Provençal Spritzer

This wine cocktail sounds way fancier than it is. This is what I make for friends when it’s warm and sunny. I’d like to think it’s the perfect beverage for afternoon consumption (aka day-drinking). It’s low-alcohol, floral, and not too sweet. If you’re looking to sip something a little stronger, just omit the sparking water. 

I garnish this drink with a lemon peel twist, and a sprig of fresh lavender. The peel is shaped into a twist, not just so it looks pretty, but because this helps release the aromatic oils. 

I rough up the fresh herb garnish just enough to release its fragrance as well. Don’t go overboard. You still want the herb to look pretty in the glass!

Yield 1 wine spritzer cocktail 

Ingredients

2 ounces Lillet Blanc, well chilled  

(1 tsp) Cointreau, or other good quality orange liqueur

1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice 

2 ounce dry rosé wine, I like a classic Provençal rosé such as Fleur de Mer

1-2 ounce very fizzy sparkling water (optional)

Garnish: lemon peel and an aromatic herb such as lavender, rosemary or thyme.

Method 

Place 4-5 ice cubes in a stemmed wine glass. Add Lillet, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. Swirl glass to incorporate ingredients. Top with rosé and sparkling water, if using. Garnish with lemon peel and herb sprig.