For many years, wine cocktails got a bad rap because of wine coolers. Thankfully, they are having a moment once again, and for great reasons. As pretty as they are light and refreshing, they make for a good drink whether you throwing a party for two or 32. You can craft spritzes and sangrias in batches. Both are very festive and can entertain a huge crowd without anyone going thirsty.
There are wine cocktail recipes for every occasion and season. Here are some of the best wine mixed drinks recipes that you’ll love to use repeatedly.
Ginger-Lime Spritz
Muddle ginger in a cocktail shaker. Add lime juice. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. Strain into ice-filled wine glasses. Add a dry Prosecco for maximum refreshment or other sparkling white wine and top off with club soda. Stir together, and then garnish with mint.
Blueberry-Apple Cordials
In times when you can buy many quarts of berries, try to preserve them into a drinkable form.
Mix blueberries, lemon zest, and brandy in a jar and seal tightly. Let the mixture sit in a cool dark place, shaking it daily, until it becomes deep purple in color, usually within a month.
Strain the mixture using a cheesecloth into a large bowl. Do not press on solids to prevent the mixture from becoming cloudy. Add simple syrup to taste. Chill until cold and start serving cordial in small glasses. The strained cordial mixture can be prepared 6 months ahead. Just keep them chilled and covered.
To make a spritzer, add 1 ounce of cordial in a flute and top off with sparkling wine.
Melon and Lemon Verbena with Prosecco
If you want something sweet, why not try melon and lemon verbena with Prosecco. It is very easy to make!
Add sugar, lemon verbena, and water in a small saucepan. Let it simmer over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to dissolve sugar granules. Let it cool before straining the syrup into a pitcher.
Get cantaloupe and remove the seeds. Scoop the flesh into a blender and make a smooth puree. Stir into the syrup and chill the mixture for about 1-2 hours to make sure the foam has settled, then serve.
For leftovers, gently top off with Prosecco.
This melon mixture can be made a day ahead. Just keep it chilled.
Blood Orange Sangria
Another delicious ingredient to add when preparing wine mixed drinks is calamansi juice, a rare but delicious citrus fruit.
Muddle lemongrass and lemon juice in a pitcher. Stir in Riesling, blood orange, grapefruit, calamansi juice, and lime juices. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Strain the mixture into a clean pitcher. Pour in ice-filled wine glasses and add ¼ cup of Champagne. Garnish with blood orange wheels for a perfect presentation.
Mango Passion
Fresh mangoes are the star of a white wine cocktail that is inspired by the beaches of Thailand. The mixture of vodka and sparkling white wine gives a fascinating base while the tropical fruit plays off the rich taste of maple syrup.
Cut the mangoes slightly off-center to avoid the pit. Scoop out all the flesh and add them into a blender. Add vodka, lime juice, salt, and syrup. Blend well to create a puree. Do a taste test. You may add more syrup if necessary.
Pour the concoction into ice-filled glasses. Top it off with your favorite white wine, champagne, or sparkling water if you prefer less alcohol. You can also garnish the glasses with slices of fresh lime and some fresh fruits like cherries.
Francophile
Do you like preparing red wine cocktails, especially during fall? Maybe it is about time you add Calvados to the equation. That French apple brandy will give your mixture of wine, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice a richness that should warm you to the bone! This is very easy to make!
Prepare the cinnamon syrup first. Add cinnamon sticks, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring it to boil over high heat, then simmer using low-flame for a few minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for at least 6 hours. Strain and then store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Add calvados, Rioja wine, cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan. Cover and heat over medium flame until hot. Pour into a thick-walled mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice.
If you are in Colorado, drop by at Village Warehouse Wine and Spirits. We will help you grab a bottle or two of your wine of choice and start mixing!
