There is nothing better than sipping some wine or perhaps even a cocktail at the end of a tiring day. So, why settle for one type of drink when you can mix them. Wine cocktails have been in trend for a long time. But, traditionalist wine connoisseurs have a hard time accepting wine-based cocktails.
However, wine cocktails are a great addition to your beverage palette. Adding sparkling, still, dry or sweet wine to your drinks can add a flair of complexity to your drinks. It does not matter if you do not know how to make cocktails; you can always buy premixed cocktails. Such premixed beverages are available in plenty of flavours.
If you want to go the old school way, here are some wine cocktails that you must try.
1. French 75
A fan favourite during brunch, Fench 75 is a combination of gin, champagne or sparkling wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Despite the name, this drink is an American creation. There is a debate on whether mixologists initially made it with gin or cognac.
It is recommended to try sparkling wine from Alsace, Burgundy or the Loire Valley region instead of champagne.
2. Watermelon White Wine Spritzer
A spritzer is a refreshing drink that comes in many forms, each much more refreshing than the last. It is an easy drink to make as anything can be turned into a spritzer cocktail by simply adding bubbly water. It is a refreshing combination of pureed watermelon with white wine and club soda. A white wine such as pinot grigio mixes well in the cocktail.
3. Kalimotxo
Similar to white and sparkling wines, red wines too can be used in cocktails. A Spanish invention popularised in the ’70s is one of the most popular drinks. It is simple to make and does not require many ingredients other than red wine and coca-cola. Kalimotxo is a refreshing 50-50 mixture of both ingredients.
4. Sherry Cobbler
Sherry Cobbler is an American classic that dates back to almost two centuries. As the name suggests, the main ingredient is sherry. Sherry is a Spanish fortified wine made from white grapes grown near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. This cocktail perfectly showcases the sherry’s nutty flavours. The classic drink is a combination of fortified wine, simple syrup and a dash of muddled orange. It is recommended to use dry sherry such as fino or amontillado.
5. Kir Royale
Kir Royale is a fun, festive and fruity drink. The classic version of the cocktail is made with champagne. But, the wine variation of the drink was original;y devised during the second world war. They made it with a dry white Burgundian wine called aligoté with crème de cassis.
6. Sangria
Sangria is the most classic of all the wine cocktails on the list. It is so easy and satisfying to make. Stir together red wine with brandy topped with fresh-cut fruit chunks. Sweeten it with orange juice and sugar to create the perfect pitcher for your guests.
These wine cocktails are a must try and easy to make. A good bottle of red tastes splendid but mix it with other ingredients to shape up the flavour of your next cocktail. If you are not the one who prefers to make drinks yourself, try some premixed cocktails. They are available in a variety of flavours and are a convenient choice.