Jlohr Hilltop Recipe

Prepare fruit

Thinly slice the orange, lemon and apple. Hull and halve the strawberries. Reserve a couple of orange slices and a mint sprig for garnish. Place the remaining fruit in a medium mixing pitcher or bowl.

Chill 2 large wine glasses or a large pitcher in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the cocktail base.

Combine base ingredients

Into the mixing pitcher with the fruit, pour 1 cup JLohr Hilltop red wine, 1/4 cup orange liqueur, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice and 2 tablespoons simple syrup. Gently stir to combine so the juice and liqueur coat the fruit slices and macerate slightly.

Macerate

Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so the fruit releases juices and flavors into the wine mixture. Stir once or twice during this time.

Taste and adjust sweetness: if you prefer sweeter, add up to 1 tablespoon more simple syrup and stir to combine.

Add ice and top

Fill the chilled glasses or the pitcher with the large ice cubes (about 1 cup total). Pour the wine-fruit mixture over the ice. Top each serving with about 1/4 cup chilled club soda or sparkling water to add brightness and effervescence.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a reserved orange slice, a halved strawberry and a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately with a long spoon or stirrer so guests can scoop fruit as they drink.