Wine Spritzers, or Wine Coolers, so simple, yet few people make them at home, choosing instead to buy the bottled type ... BLATCH!  Red or White, a wine spritzer or cooler is so easy, refreshing and an excellent way to make somewhat less than remarkable wine very palatable.

Red Spritzer

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.  Half fill with inexpensive full bodied red wine, like a Burgundy type.  Fill the glass the rest of the way with 7-up, ginger ale, or other citrus flavored soda.  My favorite to use is Collins mix.  An excellent addition is a splash of red currant or blackberry Italian soda syrup.  Garnish with a slice of orange or lemon.  Serve with a long straw.

White Spritzer

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.  Half fill with inexpensive white wine like a Chardonnay or Rhine.  Fill the rest of the way with ginger ale or Collins mix.  Add a splash of ginger flavored Italian soda syrup.  Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lemon.  Serve with a long straw.