This is a guest post by TampaBayScene’s Anna Brown
Well kids, we’ve somehow made it to July 2014.
Summer is in full swing, and the Fourth of July is right around the corner. As we are all investigating how to magically become skinny to fit into our American flag themed string bikinis and speedos, we are also planning on how to strategically black out so we can enjoy this long weekend with friends and family. So the next step after magically dropping 10 pounds is, of course, booze.
As I believe many would agree with me, all red-blooded Americans over the age of 21 know what to do when selecting brews and liquor. Therefore, I’d like to offer guidance on a less-traveled road: wine!
This guide is for those who are looking to come off as practical and trendy when arriving to various cookouts and beach houses.
Choose your Grapes
Before you blindly grab a wine off the shelf and hope for the best, it’s time for a quick lesson in the art of grapes.
You cannot go wrong with a cold, crisp refreshing glass of white wine on a hot July 4th day. Chill your wine overnight if possible or I would highly suggest throwing some ice in your glass before going to town.
Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp with citrusy undertones
Sauvingon Blanc: Light and crisp with fruity undertones
Chardonnay: Buttery and oaky
Moscato/Reisling: If you like apple juice, you’ll like these two fruity options.
If you’re feelin’ the darker elixir, here’s the scoop on the most common reds.
Pinot Noir: Light with wisps of berry aromas
Merlot: Medium-bodied with hints of dark fruit
Malbec: Medium-bodied with earthy tones
Cabernet Sauvignon: Heavy with an oaky feel
Also, make sure to choose a wine that has an alcoholic content that is below 13 percent because alcohol affects the human body much more aggressively in the heat.
Choose your Box
We all need to be honest with ourselves and understand our drunken (and even sober) tendencies. We must accept that a bottle of wine will only end up spilled, broken or stolen. The better option is boxed wine, which, contrary to popular belief, does not always have to be trashy. Think of it instead as functional and sensible. You can throw that box to or at anyone and still have full usage of what is inside. I am trying to move away from the Franzia stigma.
Although my nights of slapping the bag are far from over, I want us all to know that there are advantages to that boxed-enconsced bag we’ve all come to know and love as college students. And there are options other than Franzia.
Fish Eye
A brand hailing from southeastern Australia. It contains 3 liters, (equivalent to four bottles) of wine, and usually costs around $16. Fish Eye is available in both red and white varieties and can be found at most liquor stores.
Bandit Boxed Wine
Slimmer than Fish Eye at one liter, this twist-off top contestant is nonetheless worthy of consideration. It’s equivalent to 1 1/2 bottles of wine and its price is basically unbeatable: $8 per box. Its packaging is also eco-friendly, Available in Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and a red blend.
Bota Box
The box contains three liters of wine, but Bota Box also comes in a smaller Tetra Pak with 500 mL of wine in it. The three-liter box is around $20, and the Tetra Pak is only $3.99. The packaging of this great boxed wine is 100 percent recyclable. Bota box is available in 10 varieties of reds and whites, and the Tetra Pak has six varieties.
Spice It Up
Sangria, sangria, sangria!
Sangria, the wine/fruit concoction made famous in Spain and Portugal, is the most refreshing twist you can add to your wine experience. It normally consists of wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener and a small amount of added brandy, but let’s face it, you’ll be chugging and dancing and attempting not to lose a finger with fireworks…so let’s keep it simple. Skip the other shit you can make sangria in a few easy steps!
- Crack open that cardboard box.
- Put ice in a glass.
- Fill it up.
- Add ginger ale or Sprite and a splash of fruit juice (orange or grapefruit juice is preferred).
- Throw in some fresh or frozen fruit, like raspberries, blueberries, oranges and apples.
Optional step 6: Instagram your homemade sangria
As always drink responsibly and be safe. And of course, shower the next day. Because no one likes the smell of shame and loose morals. Happy Independence day!
Featured photo courtesy of: IWM
