Anyways, I was talking about how visions of red wine are definitely NOT dancing in my head when these syrupy-humid, 90+ degree days ooze their way into our lives. These are the days when I crave something that is low in alcohol, cold, and preferably fizzy. Lucky for me, I work in a wineshop where we have an endlessly diverse supply of all things bubbly! So, without further ado, I offer you my two current favorites:

Bitter Lemon Deliciousness
While this simple cocktail might require a trip to the ABC store (unless you are super cool and already have bottles of Campari and Limoncello on hand) it couldn't be easier to make or more tasty to drink. As bitter or sweet as you would like and as light or as heavy, it's all up to you. Simply take a glass of ice, add Campari and Limoncello to taste and top with some Stirring's Bitter Lemon. Done. (It tastes good with the Stirring's Tonic too.) I like to make mine really light -- a Campari/Limoncello flavored soda of sorts. I have to say that mine tastes especially good on account of the great homemade Limoncello Originale di Landon that is gifted to me from time to time from dear family friends in Maryland. Thank you!

Vinho Verde
This is without a question one of my favorite go-to bottles of wine for refreshing summer sipping. Zingy, light, and ever-so-slightly effervescent, this "green wine" from Portugal is perfect when it's too darn hot! (I wish the Mel Torme version of that Cole Porter song was playing right now.) Fresh and young, with tart grassy flavors, this wine can stand up to the most humid day without losing it's brightness. It was also a nice compliment to the fresh herb and clean-out-the-cheese-drawer pasta I made for dinner the other night. It's a perfectly unsweetened wine cooler for grown ups.

Cheers!