What Is The Alcohol Percentage In Wine Coolers
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Wine coolers are a popular party beverage because they have a lower alcohol content than other cocktails, but have you ever wondered what are the components to wine coolers? Or exactly how much alcohol content there is?

Definition

Wine coolers are an alcoholic beverage with a low percentage of alcohol often mixed with carbonated beverages, various flavoring and sugars. Sangria, which is a mix of fruit, juice and alcohol, is a popular form of homemade wine cooler. However, sangria is also mass produced and can be found in retail and specialty stores.

History

Wine coolers started as a homemade beverage often served at parties or social gatherings. They were made by mixing fruit juices and sugar with small amounts of wine. However, ever since the United States government raised wine taxes in 1991, a lot of mass producers of wine coolers started substituting other alcohols, such as malts, as an ingredient in place of wine.

Actual Percentages in Wine Coolers

The actual amount of alcohol in wine coolers varies depending on whether it is homemade or mass produced and sold in grocery store. However, the alcohol content is normally less than 10 percent. For example, a lot of the wine coolers that can be bought in grocery stores usually between 4 percent and 6 percent alcohol content.

How to Make Your Own Wine Coolers

Making your own wine coolers is simple. Mixing your favorite wine with your favorite juice is a good start. Normally berry juices work well with red wines, and citrus juices work well with white wines. Try slicing up some of your favorite fruit into the mixed beverage and chilling it in the refrigerator for several days prior to drinking and serving. By then, all the fruit's flavors will have distributed in your beverage providing a refreshing drink.

Popular Wine Cooler Brand Names

Some popular wine cooler brands include: Seagrams®, Bartles & Jaymes® and Smirnoff Ice®. These companies produce wine coolers with a wide array of flavors from watermelon to mojito to black cherry.