When it comes to enjoying a good cocktail, few drinks can compare to the class and sophistication of adding a bit of wine to the mix. Wine cocktails have been part of the drinking experience for centuries, and now, with the rise of craft cocktail bars, they’ve become an even more integral part of the cocktail-making process.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to master the basics of how to mix up your favorite wine cocktail or a professional mixologist looking to create unique drinks that stand out from the competition, this guide to wine cocktails has something for everyone.
First off, let’s cover the basics of what exactly makes a wine cocktail. It’s a simple combination of wine and another spirit or two—most often spirits like vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila. This combination of flavors creates an inherently complex yet pleasing drink that can be tailored to one’s individual taste.
One of the best things about wine cocktails is that they’re extremely versatile. You can choose from a variety of wines to make them, from white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to red wines such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. There are also sparkling wines like Prosecco and Champagne that can be used, which can add a nice effervescence to a cocktail.
Once you’ve chosen your wine, you’ll then need to select a spirit to add to the mix. The most popular spirits used to make wine cocktails are vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila. Each of these spirits brings its own unique flavor profile to the cocktail, so experiment to find the combination that suits your taste.
Next, you’ll need to consider the ratio of wine to spirit in the cocktail. Generally speaking, a ratio of three parts wine to one part spirit is a safe bet, but once again, it’s all based on personal preference. Some people like their cocktails heavier on the wine, whereas others prefer them more spirit-heavy. Again, it’s all about experimentation to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Finally, you’ll need to decide what sort of garnish you want to include in the drink. Depending on the type of cocktail you’re making, there are a variety of garnishes you can use. Common garnishes for wine cocktails include fruit, herbs, spices, nuts, and even chocolate. This is also a great opportunity to get creative, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations.
Now that you know the basics of how to make a wine cocktail, let’s dive into some specific recipes that you can try at home.
One crowd-pleasing classic is the Italian White Wine Spritzer. This easy-to-make cocktail combines a medium-bodied white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, with sparkling water and a touch of citrus to bring a light, refreshing vibrancy. Just fill a glass with ice, add 2 ounces of Pinot Grigio, 1 ounce of sparkling water, a squeeze of lemon or lime, and a few fresh mint leaves. Stir, garnish with an extra slice of citrus, and enjoy!
For something a little more indulgent, why not give the Red Wine Mule a try? This unique mix of vodka, ginger beer, and red wine will bring a sweetness to the table while still packing a flavorful punch. To make it, simply fill a copper mug with ice, add 1 ½ ounces of vodka, 4 ounces of ginger beer, and top it off with 2 ounces of Cabernet Sauvignon. Give it a stir and garnish with a lime wedge and either a rosemary sprig or thyme.
Finally, if you’re looking for a truly luxurious treat, why not try a Blueberry Champagne Cocktail? This cocktail manages to combine sweetness, tartness, and acidity in a way that will have you coming back for more. Combine 2 ounces of vodka with 6 ounces of Champagne, 1 ounce of blueberry syrup, and the juice of half a lemon in a chilled champagne flute. Stir, garnish with a few blueberries, and you’re done.
As you can see, there are countless ways to mix wine cocktails depending on your taste and preference. So grab some bottles, pick your favorite wine and spirit combo, and start experimenting to create drinks that you and your friends can indulge in. Cheers!
Aperol spritz is another easy-to-make wine cocktail that is a crowd favorite. To make it, combine 2 ounces of Aperol with 4 ounces of Prosecco and then add 1 ounce of sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!
For a bolder flavor profile, why not try a White Sangria? This refreshing wine cocktail combines the tartness of cranberry juice with the sweetness of white wine to create a drink that is truly irresistible. Simply mix 1 ½ cups of white wine, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/3 cup of cranberry juice, and 1/3 cup of brandy in a pitcher. Add a few cubes of ice and fruits of your choice, such as apples and oranges, stir, and let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Frosé, or frozen rosé, is another popular wine cocktail that can be enjoyed on a hot summer day. To make it, combine one bottle of rosé with 1/4 cup of sugar and 4 cups of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into individual glasses. You can also garnish it with a lime wedge for a unique twist.
Champagne cocktails are always a hit when entertaining guests. To make a classic French 75, combine 1 ½ ounces of gin with ¾ ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice and ¾ ounce of simple syrup in a shaker. Shake until chilled and strain into a champagne flute. Top with 3 ounces of champagne and garnish with a twist of lemon.
If you’re looking for something light and sweet, try a Dutch Angel. This delicious mix of white wine and orange liqueur makes a great summertime sipper. Simply combine 2 ounces of white wine with ¾ ounce of orange liqueur, ¼ ounce of lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon of sugar in a shaker with some ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass.
For a different take on a classic, try the Gin Fizz. This fun cocktail combines Gin with orange juice, simple syrup, and a splash of soda for a unique and delicious flavor combination. Simply combine 2 ounces of gin with the juice of one orange, 1 tablespoon of simple syrup, and 4 ounces of soda in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass.
If you’d like to add a bit of spice to your wine cocktail, why not try a Jalapeno Margarita? This easy-to-make mix combines tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and a jalapeno pepper to create a spicy yet refreshing drink. Simply muddle the jalapeno in a shaker, add 2 ounces of tequila, ¾ ounce of triple sec, ¾ ounce of lime juice, and ½ ounce of simple syrup. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass over ice.
For a drink with a tropical twist, give the Piña Colada a try. This decadent blend of white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut will transport you to a Caribbean paradise. In a blender, combine 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of coconut cream, 2 ounces of pineapple juice, and 1 ounce of cream of coconut. Blend until combined and serve in a glass with a pineapple wedge.
Finally, if you’re looking for something with a bit of sweetness and a bit of spice, try the Spicy Chardonnay. For this delicious mix, combine 2 ounces of Chardonnay with 1 ounce of vodka, a dash of hot sauce, and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge and enjoy.
