I consider myself something of a conundrum professionally. After all, I’m often paid to taste and write about wine. I’ve studied wine extensively, and I drink…well, more than my fair share of wine — we’ll leave it at that. But no part of me is pretentious about this beloved beverage. Of course, I can appreciate the extravagant bottles that are auctioned for millions and all but worshiped in dusty, luxurious wine cellars. But I’m a firm believer that wine needn’t be painfully expensive to be delectable, and I actually enjoy new twists and trends in the wine world that so many of my colleagues turn their noses at.
That’s why I was thrilled when I saw this new wine trend making its rounds through social media. The Spicy Sauvy B was a new twist on wine with a sexy name and even more alluring simplicity. Two ingredients that seem to have been made for each other, and we’re only now just starting to recognize this miraculous pairing? It just goes to show that we shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss social media food trends. Because, for all the hot dog straws and other foolishness out there, there’s always a great idea just waiting to be discovered.
Don’t get me wrong. You won’t find me sampling Mountain Dew wine any time soon, but the Spicy Sauvy B is my new favorite drink of the summer, and it’s going to be yours, too.
What is a Spicy Sauvy B?
The newest summertime splash is really very simple. The drink is comprised of just two ingredients — a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a few (or many) frozen jalapeno slices acting as spice-infused ice cubes. The jalapenos are meant to both cool the wine in their frozen state and spice it up with their signature punch of fiery fun.
Of course, I’m always a fan of letting one’s inner bartender loose when it comes to mixing drinks and breaking a few rules. And you can, of course, use another varietal for your spicy concoction. In a pinch, you could use another white wine, such as Pinot Blanc or Viognier, but Sauvignon Blanc is the best option due to its light, citrusy crispness that pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of the jalapeno.
Likewise, the jalapeno is a perfect pepper for this drink. While you can, of course, mix things up with various peppers, the jalapeno’s signature flavor is so much more than spice. Jalapeno’s grassy green notes and herbaceous flavor pair exceptionally well with Sauvignon Blanc’s fruity, tropical notes. It’s the perfect love match.
Why it’s so delicious
Both Sauvignon Blanc and jalapenos share similar green, grassy notes due to the presence of organic compounds in both, known as pyrazines. This structural similarity makes the two ingredients a natural pairing. With similar flavor profiles and complementary differences, such as jalapeno’s spice and Sauvignon Blanc’s fruitiness, the balance of these two is exquisite.
This is also a fantastic drink for warm weather as its sweet and spicy pairing is reminiscent of so many of our favorite summer cocktails. There’s a reason we love the flavors of fresh, sweet fruit colliding with a spicy bite in drinks like spicy margaritas or Bloody Marias. The contrasting flavors are irresistible and perfect for any backyard barbecue, pool party, or day on the boat. Fruity and spicy in one glass just tastes like warm weather, and we are here for it.
Spicy Sauvy B recipe
Any good Sauvignon Blanc will work in this recipe, but I recommend an especially fruity bottle, like Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc or Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs like these tend to be quite a bit more fruit-forward on the palate, so that’s a great place to start.
When selecting jalapenos for your Spicy Sauvy B, green is the best option. While red jalapenos are delicious, they’re much sweeter and riper tasting. Green jalapenos are sharper and crisper, which will deliver the contrast you want in this drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 green jalapeno, sliced into rounds
- 1 5-ounce serving of crisp Sauvignon Blanc, chilled
Method:
- Place the jalaneno slides on a sheet of parchment and freeze until frozen solid, about three hours.
- Pour Sauvignon Blanc into a wine glass and add 3-6 frozen jalapeno slices, depending on taste.
- Enjoy your new favorite drink of the summer, repeat as necessary.
