most special moments. Whether you looking for a floral white to pair with your bountiful garden salad, a vibrant red to go with Carne Asada tacos for Taco Tuesday, or are looking for a special cocktail for brunch with loved ones—here are some great recommendations (cocktail recipes included!)
Brittan Vineyards 2018 Estate Chardonnay
An absolute winner from Brittan Vineyards, this wine with change chard-cynics into happy converts. It’s easy to see why—it is full-flavored, zesty, and minerally. Flavors of papaya, passionfruit, and jackfruit abound. It makes for a great companion to an alfresco charcuterie dinner. After all, it’s summertime and the living should be easy!
Yamhill Valley Vineyards 2016 Pinot Blanc
This is a great example of a medium-bodied Oregon white. Aromas bring chamomile and truffles. On the palate, there’s plenty of stone fruit and caramelized melon flavors, with a toasty almond finish. You can practically pair it with anything, but truffle oil-laced pizza will be especially yummy.
Aperture Cellars 2019 Barrel-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc
The wine begins with a heady floral scent and leads to tropical flavors like pineapple and lychee. Zingy acidity meets a rich, layered texture, and just a touch of salinity. It’ll get along famously with oysters—we recommend Hama Hama. For a veggie fiesta, try pasta with roasted summer squash and peas. Yummy!
Aperture Cellars 2019 Barrel-Fermented Chenin Blanc
Originating from 1940s vines, this old vine Chenin Blanc is always a good choice but is especially delicious with summer’s fresh produce-laden fare. Crisp, floral, and laden with stone fruits; this is a delightful sip. Tasting notes include green apple, melon, and jasmine. Perfect for sizzling shrimp fresh off the grill!
Landmark Vineyards 2018 Hop Kiln Estate Pinot Noir
An ideal warm-weather sipper, this wine makes a strong case for red wine in summer. This translucent red emphasizes earthy notes like mushroom, forest floor,, and tons of baking spice. With its silky-smooth tannins and balanced acidity, it pairs well with tender scallops, goat cheese tartlets, and portobello sliders.
JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery 2018 JUSTIFICATION
This wine is for ‘em unseasonable cold summer nights, when there’s a slight chill in the air, or a sudden downpour. Flavors bring has crunchy red fruit, dried oregano, and clove with a supple, long finish. Enjoy it with a roast chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and southern-style succotash.
As the days get warmer, the drinks get colder. Here are some spirits and cocktails for some fun under the sun…..
100 % Arabica, Madagascar vanilla, and Jamaican white rum come together to make this silky, sweet liqueur. With its robust cold brew flavor and smooth velvety texture – it is a gamechanger for brunch cocktails.
Tia Tonic
- 1.5 oz Tia Maria
- 3 oz Tonic Water
- Espresso shot
- Grapefruit or Lemon
- Ice
Method: Simply combine the Tia Maria with a shot of espresso and top up with tonic water, and garnish with a twist of grapefruit or lemon peel for a quick and easy cocktail combination with a fizz.
This triple-aged rum is full of dark, spicy goodness. Expect rich flavors of coconut, coffee, key lime, and honey. Our favorite warm-weather rum concoction? We sure love a heady rum punch in the hazy days of summer!
Pearl Diver
- 3 oz Dos Maderas Rum
- .5 oz lime juice
- .5 oz orange juice
- 1 Dash of Angostura Bitters
Method: Add all the ingredients into a blender with 1/2 cup ice and blend on high for 20 seconds. Fine-strain into glass. Garnish with orange slice.
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