Strawberry Wineade: Your New Favorite Summer Sip

Let’s be clear from the outset: if you consider yourself a serious oenophile, someone who approaches wine with profound reverence, you might want to avert your gaze now. I’ll give you a moment. Are they gone? Good. Because what we’re about to dive into is far from conventional wine etiquette. We’re talking about a level of “classy” that involves serving wine in mason jars, happily blended with fruit juice. And trust me, it’s absolutely wonderful.

Embracing the Sweet Chaos of Life

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, a delightful but demanding marathon of sorts. There were various kid camps to coordinate, preparations for my brother’s wedding, ensuring the house was guest-ready, and amidst it all, some truly unforgettable travel adventures for yours truly. It was a period defined by juggling responsibilities, ticking off checklists, and embracing the beautiful, albeit sometimes overwhelming, chaos of family life.

When you’re caught in such a delightful maelstrom, what you truly crave are moments of simple pleasure, a refreshing respite that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Little did I know, such a revelation was just around the corner, born from a delightful accident that would soon become my go-to summer refreshment.

A Culinary Gathering at The Pioneer Woman’s Lodge

Speaking of unforgettable travel, let me share a glimpse into where some of that adventure took me. For over a year, my dear friend and fellow food blogger extraordinaire, Ree Drummond, better known as The Pioneer Woman, and I had been dreaming up a spectacular weekend workshop. Imagine a haven dedicated to the art of cheesemaking, the comforting science of bread baking, and the timeless tradition of canning. The anticipation had been building, and I was thrilled at the prospect of sharing some of my favorite culinary skills with a group of enthusiastic learners.

What I hadn’t anticipated, however, was Ree’s signature touch of magic. In her inimitable way, she orchestrated a heartwarming surprise. She gathered a wonderful group of women, many of whom are incredible food bloggers I’ve had the pleasure of befriending on Twitter. Imagine the sheer delight of walking into that rustic, charming Lodge and being greeted by familiar faces and warm hugs from Bridget, Robyn, Wendy, Sandy, Amy, and Georgia. It was an instant connection, a gathering of creative souls who proved to be even more delightful and kind in person than their inspiring online personas suggested. Seriously, have you ever seen such a genuinely lovely and talented group of women?

Camaraderie, Laughter, and Culinary Adventures

The weekend unfolded as a tapestry of joy, laughter, and serious culinary exploration. We drank delightful beverages, shared stories, and yes, indulged in some good-natured whining about the tribulations of recipe testing and online life. We ate incredible food – from massive, perfectly grilled steaks to mouthwatering barbecue chicken. Most importantly, we immersed ourselves in the craft. We learned the intricate dance of cheesemaking, turning simple milk into glorious mozzarella. We kneaded dough, filling the air with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. We preserved fruits and vegetables, bottling up summer’s bounty. We even cracked a few adolescent jokes about “cutting cheese,” because what’s a food blogger gathering without a bit of playful silliness?

It was a weekend of profound connection, a celebration of friendship forged through shared passions and mutual respect. There aren’t enough words to truly capture the magic of those days. The collective energy, the easy camaraderie, the uninhibited laughter – it was a soul-enriching experience that reminded me of the incredible community that exists within the food blogging world. It was a reminder that some of the greatest treasures in life are found in unexpected places, shared with cherished friends.

The Happy Accident: Birth of Strawberry Wineade

Amidst this flurry of activity and before I embarked on my journey to Ree’s, a pivotal moment occurred in my own kitchen. It was a particularly hot evening, one of those sweltering nights that makes you yearn for anything cold and refreshing. I had just finished making a batch of homemade strawberry lemonade for my kids – a vibrant, sweet-tart concoction that promised instant relief. Without much thought, I poured some of this luscious lemonade into a glass – or rather, a jar – that I had been using earlier. The only problem? I completely forgot that the jar had previously held a splash of chilled white wine. Like I said earlier, peak classy.

The result, however, was far from a mistake. It was an unexpected revelation. The effervescence of the wine, the sweetness and tang of the strawberry lemonade, combined with the clinking ice, created a beverage so incredibly refreshing, so perfectly balanced, that I found myself reaching for another glass. It was light, it was vibrant, and it provided precisely the cool, crisp sensation I desperately needed to take the edge off the heat and the demands of the day.

