Summer is a time of slowing down. People go on vacation. The temperature rises and relaxation becomes a norm. A refreshing, cool cocktail is the best way to cool down when it’s hot. Although chilled white wine is often sufficient, you should consider new ways to mix the old with these original summer wine cocktails. If you believe that the best season is the delicious drinks, then it’s time for one of these wine cocktails. Grab your sunglasses and flip-flops, and let’s relive those warm, balmy evenings.
1. G.G. Fizz
The combination of sweet white Gewurztraminer with bubbly Cava makes a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink that’s easy to drink. The G.G. is perfect for hot days at the pool. The addition of real ginger to Fizz helps bring out the subtle ginger aromas in the Gewurztraminer wines. This drink can be described as mature ginger ale. This drink is great with spicy, flavorful food like zesty pad Thai chicken. Low acidity in the wine blend helps balance the palate and showcases the grapefruit, lychee and pineapple flavours.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. of Gewurztraminer
- 3 oz. Cava
- 3/4 oz. Simple syrup
- 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz.
- Optional: 1 – 2 teaspoons of Sriracha
Directions:
Mix the simple syrup and crushed ginger in a glass. Add the Gewurztraminer to the mixture and strain it into another glass with ice. Add Cava to the glass and Sriracha, if you like.
2. Tinto de Verano
A glass of Tinto de Verano is the perfect companion for those summer evenings spent outside with the stars above you. This drink was traditionally enjoyed in Spain. It can be made with dry red wines and chilled for warmer days. You might want to choose a wine from Spain for this drink, such as a young Garnacha. However, any dry red wine will work. Try a light, crispy, gourmet pizza with a balsamic glaze. The wine’s smooth strawberry and hibiscus can be attracted by the sharp balsamic and bitter fennel flavours.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz. 4 oz.
- 4 oz. 4 oz.
- Garnish with a lemon slice
Directions:
Mix the soda and wine in a tumbler with ice. Top it with a lemon slice.
3. Strawberry Peach Sangria
This combination is a twist on the traditional sipping recipe. It focuses on strawberry and peach flavours. This recipe calls for dry Chardonnay. This delicious drink recipe will elevate your summer dinner party. This delicious drink can be paired with a simple grilled fish such as halibut. It will bring out the wine’s subtle fruit flavours, like pear and apple, while also making it a great companion food dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle dry white wine
- 6 oz. 6 oz.
- 4 oz. 4 oz.
- 8 oz. 8 oz.
- 3 peaches cut into slices
- 1 lemon cut into slices
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice to the pitcher.
4. Wine Mojito
A glass of white wine can be substituted for the rum if you crave a mojito. This drink can be made with a peppery Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a great drink for parties, as it isn’t as sweet but still gives the drinkers a little zest. It’s best to pair this drink with a refreshing salad like cucumber dill yogurt. This will bring out the natural flavours of the wine and mojito ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle dry white wine
- 8 oz. 8 oz.
- 2 limes, cut in slices and juiced
- 2 oz. 2 oz.
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a pitcher. Serve with ice.
5. Wine Slushie
A wine slushie is a quick way to cool down. It’s like an ice smoothie but with the alcohol punch. For best results, choose a wine with a lower alcohol level, such as easy-to-drink white zinfandel. Enjoy the slushies with a straw. Serve your slushies alongside a Maryland crab cake. The wine’s flavour can be cut by the tangy spices of the seafood, which can bring out the flavours of vanilla and strawberry.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. 12 oz.
Directions:
Place wine in ice cube trays, and freeze for at least one night. Blend the wine ice cubes in a blender until you get the desired consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding chilled wine.
6. Moscato Wine Punch
A fizzy punch that adults can enjoy is best for a party setting. This easy to make drink can be made with sweet Moscato wine. This drink can be paired with Asian dishes such as spicy Szechuan Chicken. The sweetness of the wine is brought out by the heat of the food, which allows the palate to discover the sweet flavours of orange, peach and apricot.
Ingredients:
- 2 bottles Moscato
- 1 can freeze pink lemonade concentrate
- 8 oz. 8 oz.
- Garnish with fruit
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the soda and wine. Add the frozen lemonade, fruit and soda.
7. Mulled Tea Punch
This drink is a variation of traditional sweet iced tea from the South but with Burgundy wine. This drink is a popular choice for cookouts and gatherings. You can pair it with grilled hamburgers to bring out the red berry or black cherry flavours.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red Burgundy wine
- 5 Iced Tea Bags
- 15 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cups light brown sugar
- 2 1/2 quarts water
- 1 container Cranberry juice cocktail
Directions:
To make a spice bundle, use a cheesecloth. The tea is brewed by heating the water in large pots and adding the bags. Let the tea sit for 5 minutes before removing it from the heat. Start heating the tea again. Slowly add the wine, sugar and cranberry juice. Continue heating the tea until it becomes steamy. Let cool in the fridge overnight. Serve with ice.
Wine cocktails can be a fun way to experiment with new ingredients and will please both your guests as well as your palate. These wine cocktails are a great way to refresh and enjoy your next get-together.
