The impending beginning of another school year carries with it a few beneficial opportunities for the affected caregivers. Initially the situation offers the ability to systematically cross off those long-delayed items on your “to-do” list. Without those little curtain-climbers around all day, maintaining a satisfactory level of cleanliness becomes much easier. The circumstances may then allow some actual you-time, providing a multitude of potential prospects for day-sipping your favorite beverage.

Make no mistake, I’m not really condoning getting snockered as a mid-day routine, as the rest of the mob will eventually walk through that door, even if you lock it. You have, however, earned the right to temperately imbibe on a small soothing adult stress-reliever, even if it’s just enough to knock the proverbial spiders off. Whether your happy place lies poolside or resting your rump in your favorite sofa spot, I am here to provide some sensible options for your day-drinking happiness.

Sparkling Cocktail

Let’s begin with one obvious choice, sparkling. Although I am a big fan of the traditional method process, Prosecco has been riding a wave of success in our domestic markets. Counter to popular belief, not all the sparkling that has “Prosecco” stamped on the label is created equal. Just because we are looking for a mid-day pool-pounder doesn’t translate to accepting poorly made wine. For this reason, I tend to gravitate to the Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, and Asolo regions of Prosecco production.

Bianchin Asolo Prosecco Superiore Millesimato Brut 2022 ($16) hails from the heart of Montello and represents a quality Prosecco at an affordable price point. Not only do we experience the classic orchard fruit components (peach, apple, pear) but the wine has overlying blossom and wild flower aromatics that add to the complexity.

With the blistering heat, I recommend 30 minutes in the freezer to ensure thirst-quenching coldness when we are glugging at poolside. From one who has made this mistake, set a timer when placing any wine in the freezer. The resultant waterfall of frozen wine is quite beautiful but equally daunting to clean up.

Another pro level recommendation to keep your Prosecco cold with extra flair is with flavored ice cubes. As a play on the classic Bellini, freeze peach puree in an ice cube tray and drop a few in your glass of prosecco. As the ice melts, not only does your drink stay colder longer but you have a cocktail that continually makes itself while sipping the day away.

Versatile White Cocktail

Although it remains beyond my grasp of understanding, there are some that do not particularly care for sparkling wine. Lest not judge so I will shift focus to an equally versatile white wine named Grüner Veltliner. The now well-known native grape of Austria, has ebbed its way into our acidophilic hearts.

Hugl Wimmer Weine Grüner Veltliner 2022 ($17) is an easy selection for a multitude of reasons. The wine has elements of citrus (lime, lemon), an interesting white pepper spice and a thirst-quenching mineral-laden acidity that lends itself to a summer day. The packaging presents in a 1 Liter bottle which not only means more wine for our consumption, but less environmental impact. Look at us drinking responsibly.

The combination of citrus, spice and acid also makes Grüner a great base for wine cocktails. Mix 4 parts Grüner to one part elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain), toss in a few ice cubes and top with sparkling water or club soda. This cocktail is so easy and delicious that you may question if you have, up to this point, been living your best life.

Rosé All Day Cocktail

Another category that has soared in popularity are rosé wines. Made from different grape varieties and in virtually every wine producing region of the world, the only thing these wines have in common are their color, and even that varies greatly. The amount and depth of color relates to the amount of time the skin stays in contact with the juice, leaching out some of those color compounds. The underlying aromas, flavors and texture are related to the variety itself and decisions made during the winemaking process.

The so-called Provincial style, with its lean body, vibrant acid and splash of red fruit, seems to be the current trend. Although this would more than suffice for a summer afternoon, I prefer something a bit more interesting at relatively the same price point. This is where I turn my attention to Italy.

Many Italian rosé wines, although using different varieties compared to southern France, have attempted to duplicate this style to gain market share. The Montepulciano grape, notably from Abruzzo, seems to blaze a category of its own. One of the few red grapes I can recall that makes better rosé wines than it does reds.

Cantina Zaccagnini Tralcetto Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC ($15) showcases this style with its cerasuolo (cherry red) color, concentrated red fruit (raspberry, cherry, pomegranate), a hint of floral, citrus peel, sturdy briny mineral acidity, and an evident increased viscosity on the palate. In keeping with the cocktail theme, you could also use this rosé as a great base by adding 4 parts wine to one part Chambord (raspberry liqueur), ½ oz of both lemon juice and simple syrup, and pour over ice. Either way you decide to use this wine, it will not disappoint.

So, with the absence of the kiddos in your abode bringing the Feng shui back into a peaceful balance, consider adding a few adult beverages to your mid-day repertoire. There may be a slight decrease in the amount of household duties you complete, but Aristotle would be pleased with your ascendence toward Sublime Beatitudo.