While wine is best had on its own, I don’t shy away from making cocktails out of it either! Sangria, of course, is the go-to cocktail but there are sooo many more. Sharing some of my favourite wine cocktails here.
FRENCH 75
The picture does not do justice to this cocktail. No matter what angle or setting people use, it looks simple and unassuming and yet it’s anything but.
The first time I heard of French 75 was while watching the movie Casablanca (is that how you know of this particular drink, too?). It is almost as famous as Bond’s Martini if you are into the black and white Hollywood movies.
However, somewhere along my alcoholic experimentations, I lost track of this cocktail and only re-discovered it a few years ago. It, after all, combines two of my all-time favourites – gin and wine!
Fun-fact: It is named this because the drink hits you with the full force of a 75-millimeter French artillery gun! WOW.
Do try this delicious and refreshing cocktail sometime! Here’s the recipe:
1 tbsp Lemon juice
1 tsp Sugar syrup
50 ml Gin
Champagne
Ice
Lemon zest
Pour the lemon juice, sugar syrup, gin and ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain in a champagne flute. Top up with champagne. Garnish with a strip of lemon zest.
WHITE WINE SANGRIA
Traditionally sangria was made only with Red wine and the Sangria Blanca is a recent invention.
I am really thankful for whoever thought of it because it is such a refreshing summer drink with lovely strawberry and zesty lemon flavours.
Fun fact : As per EU regulations, sangria cannot have less than 4.5% ABV. That is more than most European beer
Here’s the recipe. It’s for 6 servings but I won’t judge you if 6 servings serves only ONE person
You’ll need:
1 medium apple, sliced
2 lemons, sliced
2 cups strawberry, sliced
½ cup white rum
2 cups lemon-lime soda or Sprite
1 bottle white wine (young refreshing wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. Avoid oaked or older white wines)
Add all ingredients to a large pitcher. Stir gently and chill for atleast 3-4 hours. Pour in wine glasses and garnish with a slice or lemon and strawberry.
BICICLETTA
If you, like me, prefer non-sweet cocktails with bitters in them. This one is for you.
Known as the Bicicletta, this apertif means bicycle in Italian. Perhaps because mixing it is as easy as riding one!
This one makes for an ideal late afternoon/early evening drink!
All you need :
50 ml Campari (or other red bitter liqueur)
50 ml white wine (preferably Pinot Grigio but any unoaked young white is fine)
Ice
Club soda
For garnish – slice of lemon/orange or a sprig of herb – sage/rosemary/thyme!
Mix Campari and wine with ice, in a glass. Top up with club soda and use your choice of garnish.
BREAKFAST COCKTAILS
Cocktails for breakfast? Bring on the Mimosa and the Bellini!
Ok let’s call them brunch cocktails if you insist. I love brunches, where day drinking is not frowned upon and we are encouraged to down these fruity fizzy alcoholic drinks before the 3pm cut off!!
Similar but each with its own unique flavours, Mimosa and Bellini were traditionally made with Champagne + orange juice and Prosecco + Peach purée respectively.
But the rules and recipes have evolved over time and have become very personal. Don’t have champagne/Prosecco? Use any available sparkling wine. Want your mimosa sweeter? Add a dash of triple sec. Want more flavour in your Bellini? Add a blueberry or cherry as garnish. Want more punch? Add lemon juice to either.
Nursing a hangover?Order a stiffer drink!
Here’s the traditional recipe for both:
MIMOSA
Mimosa: Mix 2 part champagne with 1 part orange juice. Stir gently and serve in flutes.
BELLINI
Bellini : Put 1/4 cup peach purée in a flute. Top up with Prosecco. Don’t have peach purée? Use 1/2 cup peach juice instead. Stir gently.
Both should be served super chilled! Chill the glass too if required. Enjoy.
There are many more wine cocktails but these are just some of the classics and my favourite.
Have you tried them? Which one is your favourite?
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