Stylish Sipping: Try a Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Cocktail

It might seem sacrilege to dilute a Frank Family Chardonnay, but the qualities that make this iconic wine so delectable lend themselves quite well to crafted cocktails. Frank Family Vineyards might best be known for its varied Chardonnays which are lauded for their exceptional, “sure thing” quality. Each is made from grapes sourced from some of Napa and Sonoma’s best vineyard sites, and the result is always balanced, expressive wines of purity and complexity. And just as an exceptional bourbon makes the best Old Fashioned, an outstanding Chardonnay makes for an amazing and refreshing tipple.

Frank Family’s Liam Gearity, longtime director of sales and hospitality, has concocted a small library of cocktail recipes utilizing Frank Family Chardonnays as the base. With these festive drinks, Gearity has tapped into the rising mixology trend toward lower alcohol beverages, and these three cocktails present a striking balance of flavor and aesthetics while keeping things light, and just right. By blending the winery’s high-quality Chardonnays with fresh fruits and herbs, Gearity has elevated the profile into something unique, approachable, and utterly delightful. A master at balancing flavors, Gearity’s background as a mixologist shines through in every sip. He draws inspiration from both the complex profile of Frank Family’s Chardonnay and the freshest ingredients available—from picked-from-the garden thyme and rosemary to juicy berries and citrus.

These refreshing, low-ABV cocktails are perfect for sipping in the upcoming warmer months, or any time you might want something breezy, beautiful, and delicious:

APRIL SHOWERS: Made with Frank Family Vineyards 2019 Blanc de Blancs

Ingredients:

3-4 fresh cherries

1 oz basil simple syrup (½ cup water, ½ cup sugar, 8-10 basil leaves)

4 oz Frank Family Vineyards Blanc de Blancs

to taste: ice cubes

1 each fresh basil leaf for garnish

Method:

1. In a small pot, bring ½ cup of water to boil, then add ½ cup sugar.
2. Once sugar is completely dissolved, turn the burner off and add basil leaves. Let the leaves steep in the liquid until cool, about half an hour.
3. Strain the leaves and transfer the syrup into a squeeze bottle.
4. Muddle cherries with the basil simple syrup in a tumbler and add ice.
5. Pour Blanc de Blancs over ice and garnish with a fresh basil leaf or cherry.

SONOMA COAST GOLD RUSH: Made with Frank Family Vineyards 2023 Sangiacomo Chardonnay

Ingredients:

2-3 slices lemon wedges

2 tsp honey

4 oz Frank Family Sangiacomo Chardonnay

to taste: ice cubes

2 sprigs fresh thyme

Method:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add 2-3 sliced lemon wedges and honey, and press together with a classic muddler or large spoon.
2. Add Chardonnay, ice cubes and two sprigs of fresh thyme.
3. Shake gently to release the thyme flavors from the leaves, and pour into a tumbler or wine glass.

CARNEROS DOVE: Made with Frank Family Vineyards 2023 Carneros Chardonnay

Ingredients:

2-3 slices grapefruit wedges

1 oz agave nectar

to taste: ice cubes

4 oz Frank Family Carneros Chardonnay

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Method:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add 2-3 sliced grapefruit wedges and agave nectar, and press together with a classic muddler or large spoon.
2. Add Chardonnay, ice cubes, and two sprigs of fresh rosemary.
3. Shake gently to release the rosemary flavors from the leaves and pour into a tumbler or wine glass.

Photos courtesy of Frank Family Vineyards