Anyone who knows me knows I love me some white wine, so I jumped at the opportunity to cover the launch party for Spodee White, the latest offering from Philadelphia-based spirits maven Steven Grasse—the man behind Sailor Jerry Rum and Hendrick’s Gin.
Two years after releasing Spodee Red, a moonshine-fortified red wine (with a kick!) that boasts an impressive 36 proof label, Grasse is back on shelves with a lighter, fruitier wine: Spodee White.
Like its predecessor, Spodee White is fortified with moonshine to clock in at 18% alcohol, but it has a taste all its own. The honey-colored liquid smells like coconut and tastes like pineapple mixed with amaretto. It is absolutely perfect for mixing warm-weather cocktails.
A myriad of Spodee White-based cocktails were featured at the launch party, held at Revolution House (200 Market Street, Philadelphia). Each individual drink showed off the versatility of the liquor and the impressive number of ways it can be used to imbibe.
Spodee Sour
My personal favorite of the bunch was the Spodee Sour, which contained Spodee White mixed with Disaronno Amaretto, Meyers Rum, fresh lemon and lime juice, egg white and Angostura Bitters. The beverage was the perfect combination of sweet, sour and tangy, and it really showed off Spodee’s flavors.
Spojito
I also gave the Spojito, Spodee White’s riff on the classic mojito, a try. The refreshing cocktail was expertly mixed with mint, lime, Malibu coconut rum, club soda and, of course, Spodee White. One sip transported me to a tropical paradise far, far away from rainy Philadelphia.
Summer Spodee
Next I sipped on the Summer Spodee, a crisp drink containing Revolution House-infused cucumber vodka, pineapple juice and club soda. The fruit juice brought out the citrus notes of the Spodee White, while the cucumber vodka counterbalanced the sweetness. It was nothing short of delightful. I would have ordered 20 (Kidding! But probably 5 if it was not a weeknight).
DIY Spodee White
Finally, I gave the DIY Spodee White sangria bar a try, which was tons of fun. I mixed Spodee White with a little orange juice, club soda and fresh fruit and BAM—a new mixologist was born. I cannot wait to feature a Spodee White bar at my next brunch to impress my friends with something other than the old champagne and orange juice standby. Spodee Sangria is the new mimosa!
Grab a bottle of Spodee White in the sangria section of any PA Wine & Spirits Shoppe for just $7.99. You won’t regret it.
- Spojito: Spodee Wine
- Cocktail Photography: Laura Hibbs McKenzie
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