18 Wine Cocktails

Wine cocktails are an easy way to turn a bottle of wine into something a little more fun, whether you’re making a pitcher of sangria, a simple spritzer, or a frozen wine cocktail. These recipes for wine cocktails are just a starting point, too. The combinations of fruits and flavors you can add to nearly any type of wine are almost endless!

Though I’d had red wine and fruit sangria before, I didn’t really appreciate the versatility of wine-based cocktails until a delicious pizza place in Culver City offered a seasonal red and white wine.

The timing couldn’t have been better as my fiancé and I were planning our wedding at the time and wanted to do his and hers cocktails. Then we learned we could only have beer and wine at the reception. So we decided to switch gears and offer two wine cocktails. After a year of testing out a variety of recipes, we landed on a Strawberry Sangria and a Cantaloupe Sangria – both in season for our August wedding (recipes linked below).

From sangrias and simple spritzes to frozen wine slushies, sparkling cocktails, and warm mulled wine, there are so many ways to turn a bottle of wine into an easy cocktail.

Best Wines to Use for Wine Cocktails

Rule number one: The best wine for a wine cocktail is one you’d happily drink on its own. Adding fruit, juice, or other ingredients won’t necessarily make a wine you dislike more enjoyable, so start with a bottle you already like.

You don’t need an expensive bottle for a wine cocktail. Most wines we enjoy (alone or in a cocktail) are just $15-$25.

Almost any wine can work in a cocktail, but some varieties are easier to pair with other ingredients than others. A few go-tos for me include:

• Red wines – Fruit-forward, medium-to-full-bodied reds work well in cocktails because they can stand up to citrus, fruit, and other mixers without getting lost. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are good options, though you can experiment with other reds depending on the flavors you’re adding.
• Dry white wines – White wines are especially versatile in cocktails because their acidity pairs well with fruit, citrus, and other mixers. Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are two of my favorites for wine cocktails, though you can experiment with other dry whites depending on the flavors you’re adding.
• Sparkling wines – Dry sparkling wines are especially useful in cocktails because their acidity and bubbles balance sweeter fruits, juices, and liqueurs. The bubbles also elevate the drink without requiring additional mixers.
• Rosé wines – Rosé can also be a good base for sangria or other wine cocktails. Look for a more flavorful rosé so it can hold its own alongside the other ingredients.

Below you’ll find wine cocktail recipes made with red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, with options for every season.

Red Wine Cocktails

Red wine works especially well in cocktails because its deeper flavor can stand up to bold fruit, citrus, warm spices, and simple mixers. Fruit-forward reds are particularly versatile, whether you’re making a pitcher of sangria, a cozy mulled wine, or a simple two-ingredient drink like Tinto de Verano.

Pomegranate Sangria

This Pomegranate Sangria is a bright, refreshing cocktail made with pomegranate juice, ginger, and red wine. It has a lovely balance of fruity and spicy flavors, making it an easy choice for fall and winter gatherings.

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

A slow cooker makes this Mulled Wine especially easy to serve for a crowd. Red wine gently warms with orange slices, cinnamon, and seasonal spices, filling your home with a cozy aroma while you enjoy time with your guests. It’s a wonderful choice for fall and winter entertaining. Use a bold red wine for a richer, more full-bodied drink.

Raspberry Sangria

This Raspberry Sangria is a bright, fruity cocktail made with red wine, frozen raspberries, and fresh herbs. Using frozen fruit makes it easy to keep raspberries on hand whenever you’re ready to mix up a batch, while the herbs add a fresh, flavorful touch.

Tinto de Verano

Tinto de Verano is a simple Spanish wine cocktail made with red wine and lemon-lime soda. It’s a great option when you want a wine cocktail without fruit, a pitcher, or complicated ingredients.

White Wine Cocktails

White wine is one of the most versatile bases for wine cocktails, pairing easily with citrus, berries, stone fruit, and even herbs. From a brunch-worthy sangria to refreshing summer combinations and a bourbon-spiked option, these recipes show just how much you can do with a bottle of white wine.

Brunch Sangria

This refreshing brunch cocktail combines crisp white wine with citrus and bubbly. It’s a fun alternative to traditional mimosas and easy to make for a crowd.

Cherry Sangria

Sweet cherries pair beautifully with crisp white wine in this simple Cherry Sangria. It’s easy to prepare and a refreshing option for summer gatherings, brunch, or casual entertaining.

