WLM Fall 2013 | Page 29

TAILGATING TIPS FROM THE WYO WINE-O: Uncork Your Tailgate! WLM | taste by Patrick Zimmerer, Table Mountain Vineyards The Wyo Sunset – Add equal parts Tonic/Soda Water with Light Red Wine (try TMV Sunset Rose’) and pour over ice. Add 1 part Campari, a bitter red liqueur (22% ABV) over the drink. Stir and serve. We suggest serving this in a clear glass to appreciate the vibrant red color of the cocktail. Both Aperol and Campari take some effort to find in retailers, but let me assure you they will enhance any wine based cocktail. These effortless cocktails are a perfect fit to your tailgating and may earn you MVP for your tailgate. Here’s to toasting in the football season with some wine! Cheers, and let’s go Pokes! F ootball season is here and that means tailgating prep time is in full swing. While we all know football and beer go hand in hand, consider taking the tailgate rookie, wine, with you. Wine can be a versatile team player helping you cut through heavy bites, tame down that hot wing, and make a great cocktail option. Wine only requires a few extras – a corkscrew, some glasses/cups and temperature control. Make sure to keep your wine cool before and during the game. Even red wines need to be under 70 degrees for an ideal serving temp. Keep them out of the direct heat at all costs, ice your lighter/sweeter wines, and keep the rest in a cool area. Wine makes a great pairing for any food that is dished out during the party. Sparkling wines make for a great early morning tailgate and can be mixed into mimosas for a crowd. Consider light, crisp whites or rose’ wines for a refreshing sip while not being clogged down by an excess of sweetness. Another great idea for a larger crowd is sangria. Simply add red wine, freshly cut fruit, sugar, and brandy for a wine punch that is always a crowd pleaser. Here are a few wine based cocktails to score some extra points at your next gathering: The Wyo Wine - O Cooler – Mix equal parts light red wine, blush or rose’ with a citrus soda (original Fresca is preferred), Patrick Zimmerer is owner and operator of Table Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Huntley, WY. Patrick is a fourth generation Wyoming Native and has a strong passion for Wyoming Agriculture and Wyoming businesses. Patrick also has a passion for locally made products and all things booze. To learn more about Patrick including his blog and posts, find him on Twitter @tmvwinery or visit www.TableMountainVineyards.com. pour over ice and garnish with your favorite fruit. Serve in a red solo cup to instill a bit of casual atmosphere to the gathering. The beauty of this drink is that it will be appreciated from everyone you serve it to with no effort as it requires three ingredients with little prep time. Wyo Sunrise – Add equal parts Tonic/ Soda Water with a light, dry white wine (such as TMV Stampede White) and pour over ice. Add 1 part Aperol, a bitter orange liqueur over the drink. Stir and serve. Aperol is a light bitter (11% ABV) and a beautiful addition to making wine cocktails. This fizzy, refreshing, bright orange cocktail will be appreciated by all around. www.wyolifestyle.com 29