Wine spritzers and coolers may have given wine cocktails a bad rap, but when you let the creative (and fermented) juices flow, the results can be mighty tasty. If you enjoy the flavors of wine you will delight in these cocktails that compliment and heighten the natural complexities of the wines themselves.
I certainly don’t suggest popping a bottle of Chateaunuef du Pape or Grand Cru Burgundy to mix with club soda and raspberry liqueur, but these days many of us are drinking more and more value driven wines. No matter how high the quality the wine, if not drunk, it will go bad quickly. So don’t feel bad about taking that bottle you got on Friday at the in-store tasting and mixing it up for cocktails on Sunday afternoon. Using wine in mixology also extends the wine; if you only have a glass or two left and more thirsty mouths to quench, it is a great way to stretch out the enjoyment of the wine’s flavors. And last but not least, wine cocktailing is a great way to keep things interesting and put a new spin on old favorites.
A few of my favorite combinations are below. I hope they inspire you to try your own innovations. With all the wine I drink, wine cocktailing will definitely be an ongoing theme here, so check back often for new recipes.
Fiona’s Fizz
This aromatic cocktail is light and refreshing and perfectly captures the essence of Pinot Noir.
Ingredients
3 oz Pinot Noir (preferably New Zealand, but Burgundy is fine)
¼ oz raspberry liqueur
rosemary
thyme, lavender (optional)
1tsp sugar
Sparkling rose wine made from Pinot Noir (club soda can substitute)
Method
Muddle herbs and lavender and sugar in the bottom of a glass, add raspberry liqueur and pinot noir, shake and strain into a wine glass, top with sparkling rose or club soda.
Russian Princess
This drink is strong and feminine, perfect for a friendly get together or entertaining.
Ingredients
2 oz rose cava
½ oz raspberry liqueur
1 oz vanilla vodka
Method
Combine liqueur and vodka over ice, shake and strain into a champagne flute, top with cava
Nobility
Using classic and classy ingredients, this drink is fit for the entire royal court…or your apartment on Saturday night.
Ingredients
2 oz off-dry Riesling
1 oz cognac
splash of orange liqueur
splash of peach bitters
champagne
Method
Combine all ingredients except champagne, shake and strain into a snifter, top with champagne.
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