Strawberry Sangria

This easy strawberry sangria recipe is a fresh, fruity cocktail made with white wine and juicy strawberries. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, brunch, or sipping on a warm afternoon.

Cantaloupe Cocktail

Cantaloupe and Chardonnay make an unexpectedly delicious pairing in this easy sangria. This Cantaloupe Sangria Cocktail is a simple, fruity drink that’s especially delicious for summer entertaining, brunch, or sipping outdoors.

Watermelon Sangria

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc makes this recipe for watermelon sangria a light, refreshing option for summer entertaining.

Plum Sangria

A splash of bourbon gives this Plum Sangria a warm, unexpected twist, pairing beautifully with Pinot Grigio. The bourbon adds warmth and depth to this fruity sangria, making it especially nice for late-summer and early-fall gatherings.

Winter Sangria

When the weather turns cold, reach for this Winter Sangria made with white wine, seasonal fruits, spices, and a touch of sweetness. It’s an easy make-ahead drink for winter gatherings or cozy nights with friends.

Rosé Wine Cocktails

Rosé is a great middle ground for wine cocktails, with enough fruit-forward flavor to pair beautifully with berries, citrus, and other fresh ingredients. These rosé wine cocktails range from a frozen wine slushie to a simple raspberry cocktail and a fruity sangria, so there’s an option for every kind of gathering.

Frosé Wine Slushies

These Frosé Wine Slushies are a fun, frozen way to enjoy wine on a hot day. While this recipe uses rosé, the same easy method can be used with almost any wine varietal, so you can make a frozen wine slushie with whatever you have on hand.

Rosé Raspberry Cocktail

Lemon-lime soda keeps this Rosé Raspberry Cocktail light and easy-drinking, making it a simple choice for warm-weather entertaining or casual sipping.

Berry Sangria

This berries sangria is a bright, refreshing wine cocktail made with fresh berries, citrus, and a splash of amaretto. The amaretto adds a subtle almond sweetness that makes this easy sangria especially delicious for spring and summer gatherings.

Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Sparkling wine adds natural bubbles to cocktails, making it an easy way to create a festive drink without a long list of ingredients.

Orange Spritzer

Step up your traditional mimosa with this orange spritzer. A homemade turmeric simple syrup gives this orange spritzer its distinctive flavor.

Sparkling Rosé Sangria

Fresh nectarines, sparkling rosé, orange liqueur, and ginger beer come together in this refreshing sparkling rosé sangria that’s perfect for summer entertaining.

Fall Sangria

This easy Fall Sangria recipe is full of cozy seasonal flavors, with crisp apples, juicy pears, and warm spices mixed with sparkling white wine. It’s a simple make-ahead cocktail that’s perfect for fall gatherings, dinner parties, and cozy nights at home.

Prosecco Sangria

Kiwi slices and fresh raspberries pop in this Prosecco Sangria. It’s easy to mix up, making it a fun choice for brunch, summer gatherings, or celebrations.

Tips for Making Wine Cocktails at Home

Make it bubbly

If you’re looking for a little effervescence in one of your wine cocktails, add a splash of sparkling water. Simply add a splash of club soda over a drink and enjoy.

Read wine descriptions

Many wines have flavor notes, such as fruits, spices. Reading these labels can help you figure out which flavors would naturally pair well with a particular wine.

Taste first, then adjust sweetness

Everybody’s tastes are different. If you’d like a sweeter wine cocktail than a recipe makes, simply add some simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water. You can add this to a whole recipe or to each glass individually.

Balance strong flavors

If a wine cocktail is too strong in flavor for you, simply add a splash of sparkling water or even a lemon-lime soda. Even a small splash can change the balance of the drink, and you can always add more if needed.

Chill your ingredients

If the wine, fruit, juice, and mixers are already cold, the drink won’t need as much ice and is less likely to become diluted.

FAQs

What wine is best for wine cocktails?

Almost any wine varietal can work for a wine cocktail, but you should always use a wine you enjoy on its own.

Can you make a cocktail with any type of wine?

Yes. Red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines can all be used to make wine cocktails. The key is choosing a wine you enjoy and pairing it with ingredients that complement its flavor.

What is the difference between a wine cocktail and sangria?

Sangria is a type of wine cocktail. It’s traditionally made with wine, fruit, and other ingredients that are combined and often allowed to mingle before serving. A wine cocktail is a broader category that includes any alcoholic beverage made with wine.