Let us be frank: We're definitely not strangers to a glass of wine, but we know just a few more ways to make your happy hour, well, way happier. The easiest way? A wine cocktail, of course! You likely already enjoy plenty of wine cocktails while you're out at your favorite bar (like sangria, spritzes, mimosas, and even vermouth-based cocktails), but we think it's about time to bring that party home. No matter what kind of wine you've got on hand, we've got 30 next-level brilliant ideas on how to make a pretty mean wine-based cocktail that'll impress more than that 5-oz. pour!
Did you know that some of the most iconic classic cocktails are actually wine-based? Vermouth (a type of aromatized fortified wine) is key to martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis and a more-than-worthy addition to your bar cart. Made from wine that's then "fortified" with the addition of spirits, herbs, and sugars, vermouth can range from being dry (and white wine-based) or sweet (and red wine-based), which lends a floral, herbal quality to mixed drinks, especially easy cocktails like spritzes.
Speaking of, if you've got some bubbly hanging around, you're basically halfway to a spritz! We kind of can't get enough of all the variations out there, like a St. Germain spritz, the iconic Aperol spritz, and even our fall version, the apple cider spritz.
Even if you don't want to get too elaborate with your mixology, we've got some low-key options too, like strawberry frosé, vanilla peach bellinis, and Prosecco mint juleps. Personally, we think you need to do yourself and make a Kalimotxo ASAP. It's a simple and delicious Spanish cocktail that just requires your favorite red wine, Mexican coke, and a squeeze of lemon (trust us, it's good).
Red Sangria
Our classic version of sangria is light and bubbly with an addition of seltzer water and the perfect ratio of wine to brandy. It's also perfect all year round: Skip the summer berries and swap in fall fruits like pears and apples to keep enjoying this summer classic whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Red Sangria recipe.
Kir Royale
When it comes to sparkling wine-based cocktails, few beverages are as classy and sophisticated as a Kir Royale. The Kir Royale is a fixture at holiday celebrations, soirées hosted by the likes of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart, and even episodes of Emily in Paris, making it a great cocktail to enjoy when you want to feel a bit festive.
Get the Kir Royale recipe.
Beyhive Bellini
In the words of Queen Bey: “If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready.” Trust us—you don’t want to be caught “getting ready” for the arrival of a new Beyoncé Knowles-Carter album. At Delish, we’re “stay ready” kind of people, so naturally we’re pouring up this bubbly Beyhive bellini as soon as the music drops. A blend of honey, reposado tequila, peach nectar, and lemon juice makes this cocktail the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tangy, while the bubbles keep it light and refreshing.
Get the Beyhive Bellini recipe.
Kalimotxo
In the states, people tend to scoff at the idea of mixing anything with wine (though we at Delish clearly do not, check out our red wine mules and Champagne margaritas). However, in the Basque region of Spain, they aren't only drinking sangria—in fact, mixing wine with soft drinks is somewhat of an obsession all over Spain. One of the most popular iterations is called Kalimotxo. All it takes to make a Kalimotxo is two ingredients: Coke and red wine. We know it might seem crazy, but this combo truly is something special.
Get the Kalimotxo recipe.
St. Germain Spritz
If you're a fan of refreshing, low-alcohol drinks like the ever-popular Aperol spritz, you're going to love this sweet and floral cocktail.
Get the St. Germain Spritz recipe.
Green Apple Moscato Sangria
Moscato sangria fans—get ready to meet your new favorite shareable cocktail. Inspired by Olive Garden's now discontinued signature sangria, this copycat green apple moscato sangria is the perfect fall twist on the classic summer cocktail. Packed with fresh strawberries, apples, and oranges, this fruity big-batch cocktail is perfectly refreshing all year round.
Get the Green Apple Moscato Sangria recipe.
French Blonde
This refreshing drink has found its way into the spotlight recently after it was rumored that Taylor Swift prefers it as her cocktail of choice. The cocktail—which features gin, the French aperitif wine Lillet Blanc, St-Germain liqueur, and grapefruit juice—is bright, citrusy, and just a touch floral. It also has a relatively low ABV, which makes it perfect for summer days by the pool, Sunday brunch, or any time you need to liven up a warm weather gathering.
