Wine is one of the most sophisticated drinks on the planet, all those grapes and styles; it’s an amazing world waiting to be discovered! Cocktails are a fun category, too; one entirely based on creativity — mixing and matching flavors to create an awesome cocktail is an art form.
So, what happens when wine and cocktails come together? Just good things.
Here are our top 5 recommended wine cocktails, classic drinks that are both tasty and easy to make. See if you have tried some of these, and if you haven’t, today’s a great day to take them for a spin.
1. Sangria
This is the most famous wine cocktail out there, and for a few excellent reasons. For starters, it’s super easy to put together, but it’s also the perfect summer wine cocktail.
A proper Sangria is based on a hearty red wine; it’s sweetened with simple syrup, livened with a splash of lime or orange juice and garnished with a fistful of chopped fruit — from apples to cherries, the sky’s the limit! Make a whole sangria pitcher and pull this one out during your next outdoor party.
2. Mimosa
The Mimosa is a classy drink, and part of its charm comes from using tall and thin Champagne flutes; the slim stemware just looks so stylish!
Once you have your glasses ready, fill them with equal parts of freshly squeezed orange juice and sparkling wine. The citrusy cocktail is incredibly fresh and lively, which has made the Mimosa the quintessential brunch cocktail. It’s never too early for a round of Mimosas. A great idea would be to exchange the orange juice for other fresh juices, grapefruit Mimosas are pleasingly bitter!
3. Wine Spritzer
The wine spritzer gets its name for its fizziness, but we’re not using sparkling wine; instead, a dry, crisp and refreshing white wine. Look for a herbal Sauvignon Blanc, a peachy Riesling or a flowery Gewurztraminer, and serve it ice cold in a tumbler or a highball glass.
Fill up the glass with sparkling water and garnish with fresh berries or citrus wheels. It’s amazing how few ingredients can add up to such a refined cocktail. Use ginger ale instead of soda for a sweeter version.
4. Kalimotxo
If you think Rum & Coke is cool, then you’ll love the Kalimotxo (Ka-Li-Moh-Cho). Yes, this is made with equal parts of Coke and red wine, and it’s delicious! Fill a highball with fresh ice and add your ingredients for a boozy, fruity drink with a caffeine kick and Coke’s signature syrupy sweetness.
This drink is insanely popular in Spain and also in some South American countries. It might not be the most high-browed drink out there, but it’s undoubtedly a party starter and a crowd-pleaser.
5. Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is the drink of the moment. Everyone’s talking about it, and it’s easy to see why — it’s bubbly, bitter-sweet and gorgeously red-hued. What’s not to love?
An authentic Aperol Spritz should be served in a stemmed wine glass filled with ice. Add a 2-ounce pour of Aperol, a citrusy Italian bitter liqueur, a nice amount of Prosecco, Italy’s most popular sparkling wine, and a dash of soda. That’s it! Garnish with an orange wedge and enjoy this summery drink.
How’s That For a Dream Team?
This is just the tip of the iceberg, a drop in the bucket. Wine is a perfect ingredient in cocktails. The best news? Expert bartenders and home drink-mixing enthusiasts are creating more interesting and exciting wine cocktails every day.
Get yourself a bottle of wine, and craft your own vinous drinks. While you’re at it, subscribe to Mixers Anonymous Newsletter, and browse our website for some mean cocktail recipes. May your next drink have a splash of wine in it; that’s our wish for you. Cheers!
