Centuries ago, people would drink wine to quench their thirst instead of water. That's because the water wasn't clean all the time. In contrast, the natural fermentation of wine killed germs caused by salmonella and cholera.
Today, we drink wine for the enjoyment, and sometimes for the health benefits. In addition, today, there are many recipes for wine cocktails to take your drink to the next level.
So, raise your glass and get ready to shake things up! Wine cocktails are the perfect way to add a little pizzazz to any occasion.
Whether you're planning an elegant dinner party or just looking for a fun Friday night drink, these 11 wine cocktails are sure to impress. Keep reading to learn about some ideas for your favorite bottle of wine.
1. The Classic Mimosa
The Classic Mimosa is a timeless and refreshing wine cocktail that's sure to brighten up any brunch or special occasion. This simple yet elegant drink is made by combining equal parts of champagne and orange juice, resulting in a light and bubbly treat.
To make the perfect mimosa, it's important to choose the right sparkling wine. A dry or brut champagne works best, as it balances out the sweetness of the orange juice without being too overpowering.
When it comes to serving mimosas, presentation is key. Use tall fluted glasses and garnish with fresh fruit such as strawberries or slices of citrus for an extra pop of color.
The great thing about mimosas is their versatility. Mix things up by using different types of juices like grapefruit or pineapple for a unique twist on this classic cocktail.
2. The Relaxing Wine Spritzer
The Relaxing Wine Spritzer is a perfect cocktail for those hot summer days. It's one of the easiest and refreshing drinks to make, requiring just two ingredients: white wine and sparkling water.
To make this recipe, all you need to do is mix chilled white wine with an equal amount of sparkling water in a glass filled with ice. You can also add fresh fruit or herbs like cucumber or mint to give it some extra flavor.
This cocktail is low in alcohol content compared to other wine cocktails, which makes it an ideal choice when you want something light and bubbly. The carbonation from the sparkling water gives it a nice effervescence that tingles on your tongue with every sip.
The Relaxing Wine Spritzer pairs well with light appetizers such as salads or seafood dishes. It's also perfect for sipping poolside while lounging under the sun.
3. The Fun Sangria
The Fun Sangria is a fruity and refreshing wine cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. It's made with red or white wine, fruit juice, fresh fruits, and sometimes brandy or liqueurs are added to give it an extra kick.
One of the best things about The Fun Sangria is its versatility. You can use almost any type of fruit you have on hand - from citrus to berries to tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples - making it a great way to use up leftover produce in your kitchen.
To make The Fun Sangria, start by mixing together your preferred wine of choice with some fruit juice. Then add in sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and apples before refrigerating it for at least two hours (or overnight) so the flavors can meld together.
The result? A deliciously sweet and tangy drink that's perfect for sipping on hot summer days or serving as a crowd-pleaser at parties. Plus, because there are so many variations on this classic recipe – from traditional Spanish sangrias to sparkling versions – you'll never get bored experimenting with new combinations!
4. The Holiday Eggnog Wine Cocktail
Holidays are the perfect time to indulge in some delicious eggnog wine cocktails. This classic cocktail adds a twist of wine to the traditional holiday drink, elevating it to a whole new level. With just a few ingredients, you can create this festive and creamy concoction that is sure to impress your guests.
To make this cocktail, start by whisking together eggs, sugar, milk, cream and nutmeg until it becomes frothy. Add some white wine and brandy into the mixture before serving chilled with some more grated nutmeg on top.
This cocktail is perfect for those who love rich and creamy drinks but want something different from the usual eggnog recipe. The addition of wine makes it even smoother while adding an extra layer of complexity to its flavor profile.
The Holiday Eggnog Wine Cocktail is not only good for Christmas parties but also makes an excellent after-dinner dessert drink during other holidays like Thanksgiving or New Year's Eve. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser all year round!
5. The Flirty Kir Royale
The Flirty Kir Royale is a classic French cocktail that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. This refreshing drink consists of Crème de Cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, and champagne or sparkling wine.
The sweetness of the Crème de Cassis perfectly balances out the dryness of the sparkling wine, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer their drinks on the sweeter side. The deep purple color also makes for a visually stunning addition to any event.
One fun twist on this classic recipe is to substitute other fruit liqueurs such as peach or raspberry for the Crème de Cassis. These variations add new flavors while still maintaining the bubbly sophistication of the original cocktail.
The Flirty Kir Royale offers both taste and aesthetics in one perfect package. Whether you’re sipping it at brunch or serving it up as part of your next dinner party spread, this delightful drink is sure to impress all your guests with its flirty charm and delicious flavor profile.
