Wine cocktails offer a refreshing twist on traditional drinks, balancing the lighter alcohol content of wine with more robust flavors. Here are eight iconic wine cocktails that will elevate your beverage game beyond the classic sangria.

1. Wine Spritzer

Wine spritzers are the original wine cocktails, combining soda water with various fruits or herbs for a refreshing summer drink. A blend of unoaked white wine paired with mint and lemon makes for a vibrant experience.

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 the wine, mint, and lemon slices. Stir well, top with soda water, and garnish with a mint sprig.

2. Frosé

Frozen rosé, or frosé, is a delightful summertime favorite. Mix rosé with frozen strawberries for a cooler treat.

Ingredients:

• 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. Serve immediately or freeze for later.

3. Bellini

This classic cocktail from Venice combines white peach puree with Prosecco, suitable for brunch or as an aperitif.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white peach puree
• 6 oz Prosecco

Method: Mash peaches to make puree, mix with Prosecco, and serve in a flute glass.

4. Kir Royale

This elegant drink features a mix of dry Champagne and sweet Crème de cassis.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp Crème de cassis
• 5 oz Champagne

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

5. French 75

A classic gin-infused cocktail with roots in World War I, the French 75 combines gin, Champagne, and fresh lemon juice for a sophisticated sipper.

Ingredients:

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

Method: Shake gin, syrup, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a flute, and float with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

6. Mimosa

Brunch wouldn’t be complete without this drink, blending equal parts sparkling wine and orange juice.

Ingredients:

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

Method: Mix in a flute glass, stirring gently before serving with an orange zest.

7. Kalimotxo

A unique drink hailing from Spain, Kalimotxo combines red wine with Coca-Cola for a sweet, fizzy experience.

Ingredients:

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

Method: Mix ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

8. Devil’s Margarita

This twist on the traditional margarita features red wine as a floater over a bright cocktail of tequila and lime.

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 wine cocktails not only reshape traditional perceptions but also enhance any gathering, offering diverse flavors and refreshing choices for wine lovers. Whether for brunch or an elegant evening, they redefine the wine experience beyond the glass.