Made with the crisp, refreshing notes of Sutter Home wine, blended with the homey, comforting essence of sweet tea, this cocktail is an invitation to indulge in the slices of happiness that ordinary days offer, to celebrate the small wins, and to cherish the company of loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a quiet moment of solitude, or simply looking for a new recipe to add to your repertoire, this Homemade Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail is designed to enchant and refresh.
Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail is a beverage offered by Sutter Home Winery. It combines the flavors of sweet tea with wine, creating a unique cocktail that blends the refreshing qualities of sweet tea with the fruity and sometimes floral notes of wine.
Ingredients:
1 bottle of Sutter Home Moscato: This wine was chosen for its sweet, gentle notes, which beautifully complement the richness of the tea.
4 cups of brewed sweet tea: Home-brewed is preferred, as it allows you to adjust the sweetness and strength to your liking.
½ cup of lemon juice: Freshly squeezed provides a zesty kick that elevates the cocktail.
Mint leaves: A handful for garnish, adding a refreshing aroma and a splash of green.
Lemon slices: For garnish, contributing to the drink’s aesthetics and zest.
Ice cubes: To serve chilled and add that crisp, cold dimension.
Instructions:
Brew the Sweet Tea: Begin by brewing your favorite black tea. For a robust flavor, let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten the tea while it’s still warm to your desired level of sweetness. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator to expedite the process.
Mix the Cocktail: In a large pitcher, combine the chilled sweet tea and the Sutter Home Moscato. Stir gently to blend the flavors together seamlessly.
Add the Lemon: Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well. The acidity will balance the sweetness and add a layer of complexity to your cocktail.
Chill: If time allows, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to an hour. This step is not mandatory but allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes to the brim. Pour the cocktail over the ice, ensuring a refreshing chill with every sip.
Garnish: Embellish each glass with a sprig of mint and a slice of lemon. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a delightful scent and flavor.
Tips for The Perfect Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail:
Quality Matters: While Sutter Home Moscato is recommended for its sweet, approachable profile, feel free to experiment with other white wines from the Sutter Home collection based on your taste preference.
Personalize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of your tea to complement the wine. The harmony between the sweet tea and the Moscato is crucial for achieving the perfect balance.
Cold is Gold: Ensure both the tea and the wine are well-chilled before mixing. This keeps the cocktail refreshingly cold and minimizes dilution from the ice.
Experiment with Garnishes: While mint leaves and lemon slices are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other garnishes like orange slices, berries, or even a cinnamon stick for a unique twist.
What to serve with
With its delightful blend of sweet and crisp flavors, the Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail is a versatile beverage that pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, an elegant brunch, or a relaxing evening, choosing the right foods to accompany your cocktail can enhance the entire experience. Here are some detailed suggestions on what to serve with this refreshing drink:
For a Light Brunch:
Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful assortment of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple can provide a light, refreshing complement to the sweet tea wine cocktail.
Mini Quiches or Frittatas: Offer a variety of fillings, such as spinach, bacon, and feta or mushroom and Swiss, which provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the cocktail.
Avocado Toast: Top slices of crusty bread with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, chili flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This simple dish pairs nicely with the zesty flavor of the cocktail.
For a Relaxed Afternoon Gathering:
Cheese and Charcuterie Board: Assemble a board with various cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and olives. Rich cheeses like brie or gouda and salty snacks like almonds and olives contrast wonderfully with the sweet and aromatic cocktail.
Caprese Salad Skewers: A fun twist on the traditional caprese, skewer cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls on toothpicks and drizzle with balsamic reduction for a refreshing bite that complements the sweet and sour notes in your drink.
Grilled Vegetable Platter: Offer a selection of grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. The smokiness of the grill marks and the natural sweetness of the veggies are an excellent match for the cocktail.
For an Evening Soiree:
BBQ Chicken Sliders: The sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue sauce on tender chicken sandwiches enhance the smooth, sweet notes of the Moscato and the richness of the sweet tea.
