Wine purists might argue that you shouldn’t serve wine in a cocktail, but we respectfully disagree. Sometimes there’s just nothing better than mixing up your red, white or rose favorites by blending them with sugar syrups, spirits and fruits.
Whether you want a wine-infused twist on a cocktail classic, a boozy take on an American dessert favorite, or a delicious winter warmer, here are the six wine cocktails that will see you through every season.
‘Merica Sangria
‘Merica Sangria is a patriotic twist on a classic wine punch and is the perfect drink to dish up at your next summer BBQ. White wine fans will enjoy the refreshing twist on their favorite blend while red wine skeptics will surely have their head turned by a great sangria. Batch blend for the best results—who drinks just one glass of sangria, anyway? And don’t forget to snack on the wine-soaked fruits once you’ve finished drinking!
Check out this recipe, or create punch sized servings with:
- 2 750ml bottles of sauvignon blanc
- 1 cup Triple Sec
- ½ cup of berry flavored vodka
- 1/2 ounces of simple syrup
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 ½ cup of strawberries
- 1 ½ cup of star-shaped pineapple
Bloody Mary
A long-loved hangover buster for all those mornings-after-the-night-before, the classic Bloody Mary is bright red, vodka-spiked and served with a flourish of celery. For a deeper, richer taste, try a wine-infused twist to mix things up. This recipe swaps out meaty Worcestershire sauce for smoky-sweet BBQ instead, so serve with bacon and eggs at Sunday brunch with friends. Hangover optional.
Take a look at this classic Bloody Mary recipe, or try one wine-infused cocktail with:
- 4 measures Shiraz
- 1 measure barbeque sauce
- 2 ½ measures tomato juice
- A dash of lemon juice to taste
- Optional (but suggested) hot sauce
Maple Rummy
While the world has gone bananas for gin over the last few years, rum is the next spirit on the rise. Like the Bonnie Prince, a sweet cocktail made with gin, honey liquor, white wine, and Drambuie, the Maple Rummy is a great alternative on ice. The super sweetness of the maple syrup is taken down a notch by the dark spiced rum, while the Chardonnay elevates the whole cocktail to new heights.
For one cocktail, combine:
- 3 ounces Chardonnay
- 1/2 ounce dark spiced rum
- 1/2 ounce maple syrup
- 1/8 lime wedge
Apple Pie in the Sky
Dessert never tastes as good as when it’s served in a martini glass. This twist on the All-American classic apple pie will have you hungry for more. Thanks to the quintessential combo of apple and cinnamon, this cocktail is perfect for rounding out your Thanksgiving celebrations.
For a quick 2-ingredient version, check out the Apple Crisp cocktail. For something a little sweeter, check out the Caramel Apple Cider.
For a cocktail that includes white wine, combine:
- 2 ounces Moscato wine
- 2 ounces apple juice
- 1/4 ounce honey
- 1/2 ounce clear cinnamon Schnapps
- Cinnamon & sugar rim garnish
Watermelon Cooler
There’s nothing better than a slice of juicy watermelon under the beating summer sun. Take your poolside cooler up a notch this summer with a crisp Watermelon Cooler. Similar to the tasty Watermelon Mojito Popsicles, the ingredients in this wine cocktail are simple and easily adaptable to all your favorite add-ons.
For one cocktail, combine:
- 3 ounces Moscato
- 2 ounces watermelon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Splash lemon juice
- Fresh mint (optional)
Classic Mulled Wine
Curl up on the sofa with a classic mulled red wine on a cold, rainy day. A long-time favorite of the holiday season, mulled wine, similar to Glühwein, is rich, bursting with flavor, and super easy to make. While the recipe below serves one, mulled wine is best made in batches and served throughout the evening, so double up on your ingredients where necessary.
For one cocktail, combine:
- 3 ounces red wine of choice
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1/2 ounce orange juice
- Pinch ground cloves and ground nutmeg
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
This article is a guest post by Eve Wheate, a lover of baking, smooth cocktails, and showboating. Catch her by the apartment pool a winter night with a hot toddy and a good book.