If you enjoy red wine but want to try something new, red wine cocktails are a great choice. These drinks blend wine with spirits, juices, and mixers for exciting flavors. Discover 14 common red wine cocktails that bring a fun twist to your favorite bottle.
Sangria
Sangria is a festive cocktail. It’s perfect for gatherings. It combines red wine and fresh fruits.
Basic Ingredients:
- Wine: 1 bottle of red wine, like Rioja.
- Fruits: 2 thinly sliced oranges, 1 sliced apple.
- Liquor: 1/2 cup of brandy.
- Sweetener: 1/4 cup simple syrup (optional).
For a holiday twist, add seasonal spices like cinnamon sticks. Include winter fruits such as pomegranate arils.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit: Slice the oranges and apple. Place them in a large pitcher.
- Add Liquor: Pour brandy over the fruit. Mix gently.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the red wine. Stir in simple syrup if using.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Longer is better.
- Serve: Pour over ice. Include fruit pieces in each glass.
Sangria allows creativity. You can swap fruits seasonally. Try berries in summer or pears in fall. This drink enhances the flavors of your gatherings with its vibrant, colorful presentation. Explore with various wines and liquors to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy crafting your perfect sangria!
Kalimotxo (Red Wine and Cola)
Kalimotxo is a refreshing cocktail that blends red wine with cola. Originating from the Basque region of Spain, it’s a simple yet delightful drink.
Ingredients:
- Red wine: 5 ounces
- Cola: 5 ounces
- Ice: for serving
- Garnish: Lemon or orange slice (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in red wine first, followed by cola.
- Stir gently to mix the flavors.
- Add a slice of lemon or orange for garnish if desired.
Kalimotxo offers a unique taste. The combination of wine and cola may sound surprising, yet it creates a perfect harmony.
Variations of this drink can include swapping cola for flavored sodas. Try Sprite or Fanta for a twist.
This cocktail is also known as Calimocho. It’s an excellent choice for informal gatherings and pairs well with various dishes. Enjoy exploring the flavors of this simple and unexpected mix.
Red Wine Spritzer
Creating a red wine spritzer is simple and refreshing. You can craft this cocktail in just a few minutes. You’ll need just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Red wine: 4 ounces
- Soda water: 2 ounces
- Ice: Fill the glass
- Fruit garnish: Slices of orange or lemon
- Herb garnish: Sprig of thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Pour 4 ounces of red wine into the glass.
- Add 2 ounces of soda water.
- Stir gently with a cocktail stirrer.
- Garnish with a slice of fruit and optional herb.
Feel free to customize your spritzer. Use ginger ale for a sweeter taste or experiment with different fruit and herb garnishes. You can also adjust the wine-to-soda ratio for a lighter drink.
New York Sour
The New York Sour is an elegant twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. It combines the warmth of whiskey with the richness of red wine.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz dry red wine (to float on top)
Instructions
- Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Slowly pour red wine over the back of a spoon to create a layer on top.
This cocktail offers a refreshing blend of citrus and spice. The red wine gives it a captivating color and aroma. The New York Sour is a perfect choice for a sophisticated yet simple cocktail experience.
Red Wine Mule
A Red Wine Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It combines the robust flavors of red wine with the spicy kick of ginger beer. This cocktail offers a refreshing experience for wine enthusiasts looking for something bold and unique.
To make a Red Wine Mule, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 ounces of red wine
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Lime slices for garnish
Follow these steps to craft your own:
- Mix the red wine, vodka, and lime juice in a glass.
- Add ice to the glass to chill the mixture.
- Top with ginger beer, ensuring a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with a lime slice for a citrusy touch.
Serve in a classic copper mug if available. It keeps the drink colder and enhances the overall experience. Enjoy this effervescent blend at your next gathering.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a popular warm drink, especially in colder months. Its spicy aroma and rich taste make it a favorite at gatherings. You can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1/4 cup of honey or sugar
- 1 cup of apple cider
- 1 orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the red wine into a large pot.
- Add honey, apple cider, orange zest, and juice.
- Drop in the cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise.
- Gently heat the mixture without boiling it, for about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the brandy if using.
Serve your mulled wine in mugs. You can garnish with extra slices of orange or a cinnamon stick for added flavor. The delightful aroma will fill your space, inviting warmth and comfort. Enjoy the soothing experience of this classic drink during chilly nights.