Despite its undeniable deliciousness and instant appeal, a part of me felt a flicker of embarrassment. Mixing white wine with lemonade? Surely, this was a culinary transgression, something a “proper” cook or hostess wouldn’t dare admit. I resolved then and there to keep this delightful secret to myself, a guilty pleasure enjoyed in the quiet solitude of my kitchen. Oh, the prideful creature I can be!

From Secret Sip to Shared Delight

Fast forward to the incredible weekend at Ree’s. As we gathered, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company, I was offered a drink that immediately caught my attention: white wine mixed with French tangerine soda. It was good. No, it was *exceptionally* good. That first sip was a moment of epiphany. If this elegant concoction was acceptable, perhaps my humble, accidental creation wasn’t so outlandish after all?

Emboldened by this newfound validation, I blurted out my “strawberry lemonade and white wine transgression” to the ladies. To my immense relief, no one laughed me out of the Lodge and into the scorching 115°F Oklahoma heat (seriously, Oklahoma, 115°F? Even the natives confess it’s a bit much!). Instead, there were murmurs of intrigue and shared delight. It was in that moment of camaraderie and acceptance that I decided this wasn’t just a secret indulgence, but a joyous discovery worth sharing. And so, my friends, I present to you my super classy, super chic, and utterly refreshing concoction: Strawberry Wineade.

Whether you’re an oenophile currently clutching your pearls in horror or someone who, like me, appreciates simple pleasures and delightful surprises, I’m genuinely glad you’re here. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a testament to the beauty of happy accidents and the joy of sharing. MWAH! (And that’s not just the Strawberry Wineade talking…)

Strawberry Wineade: The Refreshing Summer Recipe

This super refreshing Strawberry Wineade is the delightful result of a happy accident on a hot day. It’s a simple blend of fresh homemade strawberry lemonade and chilled semi-dry white wine, served over ice. There is absolutely nothing pretentious about this drink, but its beautiful pink color and crisp, fruity flavor make it the perfect antidote to warm weather, backyard barbecues, or a quiet evening on the porch.

Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Lemonade

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4-5 medium lemons)
• 1 quart (4 cups) cold water
• 1 cup frozen hulled, unsweetened strawberries

Ingredients for Strawberry Wineade (Per Serving)

• 1/2 cup homemade strawberry lemonade (prepared from the recipe above)
• 1/2 cup chilled semi-dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a dry Riesling)
• Ice cubes, for serving

Instructions for Homemade Strawberry Lemonade

1. In a small saucepan, gently combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not bring to a boil. This creates a simple syrup.
2. Carefully pour the warm simple syrup into the carafe of a blender. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the quart (4 cups) of cold water, and the 1 cup of frozen hulled, unsweetened strawberries.
3. Secure the lid firmly on the blender and blend on HIGH speed until the mixture is completely smooth and the strawberries are fully incorporated into a vibrant, uniform liquid.
4. Pour the freshly made strawberry lemonade into a pitcher or a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Store the homemade strawberry lemonade in the refrigerator until it’s thoroughly chilled and ready to use. It’s best served very cold.

Instructions for Making a Strawberry Wineade

1. Take a pint jar or a tall, elegant glass and fill it generously with ice cubes.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of your chilled semi-dry white wine over the ice.
3. Immediately follow by pouring 1/2 cup of the prepared homemade strawberry lemonade into the same jar or glass.
4. Using a chopstick, a long spoon, or a straw, gently stir the mixture to combine the wine and lemonade thoroughly. The goal is to blend them without losing the refreshing chill.
5. Find a comfortable spot, put your feet up in your most elegant or relaxed manner, and savor this wonderfully refreshing Strawberry Wineade. Enjoy the simple luxury of a homemade summer cocktail!

Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and should be calculated with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

A special thank you to Ree Drummond for generously allowing the use of the photographs depicting my cheesemaking process. The delightful image of fellow enthusiasts capturing my cheesemaking shenanigans was taken by Sandy Coughlin, The Reluctant Entertainer. For a more detailed account of our cheesy adventures, be sure to read Ree’s fantastic post here.