Creating More Delicious Dinners

Sauternes is a French wine named after the region in which it is produced. Made from sauvignon blanc, muscadelle, and semllion grapes that have become partially dehydrated on the vine, it's known for its intense sweetness and is therefore often served as a dessert wine. Enjoying an entire, 5-ounce glass of Sauternes can be a bit overwhelming due to the sweetness, but crafting a cocktail with this wine allows you to enjoy its flavor without so much intensity. Here are three delicious Sauternes cocktails that you can make in pitcher proportions for a party.

Pink Summer Morning

This fruity cocktail is as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it in tall highball glasses with slices of orange over the rims as garnish. It's a perfect choice for brunch or after dinner.

Ingredients (for 10 cocktails):

• 1 bottle Sauternes wine
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 12 strawberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• plenty of ice

Place the strawberries and the cranberry juice in a blender, and process until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a pitcher, and then pour in the remaining ingredients. Stir well, and allow guests to help themselves.

Mulled Sangria

A unique twist on sangria, this cocktail will remind you of warm nights in front of a campfire. It's perfect served alongside a slice of chocolate cake or even with a hearty beef stew. 

Ingredients (for 10 cocktails):

• 1 bottle Sauternes wine
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup lemon-lime soda
• 2 oranges, sliced thinly
• 6 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cardamom pod

Place the orange juice, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat, and place it in the fridge to cool. Strain out the spices.

Pour the strained orange juice mixture into a pitcher. Add the lemon-lime soda, wine, and sliced oranges. Stir, let rest for at least 15 minutes (for the orange flavor to diffuse), and serve in glass mugs.

Peachy Punch

Make this cocktail during peach season when the peaches are fresh and juicy. Since the recipe calls for vodka, be aware that it packs quite the punch.

Ingredients (makes 10 cocktails):

• 1 bottle Sauternes wine
• 1/2 cup citrus vodka
• 2 peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup peach liqueur
• plenty of ice

​Place the sliced peaches in the bottom of a pitcher. Add the remaining ingredients, and stir well. Serve in margarita glasses for a festive look.