Posted March 18 2008
The ABC’s of Kosher Wine Q-U: Alternatives
A lot of people are not big wine drinkers, and I don’t blame them. Wine (especially good wine) is an acquired taste. That’s why Rashi and Bartenura have done so well making Moscato which, with its very low alcohol content and overly sweet taste, might actually be more of a wine cooler than an actual wine. What’s unfortunate, though, is that people don’t see the versatility of wine. So in our next installment of the ABC’s of Kosher Wine, I will add some nifty cocktail recipes that are wine-based and easy to drink for those of you that need something a little sweeter this Purim.
Queen Charlotte:
You Need
2 oz red wine
1 oz grenadine syrup
lemon-lime flavored soda
Pour red wine and grenadine into a Collins glass over ice cubes. Fill with lemon-lime soda, stir, and serve.
I would recommend using a mild red. Something with a lot of body but not a lot of tartness something like…..
Alfasi Merlot Special Reserve 2003
Distinctive character, soft, with plum and licorice flavors on the palate.
Alc/Vol: 12%
Cost: $9.49
Rainbow Sour
You Need
1 oz red wine
1 oz Cognac
1 oz Slivovitz Plum brandy
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup (this is just sugar and water heated on low until the sugar dissolves, also available in your baking supplies aisle)
Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice, and serve.
I would recommend…
Barkan Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Layers of oak, dark berry, and spice are supported by soft tannins and focused acidity.
Alc/Vol: 12%
Cost: $9.49
Also, for the Cognac go with Dupuy Cognac VSOP. It’s moderately priced and a little of it goes a long way.
Sangria
You Need
1 bottle of red wine
2 cups Poland Springs flavored seltzer water (I use raspberry lime but you can use whatever)
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup halved seedless grapes
1 small can mandarin oranges in syrup
1 small can chunked pineapple in juice
1 lime, sliced
Stir all ingredients together, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.
For a really great sangria I recommend…
Abarbanel Pinot Noir 2005
This Pinot Noir features light raspberry notes along with low tannins, medium body and perfumed nose.
Alc/Vol: 12%
Cost: $19.99
Turk’s Blood
You Need
3 oz Champagne
2 oz wine
Pour into a champagne saucer, and serve.
Normally this drink would be made with a Burgundy Wine but, since there are no kosher Burgundies, the aforementioned Pinot Noir makes an excellent substitute. However, for this recipe you are also going to need…
Bartenura Asti
The best kosher alternative to champagne, it is light and refreshing. Not too sweet, not too dry. Please make sure you are getting Asti and not Moscato’ D’asti or Barbera’ D’asti.
Alc/Vol: 7%
Cost: $13.99
Ultra-Marine
You Need
1/2 shot Blue Curacao liqueur
top with Champagne
Add Blue Curacao to a martini glass then top up with Champagne and garnish with a grape or strawberry.
If you can’t find the Bartenura Asti to use for the champagne you can also use…
Rashi Asti
This wine features a pale golden-yellow color, persistent and delicate bubbles, fragrant aroma, and delicately sweet peach, melon, and pineapple flavors. Again this is not Moscato; please do not confuse the two.
Alc/Vol: 7%
Cost: $12.49
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