Welcome to the wonderful world of wine cocktails! They’re bright, boozy, and ideal for pretty much any occasion.
Oh, and they’re delicious to boot!
There’s no denying wine adds an extra element of sophistication to happy hour. Plus, they’re surprisingly versatile.
You can serve them for brunch (hello, mimosa), as an after-work aperitif (nice to see you again, rosé spritzer), or at an elegant dinner party (hey there, limoncello spritz).
And whether you’re a classically trained mixologist or just starting to create fun libations, I know you’ll love these wine cocktails.
Wine Cocktails & Drink Recipes
1. New York Sour
The New York Sour is a timeless classic that continues to delight cocktail enthusiasts.
It combines whiskey and lemon juice with a drop of sugar syrup. But the real magic happens when a float of dry red wine is added.
The result is an exceptionally complex yet balanced drink with both sweet and tart elements.
When crafted correctly, the New York Sour is a cocktail fit for royalty.
Ingredients: rye or bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, egg white, pure maple syrup or simple syrup, dry red wine
2. Red Wine Spritzer
A red wine spritzer makes for a great summer drink. It’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for outdoor events.
Combining rich red wine, sparkling water, and lime juice, this classic beverage is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Not only does it bring lovely flavor to the table, but it’s also a much lighter option than drinking pure wine.
In addition, it’s relatively low in alcohol, which is ideal for anyone seeking a subtle buzz.
Ingredients: red wine, club soda, mint leaves, raspberries
3. Rosé Spritzer
Roses are often used to make a statement of beauty and elegance, and this rosé spritzer is no exception.
Combining the sweet taste of rosé with natural fizz, this bubbly concoction is an excellent alternative to beer or wine.
Enjoy it as an aperitif (before dinner), as an accompaniment to a meal, or even with dessert. You can’t go wrong!
Whether served chilled or over ice, you’ll be delighted after your first sip.
Ingredients: rose wine, club soda, ice, strawberries
4. Traditional Red Sangria
Red sangria is a refreshingly sweet Spanish-style beverage made with red wine, fresh fruits, and brandy.
Depending on preference, it can range from dry to sweet, but it always bursts with aroma from its fruity elements.
The perfect summer sipper for warm days, a glass of red sangria is sure to brighten up any backyard bash!
Ingredients: apple, orange, organic brown sugar, orange juice, Brandy, dry Spanish red wine, ice
5. Cranberry Moscato Wine Punch
This festive cocktail features sweet, fruity Moscato wine, tart cranberry juice, and just the right amount of lemon-lime soda for added zest.
The rich, smooth Moscato base mingles beautifully with the bright flavors of cranberry juice, making it the perfect choice for weddings and other upscale events.
For an extra fancy presentation, serve the punch in glasses rimmed with sugar or crystalized ginger.
Ingredients: Moscato wine, cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, lime slices, fresh cranberries
6. Pink Sangria with Rosé Wine
Pink sangria with rosé has a flawless blend of robust wine, fresh fruits, vodka, and sparkling soda.
The flavor is sweet but balanced with the acidity of the wine. You’ll be hooked after one sip!
It’s sweet and refreshing, making it ideal for barbecues and summer parties.
Ingredients: rose wine, vodka, lemon juice, granulated sugar, strawberries, raspberries, blood orange, fresh mint, soda
7. Bishop
The Bishop gets its name from the regal color, and it contains a stunning mix of Cuban rum, red wine, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Just the sight of this cocktail evokes feelings of indulgence and sophistication.
The combination of sweet, bubbly carbonation with rich, fruity flavors is to die for. Make it once, and it’ll be your new go-to.
Ingredients: Cuban rum, red wine, lime juice, simple syrup
8. Campari Wine Spritzer
This Campari and white wine spritzer is a light pick-me-up on hot summer days. But it’s so good, you’ll crave it all year.
Just combine the unique Italian apéritif with dry white wine and add a little club soda for extra sparkle.
A few slices of citrus in the mix give it a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the orange-lemon-bitterness in the Campari beautifully.
Though this bold blend may be fitting for parties, it’s also a great way to enjoy some quality time at home.
Ingredients: Campari, chilled white wine, lemon slices, club soda
9. Mimosa
This iconic brunch cocktail is a must-make for any Sunday morning gathering.
Traditionally, it blends freshly squeezed orange juice with sparkling Champagne for an effervescent and citrussy delight.
But you can so easily swap the flavors. For example, try it with mango, pineapple, strawberry, or grapefruit juice instead.
And you also can’t go wrong with a splash of triple sec and grenadine.
Ingredients: chilled dry sparkling wine like champagne or prosecco, orange juice, Grand Marnier
10. Aperol Spritz
If you made it to Europe this summer, no doubt you indulged in one or two €5 Aperol Spritzes.
This Italian cocktail consists of just three ingredients – Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water – and it’s hugely popular.
I find it a little too bitter, but I know I’m in the minority on that one.
This thing is iconic, so try it today and get ready to meet your next summer fave.
Ingredients: chilled prosecco, Aperol, soda water, orange slices
11. White Sangria
White sangria is a summery drink made by blending white wine with chopped fruits, herbs, and citrus juices.
It’s a tasty punch you can easily make in a big batch. And depending on the fruits you choose, it will be different each time.
You could even make a few pitchers and add different fruits to each.
For example, summer berries in one, pineapple and mango in another, and orange and lemon in the last.
Ingredients: white wine, sliced fruit, sugar, brandy, orange or raspberry liquor, ice cubes, sparkling water
12. Three Ingredient Wine Slushies
Wine slushies are a refreshing drink you can easily create at home.
