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Lifestyle

9 Ways to Enjoy Red Wine Other Than Drinking It Straight

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at George Mason chapter.

Red wine has been beloved by people of all cultures for thousands of years. Not only is it alcoholic and delicious, but it’s also pretty healthy too. It tastes great with everything from fancy cheeses to sweet desserts, and even junk food

Instead of just enjoying a glass of red wine like everyone else, why not get creative and incorporate this versatile drink into as many foods as possible? If you needed an excuse to go to the store and pick up a bottle (or three), this is your perfect opportunity. 

1. Blended Sangria

red wine berry gelatin
Megan Prendergast

This berry sangria is the perfect way to start the day. It contains berries, a little orange juice, and, of course, red wine. What better way to enjoy red wine than with a sangria for breakfast?

2. Wine Gummy Bears

A photo posted by @cookingwithjanica on

If you’re hungry for a boozy snack throughout the day or simply want to turn your favorite beverage into candy, these wine gummies are the way to go. Chewy, sweet, and wine-flavored. What could be better? But if you don’t have the time or energy to make gummy bears, try this recipe for red wine jello shots

3. Red Wine Chocolate Cupcakes

red wine coffee cheese
Caty Schnack

The best way to ingest your favorite booze is with a cupcake. Chocolate and red wine go together like peanut butter and jelly. This foolproof combination is guaranteed to make your next baking session the best one yet. 

4. Red Wine Hot Chocolate 

This a combination that will definitely warm you up on a cool fall day. The bitterness and richness of red wine combined with the warmth and nostalgia of hot chocolate results in a delectable beverage too good to resist. But if you’re not feeling the heaviness of hot chocolate and still want your wine to be warm and comforting, try this recipe for mulled wine

5. Red Wine Bruschetta Pasta

red wine cheese vegetable
Demitria Castanon

This super easy dish looks classy AF and is sure to impress all your wine-loving friends. Break out a bottle of red, and get cooking.

6. Red Wine Chickpea Stir-Fry

red wine salad
Shalayne Pulia

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is full of flavor, veggies, and, of course, red wine. This recipe is perfect for the adventurous wine connoisseur and will definitely make you look snazzy at your next dinner party. 

8. Merlot Infused Coffee

red wine espresso relish
Christina Robinson

Yes, it’s true. Wine and coffee have finally come together in one delicious beverage. You can now finally enjoy the flavors of wine with your breakfast without judgement. This is the ideal drink for when you need a pick-me-up in the morning. 

9. Wine Ice Cream

An irresistible combination of cool, creamy ice cream and sweet, boozy wine. This tasty treat contains 5% alcohol content. Thus, Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream is the perfect means for eating your feelings or relaxing after a rough day. 

With so many delicious options, there’s no reason not to enjoy a glass of red (unless you’re under 21). Since red wine is so versatile, get creative and see what dishes you can incorporate it into. Happen to have any leftover wine afterwards? Try the recipes in this article for more ways to use your favorite beverage.

Shannon Lobb

George Mason '18

Hello! I love to eat healthy and try new recipes! I'm all about food that's cheap, healthy, and delicious! I'm really into yoga and fitness.