Needless to say, summer is here with a vengeance! Something cool, refreshing and tasty is sure what the weatherman ordered! So cool your tastebuds with these grown up popsicles made with fresh strawberries, red wine, and dark chocolate.  

INGREDIENTS

• 16 ounces strawberries
• 1/2 cup simple syrup (1/2 cup sugar plus 1/2 cup water heated over medium heat until sugar dissolves)
• 1 cup red wine (Pinot Noir works well)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 6 ounces good quality dark chocolate, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all of the ingredients except the dark chocolate and coconut oil to a blender or food processor and puree until they are smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert a popsicle stick.
3. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
4. In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the dark chocolate in 20 second intervals stirring each time until the chocolate is just melted, be careful not to burn it.
5. Stir the melted coconut oil into the melted chocolate.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
7. Remove the popsicles from the mold and dunk them in the melted chocolate.
8. Lay them on the parchment lined baking sheet.
9. Work quickly to avoid having them melt, then immediately place them back in the freezer to harden.
10. Store the finished popsicles in a single layer in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer.

It's the festive time of year when it's hot outside and nothing is more refreshing than a white wine spritzer! We added a little flair for this weekends patriotic events.  Stop out and see us at New World Wine Shop in Lake Geneva for the perfect white wine for this holiday favorite!

Red White & Boom Spritzer
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 bottle chilled dry white wine.  A dryer, less sweet wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is recommended to offset the sugar of the soda and fruit.
1 liter chilled lemon lime soda, such as Sprite or 7UP

Place the strawberries and blueberries in the bottom of a 1-gallon pitcher. Pour in the white wine and soda, and gently mix to combine. Serve with a few fruit pieces in each glass.

Keep refrigerated until serving