Wine Cocktails We Love
Nine times out of ten, we pair a great wine with a great meal. But that tenth time, we pair it with a cocktail. Usually, it’s on a hot summer afternoon when a solo glass of wine feels too heavy and we’re craving something bright, cool, and bubbly. Sometimes it’s before dinner, when we want a splash of something fun before moving on to wine. And sometimes, it’s simply because we want to try something new. From Old World to New and white to red, here are four wine cocktails we can’t get enough of.
Rosé Aperol Spritz
The “Spritz” has taken the beverage world by storm lately. Walk down your local restaurant row, and you’ll see chalkboards inviting you in for Aperol Spritzes, Campari Spritzes, and the newest trend, the Hugo Spritz. Gen Z and Millennials especially love this classic Italian cocktail for its lighter ABV and endless versatility.
Photo c/o A Paige of Positivity
It also happens to be an easy cocktail to give a wine twist. We recommend a Rosé Aperol Spritz. Whenever you’re craving a glass of something crisp and refreshing, rosé or a spritz might be your go-to. Why not both? Simply replace the traditional Prosecco with a splash of dry Rosé and add club soda for fizz. Go for a rose that’s dry, not sweet, and has tasting notes like grapefruit, strawberry, or raspberry. For even more flavor, try Spritz recipes that feature grapefruit juice or flavored simple syrup.
New York Sour
Photo c/o Food & Wine
If you’re a fan of whiskey cocktails, the New York Sour is right up your alley. It’s a classic whiskey sour with the addition of a red wine float, and that one additional ingredient really takes the flavors to new heights. The dry and dark-fruited red wine perfectly contrasts with the sweet and spicy whiskey, bright lemon juice, and (optional) foamy egg white. Not to mention, it’s beautiful to look at and pretty easy to make at home. For the red wine, reach for big, juicy cherry and plum notes. Syrah, Zinfandel, or even a Cabernet Sauvignon will do the trick.
Left Bank Martini
Photo c/o Difford’s Guide
Now for a white wine cocktail. The Left Bank Martini is a concoction of dry gin, Chardonnay, elderflower liqueur, and vermouth. It’s delicate, chilled, clean, aromatic, and perfect for sipping before dinner, especially on a warm summer evening. Avoid using a Chardonnay that’s super ripe and oaky. Instead, look for good acidity, minerality, and notes like citrus zest, jasmine, herbs, green apple, or underripe pineapple. Our Genevieve’s Block Chardonnay is a great candidate for the Left Bank Martini.
Calimocho and Tinto de Verano
Photo c/o Imbibe Magazine
Next up are two traditional Spanish staples that you can make in seconds: the Calimocho and Tinto de Verano. They’re technically wine cocktails, although neither contains any liquor. You only need two simple ingredients in equal parts. The Calimocho is a sweet and spicy combination of red wine plus cola. The Tinto de Verano leans bright and zesty with red wine plus lemon soda. Lighter red wines like Grenache or Tempranillo are ideal for both drinks. Garnish with a lemon, lime, or orange slice for the easiest, most refreshing drink of the summer.
Photo c/o NYTimes Cooking
Make Wine Adventurous
Whether you’re mixing up a citrusy Tinto de Verano, a bold New York Sour, or a crisp Rosé Spritz, these wine cocktails show just how versatile wine can be. At its heart, wine is all about exploration. It’s about tasting, learning, and finding what you love. So grab a bottle, a few simple ingredients, and experiment. You might just discover your new favorite drink for cooling down or kicking off cocktail hour.