These Hacks Will Help You Chill Wine ASAP

With daily temperatures soaring well above 80 degrees, the last thing I want to drink is warm wine. Thankfully, I don't have to, and neither do you, because I've rounded up three helpful tips on how to chill wine so you can enjoy a cold glass of vino during these sweltering dog days of summer.

Of course the obvious solution is to buy a bottle of wine, then stick it in the fridge well before serving — we're talking two hours for whites and rosés, and one hour for reds (and yes, lighter reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay are best served chilled, between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit).

But the reality is, you won't always have one to two hours to spare, and for a myriad of reasons. Your backyard barbecue guests arrive early, ready to get their Sunday funday drink on. You have a colossally crappy day at work, and your local wine shop hasn't restocked your favorite rosé in the refrigerated case. Or, my personal favorite, you want to celebrate a beastly workout with a glass of chilled red on your front porch as you think about all the ways you're conquering fears and addressing insecurities, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel at times.

These times? These times deserve wine. And you deserve to drink your wine at optimal temperature. So without further ado, here are three great ways to chill wine so you can enjoy a cooling glass of grape juice throughout the hottest months of the year.

1. Wrap it in a damp towel, and throw it in the freezer for 15 minutes.

If you're looking to cool a room temperature bottle of white or rosé as fast as possible, wrap it in a damp towel (using rubber bands to keep the towel in place), and throw it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Cooling a bottle of red? It'll only need seven to 10 minutes of freezer time.

2. Drop an ice cube into your glass of wine, swirl, then remove after five seconds.

According to Food & Wine's resident wine expert, Ray Isle, if you're looking to quickly chill a single glass of red wine, drop an ice cube into the glass, swirl it around with a spoon for five seconds, then remove the ice cube. After years of experience, he's found that this five-second ice cube trick will cool your wine by eight degrees, with minimal dilution.

3. Make Frosé.

Considered one of the most Instagrammable drinks of 2016, Frosé is a beautiful way to indulge in a glass (or pitcher) of super cold rosé wine. Just follow the simple three-step recipe below, and you'll be basking in frozen rosé glory in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of rosé (I used 2015 LangeTwins Sangiovese Rosé)
• 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries (and a few whole strawberries reserved for garnish)
• 1/4 cup vodka (I used SKYY Vodka)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons grenadine

Directions:

1. Pour the rosé into an ice cube tray, and freeze overnight.
2. Once the rosé is frozen, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar in a blender or food processor and let sit for 10 minutes, allowing the berries to release some of their natural juices.
3. Add the rosé cubes, vodka, and grenadine, and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, and garnish with whole strawberries.

Images: Fotolia; Marion Bernstein (3)