As the temperature rises and the days get longer, it’s time to dive in and make the best of this summer. Pair your picnics and soirées with refreshing beverages that maintain your love for the vino. At Ideal Wine Company, we think wine cocktails are a delightful way to savour the flavours of our favourite wines while adding a unique twist to summer gatherings. Here we bring you some refreshing wine cocktail recipes that are easy to make and pretty to behold. These are sure to quench your thirst and elevate your summer experience.
The Perfect Blend: Wine and Cocktails
Combining wine with cocktails opens up a world of possibilities. By blending the unique characteristics of wines with the vibrant flavours of spirits, fruits, and herbs, you can concoct refreshing drinks that will delight your senses and impress your guests. Here are a few recipes for summer wine cocktails to try out this summer.
Summer Wine Cocktail Recipes
- Rosé Spritzer:
Ingredients:
– 4 parts chilled rosé wine
– 2 parts club soda
– Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
– Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Add chilled rosé wine and club soda.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves.
Tip: A bottle of rosé wine, such as Domaine Ott Côtes de Provence Rosé, can range from £20 to £100.
- White Wine Sangria:
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
– 1 cup peach schnapps
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– Sliced fruits (peaches, oranges, and pineapples)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine white wine, peach schnapps, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
2. Stir well to mix the flavours.
3. Add sliced fruits to the pitcher and stir gently.
4. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Tip: A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, such as Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, can range from £25 to £230.
- Red Wine Mojito:
Ingredients:
– 2 parts red wine (Merlot or Malbec)
– 1 part rum
– 1 part lime juice
– 1 part simple syrup
– Fresh mint leaves
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Add red wine, rum, and simple syrup.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with lime wedges and additional mint leaves.
Tip: Popular red wines like Merlot, such as a bottle of Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan, can range from £20 to £2000.
- Sparkling Wine Margarita:
Ingredients:
– 2 parts sparkling wine (Brut or Prosecco)
– 1 ½ parts tequila
– 1 part lime juice
– 1 part triple sec
– Lime wedges for garnish
– Salt or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim the glass with salt or sugar, if desired.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice.
3. Shake vigorously to chill the mixture.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with sparkling wine and gently stir.
6. Garnish with lime wedges.
Tip: A bottle of sparkling wine like prosecco, such as La Marca Prosecco, can range from £5 to £140.
- Champagne Popsicle Cocktail:
Ingredients:
– 1 Champagne popsicle (available in various flavours)
– Chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
Instructions:
1. Place a Champagne popsicle in a glass.
2. Pour chilled Champagne or sparkling wine over the popsicle.
3. As the popsicle melts, it infuses the drink with its flavour.
4. Stir gently and enjoy!
Tip: Champagne popsicles, like the Fortnum & Mason Frozen Champagne Popsicles, can be purchased for as little as £2.95 apiece.
- Frosé:
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of rosé wine
– 1 cup frozen strawberries
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 ½ measures vodka (optional)
– Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Pour the wine into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
2. In a blender, combine frozen rosé cubes, frozen strawberries, sugar, and vodka (optional).
3. Blend until smooth and slushy and pour into chilled glasses.
4. Garnish with strawberries.
Tip: A bottle of rosé wine, like Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé, can range from £15 to £160.
Whether you prefer the light and fruity notes of rosé or the richness of red wine, these cocktails are sure to delight your taste buds and keep you cool during the sweltering heat. Experiment with different combinations, add your own creative touches, and enjoy the essence of summer in every sip. Cheers to a season filled with luxurious wine cocktails!
