By Jake Rallo
With the change of season comes the perfect opportunity to explore new flavors and embrace fresh beginnings. As we eagerly await the sunny days of summer at the Jersey Shore, we’re reaching for light floral drinks, crisp tart wines and refreshing options in anticipation of those daily highs of 90°F and the summer waves.
It’s Cool not to Drink
According to the Time.com article, “Why Gen Z is Drinking Less,” alcohol consumption among younger people is on the decline. Enter nonalcoholic and zero-proof cocktails. With an array of ready-to-drink cans and alcohol-free alternatives from brands like Seedlip and Lyres, both bartenders and at-home mixologists are finding “healthier” ways to enjoy a drink.
This spring, we’re all about the Verjus Spritz – a tart and fresh nonalcoholic spritz. Nestled somewhere between vinegar, wine and sparkling grape juice, verjus is made from pressing unripe wine grapes harvested early in the season. Our favorite brand? Fusion Verjus from Napa Valley, California. Ready to make one? Let’s get started!
Verjus Spritz
Servings: 1
2 ounces Fusion Verjus Blanc
2 ounces Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic
2 ounces Fever Tree club soda
2 dashes cucumber and ginger bitters (optional)
Lemon twist, for garnish
Combine ingredients in a wine glass, add ice and enjoy!
Go-to Wines for
Breezy Spring Days
Tart, fresh wines are perfect for a picnic, at the Shore or during a spring night by the fire and we welcome the season with our favorite sips from Burgundy, France, and regions alike. With over two millennia of rich winemaking history, Burgundy’s vineyards are renowned for producing exceptional wines. While chardonnay and pinot noir dominate the region, other varietals like gamay and aligoté are equally delicious.
Clotilde Davenne Crémant de Bourgogne Extra Brut Rosé NV This sparkling wine is made in the traditional Champagne method using 100% pinot noir grapes from Burgundy. It offers a crisp, refreshing profile with delicate red fruit flavors like strawberry and raspberry, balanced by subtle hints of brioche. Bright, fresh and fun, this bubbly is everything you want in a glass of wine and can be easily opened during your picnic without a wine key!
Maison Noir Wines “Gamma Ray” 2022 Willamette Valley, Oregon Maison Noir’s “Gamma Ray” continues the Burgundian tradition of blending gamay noir and pinot noir. With mouthwatering cranberry and strawberry fruit, this wine is bright, juicy and perfect for a brisk spring day. Enjoy it with a slice of Jersey pizza for the ultimate pairing.
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine “Bouzeron” 2022 Burgundy, France If you’re looking to try aligoté, Domaine de Villaine is the place to go. Owned by the same family behind the renowned Domaine Romanée-Conti, this wine is definitely worth seeking out. Aligoté, a once-overlooked white grape of Burgundy, is quickly becoming a rising star. Comparable to village-level chablis, aligoté wines are floral, with notes of green apple, citrus, and bright minerality. If you’re interested in rooting for the underdog, we highly recommend giving aligoté a try.
The article originally appeared in the March 13 – 19, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