Get the French Blonde recipe.
Mimosa
Nothing kicks off brunch quite like a mimosa. If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, bump up the orange juice to 3 ounces per glass, or go for a sweeter bottle of bubbly. To play up the orange flavor, try adding a dash of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, or a few dashes of orange bitters.
Get the Classic Mimosa recipe.
Bikini Bellini
While the classic Bellini is best enjoyed in the warmer months when peaches are abundant and ripe, this version—made with high-quality pineapple juice—is reliably delicious all year round. Light and fragrant with botanical undertones of basil, it’s as invigorating either poolside in July or at a weekend brunch in February where it’s sure to brighten the mood.
Get the Bikini Bellini recipe.
Americano
There's no doubt about it—we're living in the year of the Negroni. But if you look closer at the lineage of everyone’s favorite viral drink, you’ll find that the Americano is just as sophisticated and even easier to make at home. It’s a simple drink with just three ingredients: Campari, club soda, and the best sweet vermouth you can find, topped with an orange slice. For those new to the world of Campari and vermouth-based cocktails, think of them as a pre-dinner beverage that'll pair perfectly with a romantic dinner. 😉
Get the Americano recipe.
French 75
Sure, there’s the tried-and-true margarita and the timeless Old Fashioned, but the French 75 has got what those two don’t: Champagne! Make sure to squeeze the lemon twist into your drink to add some of those floral lemon oils.
Get the French 75 recipe.
Aperol Spritz
Aperol is a bright red amaro made with flavorful, herbal ingredients that give it a distinct taste that might remind you of burnt orange and tart rhubarb. After hearing those flavor notes, it's probably immediately obvious why, when paired with Prosecco and a bit of soda water, it makes an amazing cocktail to drink for spring.
Get the Aperol Spritz recipe.
Prosecco Mint Julep
This festive sparkling drink is perfect for a low-key Easter cocktail hour. A sort of lightened-up mint julep, the addition of a dry sparkling wine provides a pleasant brightness and effervescence that plays well with the rich, caramelized tones of bourbon whiskey.
Get the Prosecco Mint Julep recipe.
Vanilla-Peach Bellinis
If you can get your hands on some super-ripe peaches, taste your puree before adding honey—it might be sweet enough already! If not, adding some orange zest will help coax out the sweetness even more.
Get the Vanilla-Peach Bellinis recipe.
Sangria Slushies
Hack alert: We love saving leftover red wine by freezing it in an ice cube tray, then blending it up into a slushie. More of a white wine or moscato sangria person? We got you.
Get the Sangria Slushies recipe.
Frozen Blue Moscato Margaritas
Wine lovers will absolutely love these margarita slushies because of the tasty addition of sweet moscato. Simply combine all ingredients and blend 'em up! You can make this as frozen or as loose as you want, based on how much ice you use. We love garnishing these with blueberries in the summer (particularly to keep with the bright blue theme), but use whatever fruit you like.
Get the Frozen Blue Moscato Margaritas recipe.
Classic Manhattan
There are few cocktails more storied (or simple!) than the Manhattan. First stirred up in 1894 by a bartender at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, the defining characteristic is that it uses Scotch whiskey and vermouth, which is a type of aromatized fortified wine. Change up your bitters with a few dashes of walnut, lavender, or black cherry for a fun twist.
Get the Classic Manhattan recipe.
Negroni
Something about the bittersweet, botanical flavors of the Negroni make us feel like we're on vacation. This classic Italian cocktail amps up the notes of juniper in gin with sweet vermouth (a type of fortified wine) and herbaceous Campari. The best part? No crazy ratios to memorize. Just stir equal parts of all three and that’s it!
Get the Negroni recipe.
Classic Vodka Martini
Just three simple ingredients are in this classic cocktail. Quality vodka and vermouth (a type of fortified wine) are key here—since they make up the drink, the cheap stuff just won't do. (You can save that for our peanut butter cup martini 😂).
Get the Classic Vodka Martini recipe.
Rainbow Sangria
Layering fruit in the glasses makes for the prettiest sangria presentation. If you don't want to bother, add it to the pitcher—the sangria will still be pretty as hell.
Get the Rainbow Sangria recipe.
