Well, it’s a beautiful Friday morning here in Charleston. To celebrate the first day of the Charleston Wine & Food Festival, I wanted to share something with you guys from 2 of my favorite chefs and cookbook authors, The Lee Brothers, who just so happen to be from Charleston. Their new cookbook is actually being released this weekend at the festival, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy – I treasure their other two so much. They are some of my most used cookbooks in my kitchen!
These strawberry wine coolers are from their second cookbook. I remember the days of “scoring” some wine coolers when I was about 15. And, ugh – they were so horrible. These are nothing like them! Fresh fruit, crisp white wine – how could you not win? I used my strawberry vodka that I infused at home, and I loved the additional punch of strawberry that it brought with it. These are perfect for a party, or just to make a carafe of on a weekend and enjoy by yourself! Love them, and I’m looking forward to trying it with other fruits as they come into season as well!
Strawberry Wine Coolers
1 pound fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
2 ounces vodka
generous pinch of kosher salt
2 750-mL bottles off-dry white wine, such as a Reisling, chilled
Reserve 6 strawberries for garnish, and combine the rest in a blender with the vodka, salt, and 2 scant cups of the wine.
Puree on the highest setting for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is frothy and smooth.
Strain the puree through a fine-mesh seive into a pitcher (and eat the pulp!), pressing the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1-2 hours.
To serve, fill wine glasses with ice, and divide the mixture among them, filling each glass about half-full. Top with remaining white wine, and stir. Garnish with the reserved strawberries, and serve.
Source: Simple, Fresh, Southern by Matt and Tedd Lee
