Deliciously Innovative: 8 Wine Cocktails That Go Beyond Sangria

Wine cocktails offer a refreshing and lighter alternative to traditional spirit-based drinks. Typically, wine contains a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) than distilled spirits, averaging around 12% compared to the 40-50% found in liquors. A classic example is sangria, which often includes a splash of brandy, rum, or cognac to enhance its flavor. Although sangria holds popularity, there are various other creative wine cocktails that can elevate any occasion.

Here are eight iconic wine cocktails that can transform your usual wine experience:

1. Wine Spritzer

A wine spritzer is a simple yet classic drink that involves mixing wine with soda water and your choice of fresh herbs or fruits. A favorite variation includes unoaked white wine combined with mint and lemon.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz unoaked white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 2 oz club soda
• 4 sprigs of mint
• 2 slices of lemon

Method: Fill a glass with ice, add the wine, mint, and lemon. Stir well and top with soda. Garnish with a mint sprig.

2. Frosé

Frosé, or frozen rosé, is a blended treat that’s perfect for summer. This refreshing drink can be customized with different fruits.

Ingredients (4 to 6 servings):

• 1 bottle of rosé (preferably Pinot Noir-based)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 12 oz frozen strawberries
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth, then serve immediately or freeze until ready.

3. Bellini

Originally created in Venice, the Bellini is a sweet, effervescent cocktail made with white peach puree and Prosecco, often served as an aperitif in Italy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white peach puree
• 6 oz Prosecco

Method: Prepare the peach puree by mashing white peaches, then combine in a flute glass with Prosecco. Stir gently.

4. Kir Royale

This elegant cocktail mixes black currant liqueur and Champagne, offering a delightful contrast of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp Crème de cassis
• 5 oz Champagne

Method: Pour Crème de cassis into a flute glass and top with Champagne. Garnish with a black currant or blackberry.

5. French 75

A classic gin-infused cocktail from the post-WWI era that adds Champagne for a bubbly delight.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Champagne
• 1 oz gin
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Lemon twist for garnish

Method: Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, strain into a flute, and float the Champagne on top. Garnish with a lemon twist.

6. Mimosa

A staple at brunch, the Mimosa combines equal parts fresh orange juice and sparkling wine for a simple yet charming drink.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3 oz chilled sparkling wine

Method: Combine the sparkling wine and orange juice in a flute, garnishing with an orange twist.

7. Kalimotxo

This unconventional cocktail fuses Rioja red wine with Coca-Cola, originating from Spain’s Basque region.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Rioja red wine
• 4 oz Coca-Cola

Method: Fill a highball glass with ice, add wine, then cola, and stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

8. Devil’s Margarita

A twist on the classic margarita, this drink features red wine as a floater, offering a unique visual and taste experience.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz red wine
• 0.5 oz agave syrup

Method: Shake tequila, lime juice, and agave with ice, strain into a glass, and gently layer the red wine on top.

These cocktails showcase the versatility of wine, elevating it from a glass on its own to a dynamic ingredient in a range of delightful drinks.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!