9 wine-based cocktails There is, in my opinion, a wine for every occasion but sometimes a longer alcoholic drink is called for, something beyond the traditional glass of red, white or rosé. It is possible to get enjoy wine in a longer drink by getting creative with wine-based cocktails. Warm summer evenings for example call for longer, cooler drinks. Refreshing, low-alcohol cocktails can elevate a lengthy brunch and let’s not forget the Mediterranean tradition of the aperitivo. All these occasions and more call for wine-based cocktails. So, in this post let’s explore why and when to enjoy wine cocktails and their advantages. Plus nine classic and modern wine-based cocktail recipes — from the timeless Kir Royale to the ever-popular Aperol Spritz – all of which are tasty, refreshing drinks and quick and simple to prepare so that you can enjoy the party. Why choose wine cocktails? Wine-based cocktails offer a number of advantages including: Lower Alcohol Content Unless you are particularly heavy-handed, wine cocktails are lighter than spirit-based drinks, making them ideal for relaxed, daytime settings or occasions when you want something flavourful yet light. Versatility From dry whites and fruity reds to sparkling wine and fortified wines like port, the diversity of wine allows for many different blends combinations with liqueurs, fruit, herbs and mixers. Wine cocktails can be light and simple for brunch, for lazy, summer afternoons and for casual daytime events or they can be more sophisticated without being over-the top for more festive occasions. Elegance & Simplicity There’s something effortlessly chic about a flute of Kir Royale or an Aperol Spritz and yet they look like you have made a real effort to treat your guests. These cocktails can be prepared without fuss and all taste delicious. Wine cocktail recipes Here are some of my favourite wine cocktails to give you some ideas and inspiration. Why not try them at home – they require very few ingredients and yet deliver maximum flavour. 1. Kir Royale A French classic, the Kir Royale is elegant and celebratory, perfect for toasts and festive occasions. The natural acidity in champagne is the perfect partner for the sweetness of the crème de cassis. Ingredients: A dash of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) A glass of chilled champagne Blackcurrants (optional)     Instructions: Pour the crème de cassis into a chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne. Serve immediately, no stirring required.   Tip: Use a dry, traditional method sparkling wine such as Crémant de Bourgogne or Cava for a more economical cocktail. 2. Kir Imperiale A twist on the Kir Royale, the Kir Imperial uses raspberry liqueur instead of cassis for a fruity, subtly tart finish and a perfect summer drink. Ingredients: A dash of Chambord or raspberry liqueur A glass of champagne or traditional method sparkling wine Instructions: Add raspberry liqueur to a chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne.   Tip: Garnish with a couple of fresh raspberries. 3. Simple summer fizz Very similar to or maybe now known as a Hugo Spritz, this cocktail is effervescent, citrusy and ideal for summer brunches, poolside lounging or après ski! Ingredients: A glass of chilled Prosecco Elderflower cordial to taste A squeeze of fresh lemon juice Ice A couple of fresh mint leaves per glass   Instructions: In a wine glass filled with ice, add elderflower cordial and lemon juice. Top with Prosecco. Stir gently and garnish. 4. STrawberry Moscato Sweet, fruity and very pretty, this drink works beautifully at garden parties and summer barbeques. Ingredients: A glass of chilled Moscato d’Asti wine A spoonful of purée made from fresh strawberries, lemon juice and basil leaves A splash of soda water Ice Mint and / or strawberry for garnish Instructions: In a shaker, combine strawberry purée and Moscato d’Asti. Shake lightly if using purée. Pour over ice in a wine glass. Top with a splash of soda. Stir and garnish.   Tip: Use the better quality Moscato d’Asti rather than Moscato. Moscato d’Asti is slightly sweet which offsets perfectly the acidity of the lemon and strawberries but if you prefer your cocktail slightly sweeter, you can add a little sugar to the purée or just hold back on the lemon juice. 5. White port and tonic Portugal’s answer to a Gin & Tonic is pictured at the top of this blogpost – and it’s my current favourite wine-based cocktail. White port and tonic is a crisp and slightly nutty drink with botanical notes. Ingredients: 1 part white port 4 parts tonic water Ice Lemon wedge and fresh mint for garnish Instructions: Fill a highball glass with ice. Add white port and tonic. Stir gently and garnish.   Tip: Use a high-quality tonic water to enhance the flavours. Or for a more intense, shorter drink, pour a small glass of chilled white port. The perfect aperitif, this goes well with salty snacks but is also the perfect partner to seafood. 6. Sangria We cannot of course ignore sangria, that fruity, wine-based-cocktail that is completely customisable. Here is my suggestion. Ingredients: 1 bottle dry red wine (see comments below) A measure of brandy A measure of Cointreau of other orange liqueur A cup of orange juice 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey 1 orange (sliced) 1 lemon (sliced) Other fruits to taste Soda water to dilute to taste Ice Instructions: In a large jug or bowl, combine wine, brandy, liqueur, orange juice and sugar/honey. Stir until dissolved. Add fruits and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, top with soda water to the required level of dilution. Pour over ice   Tip: Use a fruity red wine without harsh tannins like a Beaujolais, a lighter Pinot Noir or a very lightly-oaked Rioja. The tannins will be accentuated and harsh if a highly-tannic red wine is used. 7. Red wine spritzer   This is probably not what would spring to mind automatically for a summer drink but with the right red wine, a red wine spritzer makes a simple and refreshing wine cocktail.