June is my favorite time of year, and not just because it’s my birthday (although that certainly doesn’t hurt). The weather is just right, the days are long, pools are open, it’s baseball season. It’s really the perfect month, except that it is fleeting. Thirty days is never enough.

I love wine, and I am especially partial to red (the blog name isn’t a coincidence). Some people don’t like to drink red in the summer. I won’t go that far, but when the weather turns warm, I do tend to swap my reds for roses, whites, and bubbly a bit more often. A couple summers ago, I found this drink recipe, and it’s become one of my summer staples, whether I’m entertaining friends or just sitting on my imaginary porch and enjoying a summer nightcap.

Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine, usually dry or extra dry, which in wine-speak means it isn’t sweet. It’s about $6-10 a bottle at Trader Joe’s, making it an inexpensive alternative to champagne and a great option for budget-friendly entertaining.

This is one of those drinks that would look better if I were a professional photographer and food stylist… Meh. I’d rather be sipping my cocktail, thankyouverymuch. :)

The Strawberry Muddle

From Bon Appetit
Serves 6

1 1/2 cups chopped hulled strawberries
6 tablespoons simple syrup*
6 thin lemon slices
Ice cubes
750-ml bottle chilled Prosecco

* To make simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves (for this recipe, try 1/2 cup). Increase heat and bring to a boil. Cool syrup.

Divide strawberries among six 6- to 8-ounce glasses; add 1 tablespoon syrup to each and mash with muddler or handle of wooden spoon. Add lemon slice to each and mash to release flavor. Add several ice cubes to each glass, then fill with Prosecco.