Happy Saturday everyone. Summer has officially started and Memorial Day weekend is in full effect. What are you doing to celebrate? A few cocktails, some wine, and of course some great food are the usual suspects on our menu. With the Holiday weekend here, almost lost in the shuffle is that today is also National Wine Day. That’s what we like to call a “two-for” around here, as in 2-for-1. Are you into reds? Whites? Maybe your more for the sweet than the dry. Well, lucky for you we’ve got some awesome wine and food pairing suggestions courtesy of our friends at SkinnyGirl that are sure to be a hit this weekend, and great for celebrating all summer long. We popped open the Moscato and the Grapefruit Margarita (reviews coming soon), and all we can say is WOW. Speaking of wow, try the minty mango salsa, light, enjoyable beautiful to look at. And when paired with the appropriately sweet Moscato wine, it’s literally an experience in your mouth.
Moscato Pairing:
Skinnygirl™ Moscato
- 5 parts Skinnygirl™ Moscato
- Optional pear or mango for garnish
Pour chilled Skinnygirl™ Moscato into your favorite white wine glass or flute. Garnish with fresh pear or mango to accent the natural fruit flavors.
Minty Mango Salsa
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, diced
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilis
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp. lime juice
- 2 tsp. minced fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- Tortilla chips (optional)
In a small bowl, combine the mango, pepper, chilis, onion, juice, mint leaves and ginger. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Serve with tortilla chips or alongside your meal with chilled Skinnygirl™ Moscato
White Pairing:
Skinnygirl™ White Wine Slush
- 5 parts glass of Skinnygirl™ California White wine
- 2 parts frozen lemonade
- 1 part soda water
- Lemon peel twist for garnish
Blend ingredients with crushed ice and pour into a flute glass. Finish with soda water and garnish with a twist of lemon.
Blueberry Almond Crostinis
- 1/4 cup light ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
- 3/4 cup blueberries
- 4 slices low-calorie whole grain bread, toasted
- 2 tbsp. sliced almonds, toasted
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, honey and lemon zest. Slowly fold in blueberries. Cut each toasted bread slice diagonally into four equal pieces, and divide blueberry mixture among bread pieces. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve with a Skinnygirl™ White Wine Slush or a glass of Skinnygirl™ California White.
Rosé Pairing:
Skinnygirl™ California Rosé
- 5 parts Skinnygirl™ California Rosé
Pour Rosé into a wine glass and enjoy!
Green Goddess Dip with Vegetable Crudites
- 1 cup fat free sour cream
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and ground pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and use a fork to whisk together until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with raw vegetables and enjoy with a glass of Skinnygirl™ California Rosé.
Red Pairing:
Skinnygirl™ California Red Wine
- 5 parts Skinnygirl™ California Red
Pour into a wine glass and sip away!
Balsamic Caprese Skewers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls, patted dry with a paper towel
- Basil leaves
- Pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
Using 6-inch bamboo skewers, first place a cherry tomato, then a large basil leaf followed by a mozzarella ball. Continue these steps until you have the amount of skewers you desire. Arrange them on a platter and sprinkle with a bit of pepper. Serve with balsamic vinegar or drizzle over top, just remember to drizzle right before serving so that your basil leaves don’t wilt. Serve with Skinnygirl™ California Red.
Now, if that doesn’t get your Summer started off right, we’re doing something wrong in life! For more great recipe suggestions, feel free to Like Us On Facebook, and Follow Us On Twitter. Also, be sure to drop by SkinnyGirlCocktails.com for awesome summer sippers that will fill you up without destroying your figure.
Have a great weekend,
Cheers!
Photos and recipes provided, courtesy of Skinny Girl.
