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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.
Wine-based cocktails offer a number of advantages including:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Tip: Use a dry, traditional method sparkling wine such as Crémant de Bourgogne or Cava for a more economical cocktail.
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:
Tip: Garnish with a couple of fresh raspberries.
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 crushed mint leaves per glass.
Instructions:
Tip: A splash of gin could be added to give a little extra oomph and it complements the elderflower perfectly. For extra pizzazz you could use an elderflower liqueur like St Germain instead of the cordial.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Ingredients:
3 parts chilled red wine
2 parts soda water or sparkling water
Ice
Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Tip: Alternatively try to find a sparkling red wine – there are a handful – and chill it. Again the wine needs to be fruity and with only light tannins.
This lesser-known but increasingly popular wine cocktail blends the zest of lemon with bubbly, making it a crisp, sophisticated drink that is ideal for brunch or celebrations.
Ingredients:
1 part gin (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon simple sugar syrup
3 parts champagne or dry sparkling wine
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Tip: The crisp lemon flavours in a French 75 pair very well with oily smoked salmon.
Long popular in Italy as an aperitif and now almost ubiquitous, Aperol Spritz is a perfect cocktail for the summer months. Aperol, now available in most UK supermarkets, is made by Campari and is a similar blend of herbs, aromatic plants and fruit but it is orange-flavoured, much less bitter than Campari and a perfect complement to Prosecco.
Ingredients:
3 parts Prosecco
2 parts Aperol
1 part soda water or sparkling water
Ice
Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Tip: Serve with olives or prosciutto
elect the right glassware for your cocktails:
Make sure all liquid ingredients for your cocktails are chilled and, preferably, chill your glasses as well. Cold ingredients and glasses keep drinks chilled without over-relying on ice which can quickly dilute flavours, especially on a hot day.
Whether you are toasting the happy couple at a wedding, chill-axing on a sunny terrace or hosting friends for dinner, there is a wine cocktail to suit the occasion.
And if you would prefer a straight glass of wine, check out my suggestions of Which wines to drink in hot weather.
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