Cheap wine is fine for peachy spritzer

Peaches are shown in this 2007 photo. While peaches are available nearly year round, July and August is when the seasons heat and sunshine has really filled the fruit with sugar. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)
Peaches are shown in this 2007 photo. While peaches are available nearly year round, July and August is when the seasons heat and sunshine has really filled the fruit with sugar. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

There are some things that are routine in our house. I can guarantee you that I'm at the track in the early morning and again in the evening after the sun goes down.

I usually hit the computer around 10 every morning to get a few columns and stories written. Then I start worrying about what's on the menu for dinner and try to come up with something clever if we're not having leftovers.

Making an afternoon cocktail is certainly not part of my daily routine, but when I found this recipe on foodtalkdaily.com and made it for the first time, I decided I should add it. Not daily, of course, but maybe weekly - especially when peach season is in full swing.

It's been so incredibly hot this summer, it's almost like walking into a furnace when you open the door, and that's why this peachy wine spritzer is so refreshing. Another reason to fall in love with it? It uses up a lot of that mint you might have overtaking your garden.

Wine spritzers are very forgiving because you can use most any white wine you happen to have - the cheaper the better. No sense in using your best white wine when you're mixing it with other flavors.

Peachy Wine Spritzer

3-4 very ripe peaches, chopped

4 sprigs fresh mint

1 tablespoon honey

1 cup sparkling water, divided

8 ounces white wine

Add the peaches, mint leaves, honey and 1/2 cup of sparkling water to a blender. Blend until smooth.

Transfer to a strainer lined with cheesecloth, and strain the peach mixture into a bowl. You may have to squeeze some of the liquid out as the mixture will be thick.

In each of 2 ice-filled glasses, pour about 4 ounces of wine over, and divide the peach mixture between the two glasses. Top each with remaining sparkling water, and garnish with peach slices and mint.

COFFEE FOR A CAUSE

Through Friday, customers of Scooter's Coffee may add a $1 donation to their order, with all proceeds benefiting Wounded Warriors Family Support.

This is the fifth consecutive year the company has supported WWFS, which helps combat-wounded veterans as well as families of veterans who were wounded or killed in action. The organization also provides grants and modified vehicles for combat-wounded veterans through Mobility Is Freedom.

Last year, through its customers, employees and franchisees, Scooter's Coffee donated approximately $44,000 to WWFS, according to a news release.

Scooter's Coffee has three locations in the Chattanooga area: 4631 Highway 58, 7318 Shallowford Road and 9395 Apison Pike in Ooltewah.

Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com of annebraly.com.

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