Corks & Cocktails: Sangria, Wine Punch, and Wine Cocktails Galore

In the world of beverages, wine has long held an air of sophistication and exclusivity, often being regarded as a drink reserved for more special occasions or elegant gatherings.

Its rich history, diverse varieties, and intricate tasting notes have contributed to its elevated status. However, behind the veneer of this seemingly standoffish libation lies a team player ready to mingle and merge with an array of ingredients to create tantalizing and approachable cocktails!

So, let us raise our glasses and embark on a journey that uncorks the true potential of wine as a welcoming and sociable partner in mixology.. We’ve found six refreshing wine recipes with fruit that take advantage of inexpensive wine, or perhaps wine that you’ve somehow acquired but aren’t necessarily fond of. We say every wine has a purpose, so why not use that wine to make a killer wine cocktail?

As an added bonus, these recipes are perfect for a party because they can be made by the pitcher!

Choosing the Right Wine

Before diving into these recipes, let's chat through wine choices. The sweet spot is to use a good quality, but inexpensive red or white wine when creating your wine cocktail. If you’re going to be mixing with something sweet, like fruit juice in many cases, you’ll also want to opt for a wine with minimal residual sugar so you don't end up with something that tastes like melted-down Jolly Ranchers (unless that’s what you’re going for–no judgment here). Here are some recommendations to get you started.

White:

• Haskell's Maison Blanc
• Domaine l'Enclos
• Saumur Les Plantagenets Chenin Blanc

Red:

• Haskell’s Maison Rouge
• La Forge Estate Syrah
• Chinon Baudry & Dutour

Read more: The Essential Wine Guide

Tropical Sangria

This recipe uses a dry white wine to balance out the sweet fruit being added.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mint
• 1 cup Grand Marnier
• 2 peaches, cut into thin wedges
• 1 mango, chopped
• 1 bottle Haskell's Maison Blanc
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar

In a saucepan, cook the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves; transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Stir in the Grand Marnier, wine, mango, peaches, and mint, and serve over ice.

Pomaceous Citrus Sangria

This classic sangria requires red wine and some patience. You’ll want to make this the day before your party!

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles La Forge Estate Syrah
• 6 cups apple juice
• 1 small grapefruit, cut into eighths
• 1 medium orange, sliced thinly crosswise
• 1 medium lemon, sliced thinly crosswise
• 1 small pear, diced
• 1 medium apple, diced

Combine the wine, apple juice, and grapefruit pieces in a large pitcher. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The following day, add the orange and lemon slices to the wine. Refrigerate for another 3 hours. Add the pear and apple to the mixture, then allow to stand for an hour to absorb the flavor fully. Mix well and serve over ice.

Watermelon Sangria

This mouthwatering wine and fruit cocktail is specially crafted for summer, replacing brandy with vodka, and focusing on watermelon.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed, plus 1/2 pound watermelon cut into balls with a melon baller and skewered on picks (optional)
• 1 bottle Saumur Les Plantagenêts Chenin Blanc
• 6 oz. vodka
• 4 oz. Cointreau
• 4 oz. citrus syrup (or 2 oz. simple syrup* + 2 oz. lime juice)
• Ice

In a blender, puree the watermelon cubes. Pour through a fine strainer into a pitcher. Add the white wine, vodka, Cointreau, and Citrus Syrup. Stir and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Stir again, then pour the sangria into ice-filled white wine glasses and garnish with the skewered watermelon balls.

*To make simple syrup, put 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Whisk in the sugar and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool. Simple!

Mojito Sangria

The best of both worlds! This one is best made shortly before it is served to keep the “fizz” in the sparkling wine.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut
• 1 cup Cruzan Silver Rum
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup lime juice
• About 20 mint leaves
• 3 limes, wedged
• Club soda (optional)

Muddle the sugar, mint, and wedged limes vigorously at the bottom of a pitcher. Add the lime juice and rum, and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Top that mixture with the sparkling wine and stir gently. Serve in glasses and top with club soda (or more sparkling wine) for fizz and enjoy!

White Wine Punch

Any seasonal fruit can be added to this summer wine punch. Call this your go-to party punch. No cooking, no pureeing, just combine ingredients and serve.

Ingredients:

• 3 (750 mL) bottles of Domaine l'Enclos
• ¾ cup Grand Mariner
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup simple syrup
• 1 ripe plum, thinly sliced
• 1 firm peach, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 1 pint raspberries

In a punch bowl or large glass container, combine wine, Grand Marnier, and orange, lime, and lemon juices. Add the sliced fruit. Serve ladled over ice.

Vino de Agave Fusion

This watermelon, blueberry, and mint tequila cocktail is definitely worth sipping–and sharing.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups seedless watermelon chunks
• 1 bottle Haskell's Maison Blanc
• 1 cup Milagro silver tequila
• ¼ cup simple syrup*
• 2 limes, cut into chunks
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
• ½ cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• Crushed ice

Puree the watermelon in a food processor until smooth. Strain the juice into a bowl pressing on the pulp, then discard the solids. Put the simple syrup, lime chunks, berries and mint in a pitcher and muddle until the berries are slightly crushed. Add the tequila, wine, watermelon juice, and then stir to combine. Refrigerate until cold, for at least 1 hour. Serve over crushed ice; garnished with mint sprigs.

Share with Friends & Family

These recipes are too good not to share during a summer get-together. So while you’re already spending the time making your own sangria, make an extra pitcher or two for friends and family–they’ll be asking you to make them one, anyway. You’ll be the host (or hostess) with the most (or mostest)!