Drinks Cocktails Wine cocktails 12 Wine Cocktails That Make Bargain Wine Really Shine Here's how to jazz up that ho-hum bottle that's been sitting in the back of your bar cart. By Food & Wine Editors Food & Wine Editors This is collaborative content from Food & Wine's team of experts, including staff, recipe developers, chefs, and contributors. Many of our galleries curate recipes or guides from a variety of sources which we credit throughout the content and at each link. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 6, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon / Glasses from Mamo From refreshing spritzers to sophisticated sangrias, wine cocktails are one of the most underrated ways to get excited about that ho-hum bottle of sparkling rosé or Pinot Grigio that's been sitting on your bar cart since someone brought it to your last housewarming party. Wine cocktails are great for batching, too, making them ideal party beverages. Maybe it's time to make a batch of Bellini cocktails for a brunch crowd, or maybe you've got a blender and some sherry handy, and you can whip up some frozen drinks. Whatever your journey, grab a bottle of wine that you're underwhelmed by and try out one of these 12 wine-based cocktails. 01 of 12 Bellini Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon Everyone should know how to make this bubbly brunch cocktail. Akin to the Mimosa, the Bellini blends a more fruit-forward sparkling wine with tart and sweet peach using fresh peach puree. Get the Recipe 02 of 12 Pineau Spritz Victor Protasio The combination of lightly fruity Pineau with plenty of citrus and bubbles (plus bitters and honey syrup) makes for a drink worthy of company on even the tightest of timelines. Get the Recipe 03 of 12 Be Cool Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis Boozy, bitter, and tart, this vibrant red blended drink sips like a frozen Negroni. It's the perfect not-too-sweet summer slushy. Keyatta Mincey-Parker's method of infusing the blanc vermouth with whole dried hibiscus flowers imparts their fruity and floral sweetness without masking the delicate aromas and flavor. Get the Recipe 04 of 12 Frozen Hula Hoop Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis A sweet-tart blend of pineapple, raspberry, and lemon adds fresh fruit flavor to this slushy frozen drink from Erick Castro, which is spiked with white rum, Aperol, and dry red wine. With plenty of heat from the trio of alcohols, those fresh summer fruits keep the drink well balanced. Make your own raspberry syrup by infusing simple syrup with fresh berries, or purchase a bottle at the liquor store or online. Get the Recipe 05 of 12 Soft Arms Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon / Glasses from Mamo Riesling and fino sherry are a match made in heaven. Get the Recipe 06 of 12 Stop the Hourglass Photo by Victor Protasio / Food Styling by Rishon Hanners / Prop Styling by Audrey Davis Chantal Tseng's take on a refreshing summer drink pairs juicy, ripe peaches with cool and refreshing mint tea. Amontillado sherry, with notes of vanilla and toasted hazelnuts, adds a sweet, pleasant complexity to this frozen sipper. The fresh peaches and mint tea ice cubes tame the heat of the alcohol and ginger. Get the Recipe 07 of 12 Earl Grey–Aquavit Spritz Victor Protasio Honey simple syrup is even easier to prepare than standard simple syrup; just vigorously stir together honey and water until well combined. The mellow, floral sweetness of the honey syrup pairs perfectly with a touch of lemon in this tea cocktail. Get the Recipe 08 of 12 French 75 Guillermo Riveros / Food Styling by Oset Babür-Winter This luxurious, delicious combination of gin and Champagne can be easily scaled up for a crowd. Get the Recipe 09 of 12 Aperol Spritz Matt Taylor-Gross / Food styling by Lucy Simon What drink is bright orange, bittersweet, and beloved all over the world? Get the Recipe 10 of 12 Walker's Mulled Wine Greg DuPree This version of mulled wine, from Walkers Maine restaurant in Cape Neddick, Maine, is gently infused with nutmeg, vanilla, and star anise, then lightly sweetened with honey and maple syrup. The result is a concoction you'll want to sip all year long. Get the Recipe 11 of 12 Late-Harvest Wine and Campari Cocktails When he's grilling on a hot summer night, Francis Mallmann invariably has a cool cocktail in his free hand. The extra-refreshing one here combines sweet wine and the bitter Italian aperitif Campari. Get the Recipe 12 of 12 Sparkling Citrus-Pomegranate Sangria Photo by Dan Perez / Food Styling and Prop Styling by Nurit Kariv A quick cinnamon-flavored simple syrup adds cozy notes to this tart sangria with fall flavors of pear, persimmon, and pomegranate. It's spiked with brandy and gets a lift from Lambrusco, a fizzy Italian red wine. Get the Recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit