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Chianti Cooler
Jorj Morgan

Chianti Cooler

Chianti Classico with a blood orange and sage syrup, lemon and sparkling water. A red wine cooler with more character than it lets on.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 ounces chilled Chianti Classico
  • ½ ounce Blood Orange–Sage Simple Syrup
  • ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 2 ounces chilled sparkling water
  • Ice
Garnishes
  • 1 Thin orange wheel
  • 1 sprig fresh basil
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary, optional

Equipment

  • Large wine glass
  • Long bar spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
  2. Pour in Chianti, Blood Orange–Sage Simple Syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange wheel and a sprig of basil.

Notes

Makes 1 cocktail.
Jorj's Tip
Choose a medium-bodied Chianti with bright cherry notes rather than a heavy reserve wine. The goal is a refreshing cocktail that complements pizza instead of overpowering it. The Blood Orange–Sage Simple Syrup adds just enough citrus and herbal depth to make the drink feel thoughtfully crafted.
Hosting a Crowd
For 8 guests, prepare the base ahead of time:
• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled Chianti
• ½ cup Blood Orange–Sage Simple Syrup (You Can Cook Anything – Volume 5)
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
Refrigerate until guests arrive.
Pour about 4 ounces of the mixture over ice in wine glasses, then top each with 2 ounces sparkling water and garnish with fresh basil and orange slices.
Host's Shortcut: Fill a large beverage dispenser or beautiful glass pitcher with the wine base. Set bottles of chilled sparkling water alongside so guests can finish their own Coolers while building their pizzas.
Make It Your Own
• Tuscan Garden Cooler: Muddle a basil leaf before adding the wine.
• Sparkling Chianti Spritz: Replace the sparkling water with Prosecco for a more festive cocktail.
• Rosemary Chianti Cooler: Garnish with a lightly bruised rosemary sprig for an earthy herbal note.
• Summer Berry Cooler: Add a few fresh blackberries or cherries to each glass before serving.