Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Adding red wine to any cocktail might seem unusual for some. But you’ll surely be surprised to know how well red wines complement other beverages.
But what to mix with red wine to make fantastic and tasty drinks anyone will surely enjoy?
From Cappelletti Aperitivo to Plymouth Sloe Gin to Coca-Cola, here are the top red wine mixers you shouldn’t miss.
Top 8 Red Wine Mixers You Shouldn’t Miss
8. Cappelletti Aperitivo
The versatility of red wine goes well with Cappelletti apperitivo, Peychaud’s bitters, and Lambrusco– creating the tasty Figurati cocktail.
Prep Time: 2 mins.
Total Time: 2 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1oz chilled Cappelletti Aperitivo
- 2-dash Peychaud’s bitters
- 4oz chilled lambrusco
- (1) lemon twist
Instructions: In your champagne flute, add Peychaud’s, Lambrusco, and Cappelletti, then stir to mix. Squeeze the lemon on top and put it on the rim of the glass.
Serving: 1
7. Cold Brew Coffee
Red wine with a cold brew coffee? The caffeine from coffee and the fruity booze from wine makes for a great Cold Brew Sangria.
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 2oz soda water
- 0.3-0.6oz cane syrup
- 1.35oz cold brew coffee
- 2.70oz red wine
Instructions: Half-fill your glass with ice and pour wine, coffee, and syrup. Top it off with soda water and stir. You can garnish it with berries or fruits if desired.
Serving: 1
6. Orange Soda
Orange soda, mixed with your favorite red wine, creates the classic Tinto de Verano drink– from Spain, the origin of this cocktail [1] recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Total Time: 5 mins.
Ingredients:
- 2oz red wine
- 1oz sweet vermouth
- 1oz orange soda
- 1oz lemon soda
- Slices of orange
Instructions: In your large wine glass filled with ice, pour wine, sweet vermouth, orange soda, and lemon soda. Put oranges on top (let it float) and serve.
Serving: 1
Read: Recommended Wines in New Zealand
5. Raspberry Brandy
Raspberry brandy and red wine let you experience fruity flavors with some booze. Try the refreshing Red Wine and Brandy Sangria for an ultimate cocktail time.
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 oranges and lemons
- 750ml red wine
- 2oz raspberry brandy
- 2oz orange curacao
- 1L club soda
- 3tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2oz orange juice
- 4oz simple syrup
Instructions: Combine orange curacao, brandy, wine, simple syrup, and juices in your large pitcher. Stir gently, add the fruit slices, and refrigerate for 8 hours. Before serving, top it off with club soda and garnish with additional fruit slices.
Serving: 24
4. Plymouth Sloe Gin
Try the Plymouth Sloe Gin Fizz drink with your favorite red wine. Enjoy a refreshing drink with a rich body and a thicker feel.
Prep Time: 3 mins.
Total Time: 3 mins.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz Plymouth Sloe Gin
- Club soda
- Cherry and lemon wedge
- 0.5oz simple syrup
- 0.5oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5oz red wine
Instructions: In your shaker filled with ice, add sloe gin, red wine, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake well until chilled and strain it into your highball glass over ice. Pour club soda on top and garnish it with a cherry and lemon wedge.
Serving: 1
Read: Top Sodas That Mix Well With Whiskey
3. Lemon Juice
Try the New York Sour and enjoy a wine-spiked cocktail with an addition of lemon juice for a citrusy feel.
“If we sip the wine, we find dreams coming upon us out of the imminent night.”
— D.H. Lawrence, English Writer
Prep Time: 2 mins.
Total Time: 2 mins.
Ingredients:
- 0.5oz fruity red wine
- 1oz simple syrup
- 1oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2oz bourbon whiskey (or rye)
Instructions: In your shaker with ice, add whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Shake well for about 30 seconds. Then, filter the mix into your wine glass over ice and top it off with red wine.
Serving: 1
2. George Dickel Old No. 8 Tennessee Whiskey
Make the Tennessee Whiskey Mulled Wine recipe, enhanced by George Dickel Old No. 8 Whiskey and red wine. It’s a great warming beverage that you can enjoy during cold weather.
Prep Time: 3 mins.
Total Time: 3 mins.
Ingredients:
- (4) star anise
- (12) cloves
- (6) cinnamon sticks
- (1) peeled and sliced orange
- 8oz maple syrup
- 8oz George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey
- 750ml red wine
Instructions: Add all the spices, red wine, and slices of orange to your saucepan. Simmer, add maple syrup, and continue to warm in low-medium heat. Add the whiskey and turn off the heat. Strain into your serving glass and garnish it with cinnamon sticks and star anise.
Serving: 24
Read: Top-Notch Organic Red Wines Today
1. Coca-Cola
Kalimotxo, a Spanish cocktail made with red wine and coke, is a quick and easy way to beat your craving for sangria.
Prep Time: 2 mins.
Total Time: 2 mins.
Ingredients:
- 3oz Coca-Cola
- 3oz red wine
- (1) lemon wedge
Instructions: In your cocktail glass, put ice and red wine. Stir gently and top it with cola. If preferred, squeeze the lemon juice and garnish it with an extra lemon wedge.
Serving: 1
FAQs Related to What to mix with Red Wine?
What can I mix with red wine?
Red wine can be mixed with various ingredients to create delicious cocktails, sangrias, or wine-based drinks.
Are there specific recipes for cocktails using red wine?
Yes, there are many recipes available for cocktails featuring red wine, such as mulled wine, red wine sangria, and wine spritzers.
Can I mix red wine with fruit juices?
Red wine pairs well with certain fruit juices, like orange juice or cranberry juice when making cocktails or sangrias.
What are some popular mixers for red wine?
Popular mixers for red wine include soda water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and fruit liqueurs, adding fizz or sweetness to the wine.
Can I mix red wine with spirits like brandy or vodka?
Yes, red wine can be mixed with spirits like brandy to create flavorful cocktails such as the classic Spanish drink, sangria.
Are there any non-alcoholic mixers that complement red wine?
Non-alcoholic mixers like fruit syrups, flavored sparkling water, or herbal teas can complement the flavors of red wine in mocktails or spritzers.
Can I create custom cocktails with red wine?
Absolutely! Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and flavors to create your own unique red wine cocktails tailored to your taste preferences.
What are some garnishes that go well with red wine cocktails?
Garnishes like citrus slices, fresh berries, herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even edible flowers can enhance the presentation and flavor of red wine cocktails.
Where can I find recipes for cocktails using red wine?
You can find recipes for cocktails using red wine online, in cocktail recipe books, or on wine-related websites, offering plenty of inspiration for your mixology adventures.
Wrapping Up
Who says red wine is just best on its own? These recipes prove that red wine is versatile and matches well with various beverages to create interesting and delicious cocktails.
If you want a sophisticated drink, mix red wine with Cappelletti or make a simple drink by combining it with Coca-Cola.
Whatever flavor you want to enjoy, these recipes will surely suit your tastebuds.
References:
- https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/classic-cocktail-origins
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/vodka
