Sparkly wine cocktail

As a detective solving the mystery of the crossword clue “Sparkly wine cocktail,” my first point of investigation would be the specific wording of the clue itself. In particular, I would hone in on the phrase “sparkly wine,” which immediately suggests a drink that is carbonated or effervescent. With this in mind, I would begin to explore a list of possible wine cocktails that fit the description of “sparkly.” As I delved deeper into my investigation, I would consider creative alternatives to traditional wine spritzers– all while remaining focused on the clue itself.

As I analyzed potential answers, the word “spritz” stood out to me as the most plausible solution. The term “spritz” originates from the German language and is often used to describe a drink that includes a sparkling wine mixed with soda or flavored water. Moreover, many recipes for this type of drink often include a slice of citrus or other fruit as a garnish- which would fit the ‘sparkle‘ presented in the clue. Once I confirmed that this solution matched the crossword’s number of letters and intersecting answers, I confidently filled in ‘SPRITZ‘ in the puzzle with excitement and satisfaction.