23 Wine Cocktails For Parties That Will Wow Your Guests
Because wine isn’t just for sipping.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with popping open a bottle of wine to drink with a rich steak or homemade pizza, the popular drink isn’t just meant to be sippied alongside a meal or charcuterie board. In fact, wine, similar to other alcoholic beverages such as gin and tequila, can seamlessly and easily be mixed into a variety of festive cocktails. Spritzes, which are typically made with digestive bitters and soda water, often traditionally call for sparkling wine, while sangria is a beloved libation that usually combines wine (red, white, or rosé) with various fruit and fruit juices.
Christopher Testani
Not only are wine drinks often less expensive to make than cocktails prepared with hard alcohol, but they also have a tendency to boast less alcohol by volume than say a martini or a margarita, making them an ideal choice for those looking to cut back on their alcohol consumption. Ready to have a bit more fun with a bottle of wine? Check out our roundup of wine cocktails for parties that you (and your guests) will love.
Related: 23 Cocktail and Spiked Punch Recipes Perfect for Any and Every Party
Rosé Cooler
Fred Hardy
Rosé wine, lemonade, and berries come together in this pre-batched cocktail that party-goers will love. If you’re looking for a more balanced drinking experience, shop for a bottle of light, dry rosé. This way, the wine will compliment the lemonade and Campari instead of overpowering them.
Red Wine Spritz
Greg DuPree
If you’re under the impression that red wine can’t be mixed into a cocktail, think again! Here, a dry, sparkling red wine (we like Lambrusco), is joined by sweet vermouth, club soda, and some fresh peach slices. The resulting drink is effervescent and fruity, but not overly sweet.
Limoncello Spritz
Greg DuPree
Limoncello is an acquired taste, and even then the boozy lemon liqueur can still be too strong for some. If you think you can handle a more subdued version of the Italian drink, try this spritz. This recipe combines Limoncello with dry sparkling wine, club soda, and some fresh lemon juice, so you’ll still get plenty of that lemon flavor, but the alcohol won’t be quite so concentrated.
Dirty Aperol Spritz
Greg DuPree
We likely all know how to make an Aperol spritz by now, so why not kick things up a notch with the dirty version? As you may have guessed, the “dirty” part is a hit of punchy olive brine, which is joined by Aperol, dry sparkling wine, and some club soda. For even more of those briney notes, garnish each cocktail with a few pimiento-stuffed green olives.
Mango Bellini Spritz
Greg DuPree
When you’re planning the menu for your next brunch party, this fizzy drink better make the cut. Here, mango juice and Triple Sec are combined with dry sparkling wine and club soda for a fruity, bubbly drink that goes down really easily.
Elderflower Spritz
Greg DuPree
If you’re looking for an easy-drinking spritz, this is the one for you. For this drink, which you can make in batches to serve a large group, you’ll combine elderflower liqueur, such as St.-Germain, with a dry sparkling wine and club soda. The resulting cocktail is refreshing, crisp, and not too heavy on the booze.
Lillet-Strawberry Spritz
Greg DuPree
Lillet is a French wine fortified with a blend of citrus liqueurs. In this summery recipe, the aperitif is joined by dry sparkling rosé, club soda, and fresh strawberries for garnish. Ideal for a picnic or outdoor dinner party, this drink is sure to satisfy your guests.
Negroni Sbagliato
Consider this drink a lighter take on a Negroni. In this recipe, you’ll use prosecco instead of gin, which makes the final product more fizzy and not as heavy on the alcohol. For the best results, use high-quality vermouth.
Frozen Rosé Frosé
It’s hard to escape summer without having a glass or two of frosé, especially if you’re partial to block parties and barbecues. To make this refreshing drink you’ll combine rosé, grenadine, and a shot of vodka with some strawberries and sugar for extra flavor. The berries also help give this cocktail its unmistakable pink hue.
Chambord Royale
A two-ingredient cocktail you can make with wine you likely already have at home? Tell us more. This pink drink, which is perfect for a Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day celebration, calls for Chambord—a raspberry liqueur—and plenty of Champagne or other sparkling white wine. Easy enough, right?