A blend of sparkling white wine, strawberries, and simple syrup, you can use various flavors of wines to customize them.
The berries add a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the simple syrup.
But the best part is that icy texture! Yum!
Ingredients: sparkling white wine, frozen strawberries, simple syrup
13. Lemon Lime Wine Spritzer
Nothing beats a lemon-lime wine spritzer on a hot day. The pairing is sweet and sour with just the right amount of zip.
White wine, club soda, and a thick slice each of lemon and lime are all it takes. Though I also squeeze the fruit too for added juice.
With its fruity citrus flavor, it’s sure to be your favorite summer sipper.
Ingredients: white wine, club soda, lemon, lime
14. Raspberry Frosé
Are you ready to meet the drink of Summer 2023?
It’s none other than the raspberry frosé wine slush!
Combining juicy raspberries, slightly tart white wine, and sugar produces an experience nothing short of extraordinary.
Plus, it’s extremely customizable – you can easily adjust sweetness levels, amount of alcohol, and fruit to suit your taste!
How cool is that?
Ingredients: fresh raspberries, peach, sugar, fresh lemon juice, California rose wine
15. Strawberry and Lime Moscato Punch
Take your next summer soirée to new heights with this gorgeous strawberry and lime Moscato punch!
Just mix chilled Moscato, limeade concentrate, and lemon-lime soda with strawberries, and voila.
With its floral aroma and subtle sweetness, this punch is sure to put an exclamation point on any occasion.
Ingredients: Moscato wine, frozen limeade concentrate, strawberries, sliced lime, 7-Up or lemon-lime soda
16. Pomegranate Cocktail
This pomegranate cocktail is for anyone on the hunt for bold flavors.
It has a mix of pomegranate juice, sweet white wine, and a splash of lime juice.
It’s one helluva palate-pleasing drink with a beautiful hue to boot.
Ingredients: pomegranate juice, sweet white wine, lime juice, lime zest
17. Grapefruit White Wine Spritzer
Here’s another refreshing summer cocktail I know you’ll love.
Only this grapefruit white wine spritzer is a little sourer than most.
That said, combining tart grapefruit juice with slightly sweet and peachy white wine creates an invigorating flavor that’s balanced and crisp.
Luckily, it’s also easy to make with only a few ingredients.
Ingredients: grapefruit vodka, sweet white wine, club soda, grapefruit, sprig of rosemary
18. Peach Basil Wine Spritzer
Aromatic basil with sweet peaches and sparkling wine is the spritzer recipe you never knew you needed.
It’s a beautifully balanced drink that’s just as delightful to look at as it is to drink.
The natural acidity of the wine pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peaches.
Meanwhile, fragrant basil adds a layer of herbal sophistication I can’t get enough of.
Ingredients: peach, basil leaves, sugar, white wine, sparkling water
19. Red Wine Long Island Iced Tea
The next time you need something strong, try this red wine Long Island iced tea.
It’s just as potent (if not more so!), but the color and taste are slightly different.
There’s still that classic blend of liquors that warms you up from the very first sip.
But instead of cola to give it a tea color, you’ll add red wine.
It boosts the alcohol content and gives it a lovely red hue. Needless to say, you’ll want to sip this slowly!
Ingredients: gin, white rum, tequila, vodka, triple sec, sour mix, red wine
20. Berry Wine Spritzer
Need a tasty cocktail that won’t run up your daily calorie count? This spritzer fits the bill!
This delicious concoction packs a flavorful punch by combining fresh berries and sparkling wine.
Best of all, it’s just 100 calories per glass, so you can enjoy all the best summer or spring festivities without any guilt.
Ingredients: mixed berries, lime juice, mint leaves, white wine, seltzer or club soda, stevia
21. Brazilian Sangria
Brazilian sangria is a tropical-inspired drink that combines pineapple, raspberries, Cachaca, Absinthe, orange liqueur, and red wine.
The components form the perfect blend of sweet and bitter that gets better with every sip.
With its sweet yet tangy taste, Brazilian sangria will be a surefire hit at your next cocktail hour.
Ingredients: pineapple slices, raspberries, cachaca, absinthe, brandy, orange Curacao, red wine
22. Mulled Wine Spritzer
Forget the usual mulled wine this holiday season, and try this fun spritzer instead!
Featuring red wine, sparkling water, orange, and cinnamon, it’s bright, flavorful, and loaded with festive flavors.
It provides an eye-catching display with fragrant aromas that are guaranteed to tantalize your tastebuds.
Ingredients: red wine, water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, orange, Sprite, ice, frozen raspberries
23. Limoncello Spritz
The limoncello spritz combines sweet, sour, and bubbly for a unique twist on the classic cocktail.
It’s made with limoncello, real lemons, Prosecco, and sparkling water.
The sweetness of the spritz is balanced with a tart edge that leaves you wanting more.
Plus, its light, refreshing taste makes it a terrific alternative to heavier mixed drinks such as margaritas or mojitos.
Ingredients: limoncello, sparkling white wine, sparkling water, lemon juice, garnish of choice
24. Blueberry Spritzer
When it’s the middle of summer and blueberries are at their sweetest, you just have to make this blueberry spritzer!
It’s sweet, bubbly, and as refreshing as can be.
Ingredients: blueberry simple syrup, white wine, club soda
25. Ginger Wine Soda
Forget boring old rum and cokes, and try this ginger wine and soda mix.
Its flavor combines the crispness of soda with a subtle hint of sharp ginger wine.
It results in a flavorful, naturally sweet beverage everyone will adore.
This fun and adventurous drink can be served either on ice or at room temperature, making it perfect for any season.
Ingredients: ginger wine, soda, ice cubes