Wine cocktails offer a refreshing alternative to traditional spirit-based drinks. With an average alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 12%, wine cocktails provide a lighter option while still being versatile enough to include spirits for added complexity.

Here are eight iconic wine cocktails that will elevate your drinking experience beyond the classic sangria:

1. Wine Spritzer

A classic summer drink, the wine spritzer combines soda water with wine and fresh herbs or fruits.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz unoaked white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 2 oz club soda
• 4 sprigs of mint
• 2 slices of lemon

Method:Fill a wine glass with ice, add wine, mint, and lemon slices, then stir. Top with soda water and garnish with a mint sprig.

2. Frosé

This frozen rosé is a delightful summer treat.

Ingredients (4-6 servings):

• 1 bottle of Pinot Noir-based rosé
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 12 oz frozen strawberries
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Method:Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve in wine glasses, garnished with a fresh strawberry.

3. Bellini

Originating in Venice, the Bellini is a sweet and bubbly cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white peach puree
• 6 oz Prosecco

Method:Mash white peaches and add puree to a flute glass, then top with chilled Prosecco. Stir gently.

4. Kir Royale

This elegant cocktail mixes black currant liqueur with Champagne.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp Crème de cassis
• 5 oz Champagne

Method:Pour Crème de cassis into a flute glass and top with Champagne. Garnish with a black currant.

5. French 75

A sophisticated blend of gin and Champagne, this cocktail has historical roots.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Champagne
• 1 oz gin
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Method:Shake gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a flute, float Champagne on top, and garnish with a lemon twist.

6. Mimosa

A brunch staple combine orange juice and sparkling wine.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3 oz chilled sparkling wine

Method:Combine equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine in a flute glass; stir briefly and garnish with a slice of orange.

7. Kalimotxo

A unique combination of red wine and cola originating from Spain.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Rioja red wine
• 4 oz Coca-Cola

Method:Fill a highball glass with ice, add red wine followed by cola, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

8. Devil’s Margarita

This creative cocktail features a red wine floater atop a traditional margarita base.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz red wine
• 0.5 oz agave syrup

Method:Shake tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and float red wine on top.

These cocktails highlight wine’s versatility and charm, inviting you to explore new flavors and combinations for your next gathering or relaxing evening at home.