I am going to put a disclaimer on this one, my Fella hates Napa Valley Wine Coolers.  Clearly, he is wrong.  I love him dearly despite his poor taste in weird beverages.

My parents gifted me this recipe.  I know, I know, most parents pass on meatball secrets or holiday cookie recipes.  We have those too but this one is infinitely more fun!

The legend goes that in the 1970’s when you went to a bar in California and ordered a wine cooler, you got this concoction.  Bartles & James had not yet bottled their wine/malt beverage yet so bartenders made this up.  I use this when someone has lovingly brought a bottle of wine to my home and it isn’t one I enjoy.  Or it is hot and I would like something refreshing.  Or I have just had an excruciating evening at work.  Or I am having a summer gathering and kind of want to show my wine loving friends how fun wine can be when not taken remotely seriously.  I have had Certified Sommeliers literally raving about Napa Valley Wine Coolers.  I may, or may not, have seen a grown woman near tears after a particularly grueling shift, brighten at the mere mention of a Napa Valley Wine Cooler.

So, here it is.  Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Napa Valley Wine Cooler Recipe:

Solo cup (I guess a glass works just as well but somehow a Solo cup makes it taste better)

Ice (I prefer crushed)

Red wine (any varietal)

2 lime wedges

2 lemon wedges

Ginger Ale

Put ice in cup, fill half way with red wine, top with ginger ale, squeeze lemon and lime.  garnish with a straw.

That’s it.  And it is wonderful!!!!

Cheers!

J Mac