Shrimp Cocktail: The clean, crisp flavor of chilled, boiled shrimp with a zesty cocktail sauce can elevate the refreshing qualities of the sweet tea wine cocktail.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Serve with pita chips or toasted bread. The creamy and tangy flavors mesh well with the cocktail’s sweet and citrusy profile.
For a Weekend Barbecue:
Smoked Pork Ribs: The deep, rich flavors of smoked ribs coated in a sticky, sweet barbecue sauce will harmonize with the sweetness of the Moscato and the boldness of the brewed tea.
Corn on the Cob: Whether grilled or boiled, buttered corn on the cob with a sprinkle of salt and pepper is a classic barbecue dish that complements the sweet tea elements.
Dessert Pairings:
Peach Cobbler: The natural sweetness and slight tartness of peaches topped with a crisp, buttery crust can perfectly match the sweet and fruity cocktail.
Lemon Bars: Their tangy and sweet flavor profile will enhance the lemon notes in the cocktail.
Vanilla or Lemon Sorbet: A light, refreshing dessert like sorbet will cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors in the Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail without overwhelming the senses.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating the Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail opens opportunities to explore flavors through ingredient substitutions. Whether due to personal preference, dietary restrictions, or simply the desire for a different twist, these alternatives ensure your cocktail remains a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into detailed substitutions for each ingredient to tailor your beverage to your liking.
Wine Alternatives:
Sutter Home Moscato Substitute: If Moscato’s sweetness is too much or you’re seeking a different profile, consider other wines. For a less sweet option, try a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio; these wines still offer a fruity note but with less residual sugar. For those preferring a non-alcoholic version, sparkling grape juice or non-alcoholic white wines are excellent substitutes, maintaining the essence of the cocktail without the alcohol content.
Sweet Tea Alternatives:
Herbal Tea: For a twist, replace traditional black tea with a caffeine-free herbal tea such as peach, raspberry, or hibiscus tea. These provide a unique flavor base that complements the wine beautifully.
Green Tea: Using brewed green tea introduces a slightly grassy and fresh element, adding complexity to the cocktail. Adjust the sweetness, as green tea can have a subtle bitterness.
Lemon Juice Alternatives:
Lime Juice: Substituting lemon juice with lime offers a slightly different acidic profile, adding a sharper yet refreshing twist.
Orange Juice: For a sweeter and less tart cocktail, orange juice can offer a softer citrus note, marrying well with both the tea and wine.
Sweetener Alternatives:
Honey or Agave Syrup: If you prefer a natural sweetener over traditional sugar in your tea, both honey and agave syrup are excellent choices. They blend well and can complement the wine’s sweetness while adding a smooth texture to your drink.
Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie option, sweeten your tea with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These alternatives require less quantity than sugar for the same level of sweetness, so adjust according to taste.
Garnish Alternatives:
Basil or Rosemary: If mint isn’t your preference or you’re seeking variety, basil offers a peppery, sweet touch, while rosemary can introduce a woodsy, aromatic quality to the cocktail.
Edible Flowers or Berries: Edible flowers like lavender or rose petals can add a delightful aroma and visual appeal. Berries, like raspberries or blackberries, lend a fruity note that compliments the cocktail’s flavors.
Ice Alternatives:
Frozen Fruit Cubed: Swap traditional ice cubes with frozen fruit like watermelon, pineapple, or grapes. As they melt, they infuse the cocktail with additional flavors without diluting it.
Final Thoughts
Creating the Sutter Home Sweet Tea Wine Cocktail is an act of love and a nod to life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re sipping it while basking in the glow of sunset or sharing it with friends during a heartwarming gathering, this cocktail promises a memorable experience.
Meet Sandra, a bartender with a passion for mixology and storytelling. Born and raised in Miami, Sandra's fascination with flavors and spirits began at a young age, inspired by the vibrant culture of her hometown.
