Wine has been around for thousands of years, and I think it’s safe to say that at this point there’s a universal wine language. Have you ever looked at a menu and know exactly what you want to order, but as soon as you get your hands on a wine cocktail list, you blank out completely? Yeah, me too.
The types of wine vary because of grape types, locations, regions, and age. Wine is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed all on its own, with food, or in cocktails. There are white wines, red wines, rosé, sparkly, dry, bubbly, etc. But why stop at the usual glass of straight red and white wine? This list of classic wine cocktails takes wine to a whole new creative level and includes everything from sweet sherries to prosecco.
1. Sangria
Sangria is at the top of the list of wine cocktails for a reason. It has Spanish and Portuguese origins, which explains why this cocktail has so much flare. A traditional sangria typically consists of red wine, chopped fruit (such as oranges, apples, pears, or berries), orange juice, and sometimes brandy. There are probably a hundred different ways to make a sangria, but it’s up to you to come up with a combination that fits your sangria desires. Read up on these sangria recipes to get inspired.
2. Mimosa
Mimosas are the staple brunch drink. Just like you couldn’t have breakfast without orange juice when you were a kid, you can’t have brunch without mimosas as a grown-up. Many places offer a “bottomless mimosa” deal, which makes going out to brunch all the more worthwhile. Mimosas are made up of 1 part Champagne (or any sparkling wine like Prosecco) and 1 part orange juice.
3. Frosé
Basically an alcoholic slushie, this cocktail is the perfect addition to a day of day drinking and sunbathing by the pool with your friends. All you need is a bottle of dry rosé, ice, and frozen strawberries or raspberries for an extra tart flavor (along with a boost of vitamin C). Other recipes add vodka or grenadine, but it’s really up to you. The sky is the limit with the endless possibilities to make this drink.
4. Bellini
A mixture of Prosecco and peach nectar or purée, a Bellini is the perfect fruity cocktail. The Bellini was born in Venice and created by Giuseppe Cipriani, owner of the iconic Harry’s Bar, and it’s believed that even Ernest Hemingway was seen frequenting it.
#SpoonTip: If you have some soft peaches hanging around in your house, put them in a blender to make a peach puree and whip up a Bellini.
5. Spritz
A spritz is made up of prosecco, a bitter liquor (such as Aperol or Campari), sparkling water, and is served over ice and garnished with an orange slice or any citrus. This is the perfect aperitif, and I think it’s safe to say that the spritz is a big part of the Mediterranean diet.
6. Spritzer
The spritzer is the “younger” version of a spritz, getting its bubbles from the non-alcoholic portion of the drink: the sparkling water rather than the prosecco. A spritzer is typically a tall chilled drink also made up of white wine or sparkling wine, with sparkling water making it diluted, for those thirst-quenching refreshing cocktails.
7. Tinto de Verano
Essentially a spritzer, a tinto de verano is very similar to a sangria and it is simply made up of red wine and lemon-lime gaseosa (soda). It’s popular especially during the summer in Spain. The best part is that it is so easy to make and even more pleasant to taste. In no time, you’ll be drinking like a real Spaniard.
8. Kir
White wine and just enough crème de cassis (a sweet, liquor made of blackcurrants) to make this cocktail turn a red-ish tone, makes the kir the perfect classy drink.
9. Kir Royale
Take a classic kir and use Champagne instead of white wine for an extra bubbly effect. Serve it in a Champagne flute to get the whole effect.
10. Wine Martini
One of the most popular drinks out there, a martini is the epitome of class and sophistication. The Glamour Girl martini (pictured above) is made of pink pinot grigio, peach-flavored liquor, cranberry juice, and of course, a cherry for garnishing.
11. Gold Mine
An egg white in a drink? I know it sounds gross, but that’s the point of the gold mine. This drink isn’t your typical cocktail. It is made with Scotch whiskey, Galliano liquor, a sweet sherry, an egg white, lime juice, lemon juice or lemonade, and your choice of garnish like an orange slice or a cherry on top.
12. Poinsettia
Champagne, triple sec, and cranberry juice are all you need to make this super easy yet classy drink. There are multiple variations of this wine cocktail, but the key ingredients are the Champagne and cranberry juice.
13. Moscato Lemonade
This spiked lemonade is the perfect drink to take with you on a picnic at the park. All you need is a white Moscato, which is sweet and kind of frizzante, pink lemonade, vodka (optional), and a few strawberries and lemon slices for garnishing.
14. Moscato Mojito
The ingredients for the Moscato mojito include lime juice, Moscato, a couple mint leaves, raspberries, and sugar for a touch of sweetness. It’s a different take on the classic Moscow Mule, and uses white wine instead of rum.
15. St. Germain Cocktail
St. Germain is essentially a liquor flavored with elderflower. The St. Germain cocktail includes St. Germain liquor, Champagne, and some soda to make it extra refreshing. This makes a super modern drink that will sparkle any occasion.
16. French 75
French 75, or Soixante Quinze in French, is a glamorous cocktail made with Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Garnished with a lemon twist, this drink will make you feel like you’re living in Paris.
The next time you look at the wine list, or any cocktail menu for that matter, you’ll have mastered everything there is to know about wine and wine cocktails, and you won’t even need to pull up the trustworthy Google search.