6. New York Sour
If you're looking for something unique yet timeless, give this recipe a try - it won't disappoint!
The New York Sour is a classic cocktail that combines the richness of red wine with the tanginess of citrus. It's perfect for those who love the boldness of whiskey but want something a little more complex.
To make this drink, start by adding 2 ounces of rye whiskey and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Next, pour ½ ounce of red wine over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the drink. This not only looks beautiful but also adds an extra layer of flavor to the cocktail.
The result is a deliciously balanced drink that hits all your taste buds in just the right way. The tartness from the lemon juice perfectly complements the sweetness from both whiskey and red wine, creating an explosion of flavors in every sip.
7. Frozen Sangria
Looking for a refreshing wine cocktail that's perfect for warm weather? Look no further than the Frozen Sangria! This delicious concoction is a twist on the classic Spanish drink, combining red wine with fresh fruit and ice to create a slushy, fruity treat.
To make Frozen Sangria at home, start by blending together your favorite red wine with chopped fruit. We recommend using strawberries, peaches, and oranges.
Add in some orange juice and sweetener like honey or agave nectar to taste before pouring everything into a blender filled with ice. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses garnished with fresh fruit slices.
One of the great things about Frozen Sangria is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes by swapping out different fruits or experimenting with different types of wine. Plus, it's the perfect way to use up any leftover wine you have on hand!
8. Best Frose (Frozen Rose)
Looking for a refreshing and trendy wine cocktail? Look no further than the Best Frose, also known as Frozen Rose. This drink is perfect for any occasion where you want to cool off in style, whether it's a pool party or a fancy dinner.
To make this delicious concoction, simply blend together some frozen rose wine with fresh strawberries and sugar syrup. The result is a sweet, slushy drink that packs a punch of flavor without being too heavy on your palate.
This drink is another versatile one. You can switch up the fruit depending on what's in season. Try using peaches or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different twist! And if you're feeling extra fancy, add in some sparkling water or champagne to give your frose an extra bubbly kick.
9. French 75 Cocktail
The French 75 Cocktail is perfect for any sophisticated occasion. This classic drink is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and topped off with Champagne or sparkling wine.
The origins of the French 75 can be traced back to World War I when American soldiers stationed in France would sip on this refreshing cocktail while on leave. The name "French 75" comes from the powerful artillery gun used by the French during the war.
With its light and bubbly texture, this drink is perfect for sipping at weddings, garden parties or any other elegant event. It's also incredibly easy to make. Just mix all ingredients together in a shaker and strain into a champagne flute before topping it off with some bubbly!
10. Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz is a refreshing and vibrant wine cocktail that originated in Italy. It's perfect for sipping on warm summer days or as an aperitif before dinner.
To make the Aperol Spritz, you'll need Aperol (an Italian bitter orange liqueur), Prosecco (a sparkling wine from Italy), soda water, ice cubes, and slices of orange.
Start by filling a glass with ice cubes, followed by pouring three parts Prosecco over it. Add two parts of Aperol to the glass, then top up with soda water. Give it a gentle stir and garnish the drink with an orange slice.
The combination of bittersweet flavors from the Aperol and crisp bubbles from the Prosecco creates a light-bodied cocktail that is both sweet and refreshing at the same time.
A unique aspect of this cocktail is its bright orange color which makes it visually appealing when served in elegant stemware glasses on any occasion. It also makes it perfect for those Instagram-worthy moments!
11. Negroni Sbagliato
Negroni Sbagliato is a delicious and refreshing wine cocktail that originated in Milan, Italy. Unlike the classic Negroni, which is made with gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, the Negroni Sbagliato features sparkling wine instead of gin.
The name "Sbagliato" means "mistaken" or "wrong," and legend has it that this drink was created by accident when a bartender mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin while making a Negroni. Despite its accidental origins, the Negroni Sbagliato has become a beloved cocktail around the world.
To make a Negroni Sbagliato, you'll need equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth (usually about 1 ounce each), as well as 2-3 ounces of sparkling wine. Simply combine all ingredients in an ice-filled glass and stir gently to mix.
This drink is perfect for those who prefer their cocktails on the bitter side but still want something light and refreshing for summer sipping. The bubbly nature of the sparkling wine adds an extra layer of complexity to this already flavorful cocktail.
Plan Your Menu With the Perfect Wine Cocktails
Wine cocktails are a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them on a summer day or during a cozy night in, there is always a wine cocktail that will suit your mood and taste buds.
However, before you can start mixing up the perfect drink, you need to do some shopping! Find the wine and accessories you need with Liquorama. Start shopping today.