Focus Magazine of SWFL Fun & Fresh | Page 192

Y FAMILY FEATURES ou can heighten the fun of every outdoor gathering with the right nibbles, noshes and refreshments. A fruitful al fresco experience involves lively conversation with good friends, easy finger foods and tasty, versatile drinks that fit the laid-back atmosphere. For the hosts who long for a successful backyard bash, consider serving palate-pleasing Moscato. This deliciously sweet wine varietal has become very popular as its approachable flavor profile is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Mix it up with fun flavors In addition to the classic peach taste of the Gallo Family Vineyards Original White Moscato, try the aromatic orange blossom notes of their Pink Moscato or the yummy red berry finish of their Red Moscato. Or, dust off your finest barware and make a splash by serving simple wine cocktails. Whether it’s a refreshing spin on a classic, like the Moscato-lini below, or your own recipe, Moscato’s fruit-forward flavors make it a great and unexpected base for cocktails. Add a bit of flare To keep outdoor gatherings exciting, Gallo Family Vineyards offers these refreshing tips: n  abel your food offerings for L guests in a fun way by cutting a slit in wine corks and insert­ ing a small card. n  elp guests cool down by H serving sweet wine cocktails on ice. n  ive your guests a fun way G to keep track of their drinks by painting the bottom of wine glasses with chalkboard paint. Guests can use chalk to write their names and draw pictures. Blackberry Moscato Bellini Servings: 1 1/4 cup blackberries 1 tablespoon water 5 ounces chilled Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato 1 whole blackberry for garnish Combine blackberries and water in blender and puree until smooth. Strain through fine-mesh strainer, discarding seeds and solids. Fill bottom of chilled Champagne coupe with blackberry puree. Top with Moscato and garnish with fresh blackberry. 1 92 FOCUS of SWFL 2014 Moscato Moscow Mule Servings: 1 4 ounces ginger beer 3 ounces Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato 1 ounce lime juice 1 lime wheel 1 mint sprig for garnish Pour ginger beer, Moscato and lime juice into ice-filled copper mug. Garnish with lime wheel and mint sprig. Moscato Mango Mojito Servings: 1 1 lime, cut into eighths 5 leaves basil, plus more for garnish 1/2 teaspoon demerara sugar 1 1/4 ounces Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato 1 ounce white rum 1 1/4 ounces mango puree or mango nectar Muddle lime, basil leaves, and sugar in bottom of cocktail shaker. Fill with ice; add Moscato, white rum and mango nectar. Shake and strain into ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with basil sprig.