10 Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Wine with Friends
Most people think of wine as something to be sipped slowly and enjoyed in the company of friends or family. And while that’s certainly a great way to enjoy this delicious drink, there are plenty of other ways to get the most out of wine – ways that might surprise you. Here are ten unexpected ways to enjoy wine with friends.
1. Make it a Spritzer
A spritzer is simply wine mixed with a little bit of sparkling water. It’s refreshing, low in alcohol, and perfect for summertime sipping. To make a spritzer, simply mix one part wine with one part sparkling water in a glass. You can also add a slice of fruit or a sprig of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Spritzer tip: For the best results, use white wine or rosé for your spritzer. Red wine can sometimes become bitter when mixed with water.
2. Cook with It
Wine is a great ingredient to have on hand for cooking. It can add depth of flavor to sauces, stews, and braises. And it’s also great for deglazing pans – just pour a little bit into a pan that has been used to cook meat or vegetables, and scrape up all the delicious bits that are stuck to the bottom.
When cooking with wine, it’s important to use a good-quality wine that you would also enjoy drinking. And don’t worry about using an entire bottle – any wine that you don’t use can be stored in the fridge and saved for later.
3. Go on a Wine Tasting Adventure
One of the best ways to enjoy wine is to go out and explore all the different types that are out there. Head to a nearby winery or wine bar and ask the staff to recommend some new wines for you to try. Or, better yet, go on a wine tasting adventure with friends. Make it a day trip and visit a few different wineries. Not only will you get to drink some great wine, but you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
4. Make Wine Slushies
Wine slushies are the perfect summertime treat. They’re refreshing, a little bit boozy, and oh-so-easy to make. Just freeze some wine in an ice cube tray, and then blend the frozen cubes with a little bit of sparkling water until they reach the desired consistency. You can also add fruit or other flavorings to your wine slushies.
Wine Slushies are best made with white wine or rosé, but you can use red wine if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the color of your slushies will be affected.
5. Play Wine Pong
Wine pong is a twist on the classic party game that’s perfect for grown-ups. Set up a Ping-Pong table or other large surface, and arrange cups of wine at each end. Players take turns throwing a ping-pong ball into the opposing team’s cups. If a player makes a shot, the opposing team has to drink the wine from that cup. The first team to finish all of their wine wins the game.
Wine pong is a great way to get friends together for some competitive fun. And it’s also a great way to drink wine without having to think too much about it. Just aim, throw, and drink!
6. Use It as a Cocktail Mixer
Wine can be used as a mixer in all sorts of cocktails. It’s especially good in fruity drinks, like a spritzer or a wine slushie (see above). But don’t be afraid to get creative and mix wine with other ingredients, like vodka, gin, or whiskey.
Usually, it’s best to use a white wine or rosé when mixing cocktails. But if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and experiment with red wine. Just be sure to taste your concoction before serving to make sure it’s something you and your friends will enjoy.
7. Make Sangria
San-what-a? Sangria is a Spanish cocktail that’s made with red wine, fruit, and some type of liquor. It’s perfect for summer parties or barbecues, and it’s always a hit with friends.
There are many different recipes for sangria, so feel free to experiment until you find a combination that you like. Just remember to use a good-quality red wine, and to let the sangria sit for at least an hour before serving so that the flavors have time to meld together.
Related Article: Can you Mix Red and White Wine? And What Does it Taste Like?
8. Enjoy a Glass with Dinner
One of the best ways to enjoy wine is simply to drink it with dinner. It can enhance the flavors of your food, and it’s a great way to wind down after a long day. Just be sure to choose a wine that pairs well with your meal.
If you’re not sure what type of wine to choose, ask your waiter or waitress for a recommendation. They’ll be happy to help you select a wine that will complement your meal.
9. Make Wine Jellies
Wine jellies are a great way to use up any wine that’s left over from your latest tasting adventure. They’re easy to make, and they’re perfect for spreading on toast or crackers. Just mix equal parts wine and sugar, heat until the sugar is dissolved, and then pour the mixture into jars. Let the jellies cool, and then enjoy!
Wine jellies can be made with any type of wine, so feel free to experiment. Just be sure to use a dry wine, as sweet wines will make for very sweet jellies.
10. Have a Wine Tasting Party
Wine tastings are a great way to learn about different types of wine. They’re also a lot of fun, especially when they’re done with friends. Just invite some people over, pour some wines, and see what everyone thinks. When hosting a wine-tasting party, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
First, make sure to pour small glasses of wine so that people can try all of the different types without getting too drunk. Second, provide some food for guests to nibble on between tastings. This will help to cleanse their palates and prepare them for the next wine. Finally, have fun! A wine tasting should be a relaxed and enjoyable affair.
Conclusion
Wine is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in many different ways. So, the next time you have a bottle of wine, don’t just drink it straight from the glass. Get creative and experiment with some of these ideas. You might be surprised at how much fun you have!
FAQs
How should I store my wine?
Wine should be stored in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing wine is between 55 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long will opened wine last?
Opened wine will last for about 3-5 days if it is stored properly.
What is the ideal serving temperature for wine?
The ideal serving temperature for red wine is between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal serving temperature for white wine is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many calories are in a glass of wine?
A typical glass of red wine contains around 120 calories. A typical glass of white wine contains around 100 calories.
Is wine good for you?
Yes, wine has many health benefits. Some of these benefits include reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
