Wine isn’t an obvious choice to mix with other alcohol and mixers, but it is surprisingly versatile. It can be mixed with everything from brandy to Sprite and Coke to create refreshing and crowd-pleasing drinks.
These easy red wine cocktail recipes are perfect for your next party or festive occasion, whether you are looking for something refreshing for summer or warming for winter.
Mulled wine and Sangria are the perfect solution for when you need something easy and quick to whip up for a group.
The red wine colors make these easy red wine cocktails perfect for holidays like Valentines, Christmas or Halloween.
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is like a warm wine hug on a cold autumn or winter evening.
Think après ski, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas markets. Gather with friends around the fireplace or fire pit with this hearty festive drink.
Choose a rich red like Merlot or Zinfandel.
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 2 cardamom pods
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 6 allspice berries
- 1 cinnamon stick, plus 4 for garnish (optional)
- 1 bottle fruity red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brandy
Instructions
Zest and juice the orange.
Bruise the cardamom pods pressing firmly with the flat side of a knife.
In a large pot (not aluminum), combine zest, juice, cardamom, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, wine, sugar, and brandy.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Pour through a sieve.
Garnish with cinnamon stick, if desired, and serve immediately.
Mulled wine is best served in mugs or a glass with handles since it is a hot drink.
Sangria
Make this classic Spanish drink with a dry Spanish wine like Rioja.
Depending on what fruit is in season or what fruit you have on hand, you can modify the flavors as desired.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of chilled red wine
- 1/2 cup of brandy
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 oranges cut into slices
- 1 lemon cut into slices
- 1 lime cut into slices
- 1 peach cut into slices
- 1/2 pint of strawberries cut into slices
- 1/2 cup of club soda
Directions
Mix wine, brandy, sugar and fruit together in a large pitcher.
Pour into glasses over ice and top with club soda.
Red Wine Spritzer
Sangria’s fizzy cousin, this red wine and soda cocktail is a hit even with those who don’t like red wine.
Use a Spanish wine if possible, but anything light and fruity will do the trick.
You don’t need to use an expensive wine, just pick something you would enjoy drinking on its own.
Ingredients
- Red Wine
- Lemon-Lime Soda e.g., Sprite or 7UP
- Oranges, lemons, and mint
Directions
Add ice to your glass of choice.
Fill the glass halfway with red wine.
Top with lemon line soda or sparkling lemonade.
Stir lightly and garnish with lemon and oranges slices and fresh mint.
Kalimoxto/Calimocho
This Spanish favorite is probably the quickest and easiest cocktail you’ll ever make!
Ingredients
- 1 cup red wine, ideally something Spanish
- 1 cup Cola/Coke
- Ice
- Lemon slices
Directions
Fill a collins glass with ice. Top with red wine and coke and stir.
Garnish with lemon.
Port Melon Cocktail
Refreshing in summer, this surprising red wine cocktail will impress your guests.
The yellow melon aromas blend perfectly with the sweet flavor of Port wine.
Ingredients
- 2.7oz Port wine
- 1 small slice of yellow melon
- Melon balls for decoration
- 1 can soda water
- Ice
Directions
Puree the melon slice in a blender and pour it into a highball glass.
Add the Port, soda water and ice.
Stir well and decorate with melon balls.
