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Wine cocktails are a fantastic way to mix up your usual wine routine and add a fun, refreshing twist to your drink menu. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a night in, or simply looking for a new beverage to taste, wine cocktails are a great option to consider. So let’s jump right in with the all time holiday classic, the Spanish Sangria
1. Sangria
History: Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its name comes from the Spanish word “sangre,” which means “blood,” because of its deep red color. The drink is thought to have originated as a way to make wine more palatable by adding fruit and other ingredients.
How to make: To make sangria, you’ll need a bottle of red wine, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and chopped fruit (such as oranges, lemons, and apples). Mix all of the ingredients together in a large pitcher and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over ice and enjoy!
2. Tinto de Verano (Summerwine)
History: Tinto de Verano is a refreshing Spanish drink that literally translates to “red wine of summer.” It is believed to have been invented in the 1920s as a way to make wine more refreshing during the hot summer months.
How to make: To make Tinto de Verano, you’ll need a bottle of red wine and soda water. Fill a glass with ice and add equal parts wine and soda water. A variation of this is to use a lemon or orange flavoured soft drink. Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy!
3. Kir Royale
History: The Kir Royale is a classic French cocktail that is said to have been invented in the 1940s by Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, France. It was originally made with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and white wine, but the recipe was later adapted to use Champagne or other sparkling wine.
How to make: To make a Kir Royale, pour a small amount of crème de cassis into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine and enjoy!
4. White Wine Spritzer
History: The White Wine Spritzer is a refreshing cocktail that is believed to have originated in Germany. It became popular in the United States in the 1970s and 80s as a low-calorie alternative to other cocktails.
How to make: To make a White Wine Spritzer, fill a glass with ice and add equal parts white wine and soda water. Squeeze in a splash of lemon or lime juice and garnish with a sprig of mint or basil
5. Wine Margarita
History: The Wine Margarita is a twist on the classic Margarita cocktail. It is believed to have originated in California in the 1990s.
How to make: To make a Wine Margarita, mix together white wine, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy!
6. Bellini
History: The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail that was invented in the 1930s at Harry’s Bar in Venice. It is made with white peach purée and Prosecco.
How to make: To make a Bellini, purée fresh white peaches and strain out any solids. Fill a Champagne flute halfway with the peach purée and top with Prosecco. Garnish with a slice of peach and enjoy!
7. Aperol Spritz
History: The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that was invented in the 1950s. It became popular in the United States in the early 2010s.
How to make: To make an Aperol Spritz, fill a glass with ice and add equal parts Aperol and Prosecco. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with a slice of orange.
8. French 75
History: The French 75 is a classic cocktail that was first created during World War I at the New York Bar in Paris. It was named after the French 75mm field gun, which was known for its kick. The cocktail became popular in the United States during the 1920s.
How to make: To make a French 75, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
9. Kalimotxo (Red Wine & Cola)
History: The Red Wine and Coca-Cola Cocktail, also known as Kalimotxo, is a popular drink in Spain that was first created in the 1970s. It is a surprisingly delicious and refreshing combination of red wine and Coca-Cola.
How to make: To make a Red Wine and Coca-Cola Cocktail, fill a glass with ice and add equal parts red wine and Coca-Cola. Squeeze in a slice of lemon and enjoy!
10. Wine Colada
History: The Wine Colada is a tropical twist on the classic Piña Colada cocktail. It is believed to have originated in the Caribbean.
How to make: To make a Wine Colada, blend together white wine, coconut cream, and pineapple juice in a blender. Pour into a glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry. Enjoy!
Let us organise your wine tasting event for you and we’ll show you how to perfectly blend these wine cocktails for your events with friends, colleagues or clients.
