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!
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.
Read more: The Essential Wine Guide
This recipe uses a dry white wine to balance out the sweet fruit being added.
Ingredients:
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.
This classic sangria requires red wine and some patience. You’ll want to make this the day before your party!
Ingredients:
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.
This mouthwatering wine and fruit cocktail is specially crafted for summer, replacing brandy with vodka, and focusing on watermelon.
Ingredients:
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!
The best of both worlds! This one is best made shortly before it is served to keep the “fizz” in the sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
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!
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:
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.
This watermelon, blueberry, and mint tequila cocktail is definitely worth sipping–and sharing.
Ingredients:
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.
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)!