Tinto de Verano
Tinto de Verano is a refreshing Spanish cocktail. It’s a simple mix of red wine and lemon soda. This drink is perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 3/4 liter lemon soda (Sprite or 7Up)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: slices of lemon and orange
Instructions:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour red wine into a pitcher.
- Add lemon soda to the wine, leaving space for garnishes.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon or orange if desired.
This cocktail is easy to prepare. You can also experiment with citrus juices or club soda. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this colorful and vibrant drink anytime!
Red Wine Margarita
Red Wine Margaritas are exciting twists on traditional margaritas. This drink combines the rich flavors of red wine with the classic elements of a margarita. It’s a bold choice for any gathering.
Here’s how you can make your own Red Wine Margarita:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Blanco tequila
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz red wine
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, and lime juice.
- Stir well to combine.
- Carefully float the red wine on top using a spoon, creating a layered effect.
Bishop Cocktail
The Bishop Cocktail is a delightful blend of flavors. Perfect for those who enjoy both wine and rum. This classic drink combines simple ingredients for a complex taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine
- 3 ounces white rum
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 barspoons superfine sugar
- Ice
- Seasonal fruits (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine red wine, rum, lemon juice, and sugar in a punch bowl or pitcher. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Serve: Add ice and a variety of seasonal fruits, if desired. This mix makes about nine 4-ounce servings.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing with an orange slice or twist for a touch of citrus addition. Use a heatproof glass if you wish to serve it warm.
Glühwein
Glühwein is a traditional hot spiced red wine enjoyed during the winter months. You can often find it in European winter markets.
To make Glühwein, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 orange, sliced with cloves inserted
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3-4 cloves
- 2-3 star anise
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions:
- Pour the wine into a medium saucepan.
- Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Stir in sugar until dissolved.
- Heat gently without boiling for 30-45 minutes.
- Serve warm in mugs.
For variations, you can add a splash of brandy or a twist of lemon. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by tweaking the sugar amount. Always serve Glühwein warm, allowing the spices to infuse the wine deeply.
Black Velvet (with Red Wine)
Creating a Black Velvet with Red Wine offers a twist on the classic cocktail. Typically made with Guinness and sparkling wine, this version blends the richness of red wine with Guinness for a unique flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 part Guinness stout
- 1 part red wine (choose a fruity red like Merlot or Shiraz)
Instructions
- Chill both the Guinness and the red wine before starting.
- Pour the red wine gently into your glass, filling it halfway.
- Slowly add the Guinness, allowing it to cascade and mix naturally with the wine.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting flavors.
This variation provides a different take on the classic Black Velvet. You’ll experience the familiar dark richness of Guinness enhanced by the added depth of red wine. Perfect for when you want something robust yet elegant.
Red Wine Punch
Red Wine Punch is a delightful and versatile cocktail. It combines the bold flavors of red wine with various juices and spices. It’s perfect for festive occasions or a relaxing evening at home. You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or explore different variations.
Here’s a simple recipe for Red Wine Punch:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 liters of red wine
- 4 cups cranberry-apple juice
- 3 cups orange juice
- 36 ounces ginger beer or ginger soda
- 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional Garnishes: fresh cranberries, orange slices, apple slices, fresh mint, cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Mix all the liquid ingredients in a large punch bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add ice or chill your punch before serving.
- Garnish individual glasses with fresh cranberries and fruit slices.
You can tailor this recipe to your preference by experimenting with different juices. Add a little sweetness with honey or simple syrup if you prefer. Substitute the ginger beer with lemon-lime soda for a milder flavor.
Keep it chilled, and enjoy your Red Wine Punch responsibly with friends and family!
Claret Lemonade
Claret Lemonade is a refreshing red wine cocktail you can enjoy. This elegant drink is perfect for those who love a splash of citrus with their wine.
To make Claret Lemonade, you’ll need a few ingredients. Gather claret wine, lemon juice, and sugar. Make sure you have a tall Collins glass ready.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz claret wine
- 1 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz sugar syrup
- Lemon slice for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine lemon juice and sugar syrup in the Collins glass.
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add ice cubes.
- Pour in the claret wine.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
This drink is best served with a straw. Enjoy your Claret Lemonade during warm summer afternoons or any time you want a refreshing sip.
Red Wine Negroni
Explore a delightful twist on the classic cocktail by incorporating red wine into your Negroni. This variation adds depth and a rich color layer while maintaining the balance of flavors the original is known for.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Red wine (such as a medium-bodied Merlot)
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Campari, sweet vermouth, and red wine.
- Stir for 15 seconds to chill.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
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