Welcome back to Master Mixology with Discovery Place Science! This video series explores the intersection of science, history and alcohol, plus the occasional adult beverage demonstrations (and non-alcoholic modifications!).   

In this episode of Master Mixology, we explore the science of making Moscato before creating our own Moscato Sangria cocktail. In the content below the video, find more details and recipes included in this episode. 

May 9 has been recognized as National Moscato Day since the year 2012. It celebrates the sweet wine from one of the oldest families of grapes: the Muscat family. 

Specifically, the Moscato Bianco grape has been cultivated for at least 800 years! The wine brewed from these grapes is known as Moscato wine and is a sweet, low-acidity wine. Its home is in Italy, but muscat grapes – and people who love Moscato – can be found worldwide! 

To make Moscato, the grapes are harvested and crushed to release their sugary juice. Then, yeast is added to the mash, and the mixture is left to ferment. Yeast feeds on the sugars to produce alcohol. 

Once fermentation has completed, the sediment is racked (separated from the liquid), and in the case of sparkling Moscato, the wine gets carbonated with carbon dioxide gas.   
 
Moscato comes in wide varieties that vary depending on the type of muscat grape used in the fermentation process, including additives like fruit extracts and whether or not the final product is carbonated. 

Try using it to make sangria for a fresh spin on your Moscato! We’ve got one option below. Enjoy responsibly!  

Moscato Sangria 

Ingredients:  

• Moscato 
• Triple sec* 
• Sparkling water/club soda  
• Fresh squeezed orange 
• Fresh squeezed lime 
• Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries 

*Can substitute with Chambord (raspberry liqueur) or brandy (for hints of vanilla) if desired. 

For one batch (a pitcher)    

• To a large pitcher, add:  
  • 1 bottle of Moscato 
  • 1/2 cup triple sec 
  • Juice from 2 oranges 
  • Juice from 1 lime  
  • Assorted berries  
• Chill for 2-4 hours 
• Top with 12-24 ounces club soda (depending on how sparkling you would like the final product)  

For one drink (glass)     

• To a beverage shaker add:
  • 4 ounces Moscato 
  • 1 ounce triple sec
  • 2 ounces orange juice  
  • 1 ounce lime juice    
• Shake and strain into a large glass with ice  
• Top with club soda and stir in assorted berries  

To make a non-alcoholic version, substitute sparkling grape juice in place of Moscato and use triple sec syrup to keep the flavor. All quantities and steps remain the same.  
 
Want more Master Mixology? Check out our previous episodes, Beer Science Part One and Beer Science Part Two.