Sparkling Amaretto Sour
If you’re an Amaretto sour fan, consider giving this variation of the well-known cocktail a whirl. Here, you’ll still find Amaretto liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice, but the addition of prosecco makes the final product wonderfully fizzy and not too sweet. Three cheers to that!
Related: 12 Classic Cocktail Recipes Everyone Should Know
White Sangria
The wonderful thing about sangria is that you can generally make a pitcher with whatever wine and fresh fruit you have on hand. This version calls for white wine, club soda, and grape juice, along with fruit such as a nectarine, a tangerine, and plenty of green grapes.
Red Sangria With Blackberries
If you’re making sangria with red wine, you’ll want to choose fruits that are generally a bit heartier. In this case, that means blackberries, and navel orange segments, though blueberries and strawberries will also work well here. The optional hint of brandy gives the final product a pleasant warmth and depth of flavor.
Tarragon French 75
This twist on a classy cocktail is the perfect start to a dinner party. Here, you’ll combine sparkling wine and lemon juice with plenty of cognac, which results in a warm, wintry take on the classic drink. And that’s not all! This take on a French 75 is infused with licorice-scented tarragon for an herby depth of flavor your guests will love.
White Grapefruit-Ginger Spritz
Christopher Testani
This fizzy prosecco-based drink, which can be served as a punch to accommodate a crowd, utilizes classic fall flavors such as ginger and sprigs of thyme, making it an ideal fit for any fall parties of Halloween shindigs. For an extra impressive garnish that’s bound to impress your guests, adorn each glass with a perfectly cut grapefruit wedge.
Sparkling Lemonade Mixed Drinks
One secret to creating delicious cocktails in a hurry is to use sparkling lemonade. The bubbly drink takes care of the soda water, sweetener, and citrusy element all in one go, and can also be combined with ingredients such as red wine or pomegranate juice to craft a tasty yet easy-to-make party drink.
Pomegranate Royale Champagne Cocktail
Fuzullhanum/Getty Images
This libation, which can also be made into a batch cocktail, includes pomegranate juice, vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of Champagne. Add Chambord or St. Germain—an elderflower liqueur—depending on your personal preference.
Fall Apple Cider Sangria
While combining apple cider and sangria may sound a little intense, we promise you it works. This drink, which is perfect to make ahead of time if you’re on hosting duty, calls for fresh fruit such as apple and pear slices, as well as apple brandy, white wine, and apple cider. It’s basically autumn in a glass.
Holiday Punch
This Caribbean-inspired punch recipe packs just the right amount of sweetness, and is the perfect way to kick off a festive meal. In this recipe, sweet pineapple juice and zesty lime juice are joined by three types of alcohol. You’ve got dark rum, which plays off the simple syrup, Campari, which adds a bitter touch for balance, and prosecco, which supplies a fun fizz.
Spicy Mulled Wine
If there’s one alcoholic beverage that signals the start of the winter holiday season, it’s mulled wine. While you can make mulled wine with, well, wine and an array of your favorite spices, it’s important to achieve a good balance of flavors. This recipe calls for a hearty dose of black peppercorns and spicy fresh ginger, which prevents the final result from being too sweet.
El Versalles Passion Fruit Cocktail
This pretty pink passion fruit cocktail works no matter what time of year it is. To make, just combine rum with raspberry and passion fruit puree, as well as Triple Sec, simple syrup, and sparkling wine.
Broken Valentine Passion Fruit Martini
Passion fruit lends a sweet-tart, citrusy flavor to a classic martini recipe, while a quick pour of prosecco or other sparkling wine adds some much-needed fizz to the drink.
Related: Ready to Upgrade Those Homemade Cocktails? Learn How to Infuse Alcohol
Cider Bellini
Tired of mimosas and peach bellinis with your brunch spread? Allow us to suggest this autumnal alternative that might just be tastier than those two choices. For this simple recipe, you’ll combine sparkling wine, like Champagne or prosecco, with your favorite apple cider. Garnish with an apple slice or a fresh rosemary sprig and you’re all set!
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