8 Refreshing Wine Cocktails You Need to Try

A glass of wine on its own is always a pleasure, but have you ever tried it as the star ingredient in a cocktail? Wine’s natural complexity and refreshing acidity make it an excellent base for creative, easy-to-mix drinks. Whether you prefer something crisp and bubbly, rich and fruity or smooth with a hint of spice, there’s a wine cocktail for every mood and occasion.

From classic spritzers to bold, spirit-infused blends, these refreshing must-try recipes offer a refreshing and creative way to enjoy your favorite reds, whites and sparkling wines.

1. Classic White Wine Spritzer

The white wine spritzer is a light, effervescent cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. By combining crisp white wine with sparkling water and a touch of citrus, you get a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm afternoons or casual get-togethers.

How to Make It:

• 5 oz white wine (Pinot Gris is a great option)

• 2 oz soda water or club soda

• Ice

• Lemon or lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a wine glass with ice.

• Pour in the white wine.

• Top with soda water and stir gently.

• Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

For a fruity twist, add fresh berries, cucumber slices, mint or a splash of elderflower liqueur.

2. Red Wine Sangria

Sangria is the ultimate party drink, blending bold red wine with fresh fruit, a splash of brandy and a hint of sweetness. This Spanish-inspired favorite is perfect for making in large batches and gets even better as the flavors meld together.

How to Make It:

• 1 bottle red wine (our Red works beautifully)

• ¼ cup brandy

• 2 tbsp orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• ½ cup mixed berries or chopped apples

• 1-2 tbsp honey or simple syrup (optional)

• 1 cup soda water (for a bubbly touch)

Instructions:

• In a large pitcher, combine wine, brandy, orange liqueur and fruit.

• Stir well and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavors).

• Before serving, add soda water for a bit of fizz.

• Pour over ice and enjoy!

For a fun variation, swap red wine for white wine to make Sangria Blanca, or use rosé for a light and fruity Rosé Sangria.

3. Rosé Lemonade Fizz

Light, floral and perfectly refreshing, this rosé lemonade fizz is a summer staple. It combines the bright, berry notes of rosé with fresh lemonade and a bubbly finish for a drink that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Make It:

• 5 oz rosé wine (like our single-serve Rosé)

• 3 oz fresh lemonade

• 2 oz sparkling water

• Ice

• Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice.

• Pour in the rosé wine and fresh lemonade.

• Top with sparkling water and stir gently.

• Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh mint.

For a fun twist, muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries at the bottom of the glass before adding the other ingredients.

4. New York Sour

The New York Sour is a bold, layered cocktail that combines whiskey’s warmth with the deep, rich flavors of red wine. The result? A striking drink with a smooth balance of citrus and spice.

How to Make It:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• ¾ oz red wine (our Red works well)

• Ice

• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

• In a shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake well.

• Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

• Slowly pour the red wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top, creating a layered effect.

• Garnish with a lemon twist.

For a twist, swap whiskey for aged rum or add a dash of bitters for extra depth.

5. White Peach Bellini

A brunch and celebration favorite, the Bellini is a simple yet elegant sparkling wine cocktail. Traditionally made with white peaches, this version keeps things classic with a fresh fruit purée and crisp Brut.

How to Make It:

• 2 oz white peach purée (blend fresh peaches for best flavor)

• 4 oz Brut sparkling wine (our Brut sparkling wine is ideal)

• Ice (optional)

• Peach slice for garnish

Instructions:

• Add the peach purée to a chilled champagne flute.

• Slowly pour in the Brut and gently stir.

• Garnish with a peach slice and serve immediately.

For a seasonal twist, try using mango, strawberries or even pears in place of peaches.

6. Kir Royale

This classic French aperitif is simple yet sophisticated, adding a touch of berry sweetness to crisp sparkling wine. The Kir Royale is perfect for celebratory toasts or a refined pre-dinner drink.

How to Make It:

• ½ oz crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)

• 5 oz Brut sparkling wine (our Brut is ideal)

• Fresh raspberries or a lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

• Pour the crème de cassis into a chilled champagne flute.

• Slowly top with Brut sparkling wine.

• Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist.

For a lighter variation, use white wine instead of sparkling wine, creating a classic Kir cocktail.

7. Sangria Blanca

A refreshing, citrusy take on traditional sangria, this white wine version features stone fruits and elderflower liqueur for a floral, summery vibe.

How to Make It:

• 1 bottle white wine (our Pinot Gris is perfect)

• ¼ cup elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)

• 1 peach, sliced

• ½ cup green grapes, halved

• ½ cup pineapple chunks

• 1 cup soda water (for a bubbly touch)

Instructions:

• In a large pitcher, combine the wine, elderflower liqueur and fruit.

• Stir well and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.

• Just before serving, add soda water for a bit of fizz.

• Serve over ice and enjoy!

For added depth, try adding fresh basil or a few dashes of orange bitters.

8. Sparkling Negroni Sbagliato

A bubbly twist on the classic Negroni, this Italian cocktail swaps gin for sparkling wine, creating a bittersweet and refreshing aperitif.

How to Make It:

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 3 oz Brut sparkling wine (our Brut works beautifully)

• Ice

• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a glass with ice and add Campari and sweet vermouth.

• Stir gently, then top with Brut sparkling wine.

• Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy.

For a bolder variation, use a rosé instead of Brut for a hint of berry sweetness.

Enjoy Usual Wines

Whether you love a crisp white, a bold red or a celebratory sparkling, here at Usual Wines we make it easy to mix up your favorite wine cocktails. With high-quality, single-serve bottles, you can enjoy fresh wine every time — perfect for crafting spritzers, sangrias and bubbly blends without opening a full bottle.

• Brut

• Red

• Pinot Gris

• Rosé

• Mixed Pack

Try a bottle (or two) and start shaking, stirring and sipping your way to refreshing wine cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Usual Wines ideal for wine cocktails?

Usual Wines are single-serve, high-quality wines that ensure freshness in every pour, making them perfect for mixing into cocktails without opening a full bottle.

2. Can I use Usual Wines for sangria?

Absolutely! Our Red works wonderfully for classic sangria, while Pinot Gris and Brut are great bases for white sangria or bubbly variations.

3. What’s the best wine cocktail for a summer party?

A white wine spritzer or a sparkling Bellini are great summer choices — light, refreshing and easy to make in large batches.

4. Do wine cocktails have a lower alcohol content than spirit-based drinks?

Generally, yes. Since wine has a lower ABV than most spirits, wine cocktails tend to be lighter and more sessionable, making them a great option for relaxed sipping.