As I was adding this book review to my editorial planner, I thought, "It’s not very often there’s a weekday in the name of a book title, so I should honor that by posting on that day!" Happy Wednesday, dear readers, I’m excited to share a refreshing Champagne Bowler recipe from Wednesday Night Wine-Down by Jennifer Newens with you today.
Midweek Sipping Ideas Ahead!
I’d like to thank The Collective Book Studio for the complimentary copy of Wednesday Night Wine-Down showcased in today’s post. No other compensation was given.
About Wednesday Night Wine-Down- Down -52 Drinks for Low-Alcohol Midweek Sipping: Available May 20, 2025
Author: Jennifer Newens/Published by: The Collective Book Studio/152 pages/Hardcover/Genre: Food-Drink-Alcohol
Book Synopsis from Publisher:
“Wednesday Night Wine-Down offers inspired, easy-to-put-together, low-alcohol cocktails to help you relax midweek without overdoing it. The 52 creative infusions are crafted with seasonal ingredients and use widely available still, sparkling, and fortified wines, bringing you a delicious array of seasonal sips.
In Wednesday Night-Wine Down, you’ll find the classics everyone knows and loves, such as an Aperol Spritz, the French-inspired Kir, or a New Orleans–style French 75.
As well as favorites from Spain, Italy, and Portugal, and even original creations. The recipes also include fresh takes on favorite spirit-based cocktails, such as a Red Wine Margarita, a Spanish Negroni made with sherry instead of gin, or a White Wine Mojito. Wednesday Night Wine-Down is your go-to for a midweek libation, every week of the year.”
My Thoughts:
Ever since I began my adventures in learning more about wines last spring, I’ve been drawn to books and recipes that use wine, so I was thrilled to be asked if I’d like to review Wednesday Night Wine-Down.
While reading this book. I delighted in learning more about wine cocktails, because to be frank, I’m still not much of a wine drinker, but I very much enjoy an occasional cocktail. The author, Jennifer Newens, expertly combines them in this beautifully illustrated book.
She shares how many of the drinks are inspired by classic spirit cocktails, where one or more of the spirit components have been replaced with wine.
Jennifer also gives us a brief overview of the wines listed in the book, which I found extremely helpful. Now that I know more about Lillet Blanc, Sherry, and Port to have a conversation about them with guests.
Another detail I like about this book is how it’s organized first by the four seasons, and then into weeks within that season, then a list of drinks for each week. For instance, the spring portion of the book invites us to try recipes like:
- Bay Breeze
- Grapefruit Fizz
- Instant Sangria
- Happy Go Lucky
- Mimosa with Variations
There are fifteen spring recipes, so I’m sure you’ll find a drink for your midweek enjoyment
The recipe I’m sharing today is from the Summer collection. It’s called Champagne Bowler. Doesn’t it look refreshing?
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| Courtesy:The Collective Book Studio |
According to the book, it’s hard to find the origin story for this classic cocktail. It may have originated in California in the 1930s or 40’s. To use the recipe below, just right-click to save the photo recipe card to your device.
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| Courtesy:The Collective Book Studio |
The Takeaway:
This is a delightful, easy-to-read cocktail recipe book that's made to be enjoyed no matter the reason or season. The low alcohol recipes can be served at your next get-together or enjoyed on a random Wednesday night, for some refreshing midweek sipping.
Invite you to learn more about Wednesday Night- Wine Down, the author, and how to pre-order a copy by visiting its listing page at The Collective Book Studio.
If you’ve enjoyed this book review on cocktails, you might also like my recent post on Southern Style Cocktails. I have other book reviews available as well, just visit the Books tab here on the blog. Thank you.
Please share in comments: Will you make the Champagne Bowler recipe shared today?
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