Best wine cocktails to enjoy this spring

As spring graces us with a little bit of well-deserved sunshine, ditch the warming liquors and fires and sip a refreshing wine cocktail instead.

Knock, knock, it’s cocktail o’clock and what better way to bring in the spring season than with a cocktail or two.

OK, so we know that wine is the gift that keeps on giving. Perfect on its own, with food or as part of a cocktail, it’s suitable for almost every occasion from date nights and parties to meeting the in-laws.

But wine has qualities that, when combined with other ingredients, can transform it into a dazzling new best friend. So if you’re looking for some delicious wine cocktails to sip this spring, we’ve some inspiration and instruction too. White, red or rosé – everyone’s welcome – these wine cocktails are deserving of an Insta’ post, and they taste incredible, too.

red wine cocktails

Red wine cocktails

Desirable and bold, red wine cocktails are for the more sultry among you.

Cardinal

Simple but powerful, the Cardinal cocktail gives red wine that little zhuzh.

Ingredients

Despite the short ingredients list, this cocktail is not scant on flavour. Pour the creme de cassis into a glass filled with ice and top with red wine, simple! The result is a dark red colour that is striking enough without any garnish, but a blackberry or two on the rim of the glass will give it a bit of edge.

Not stirred or shaken, the cassis will gently sweeten the drink from the bottom up to avoid too much of a sugar rush. A fruity and vibrant drink, ideal for spring get-togethers.

New York Sour

Not for the faint-hearted, this New York sour is spirited (literally).

Ingredients

Mix the whisky, syrup and lemon juice before straining into a glass filled with ice. Top with red wine slowly poured over the back of a spoon to make it float. Cheers!

The finished product should look like a sunrise, but feel free to mix it if you prefer a twisted flavour. A New York Sour packs a punch from the spirit and sour lemon but levels out with the fruity notes of the wine. Perfect for an after-dinner nightcap!

Sangria

A Spanish classic that takes you on an early holiday to sunkissed beaches.

Ingredients

  • Madame F red wine
  • Brandy
  • Lemonade
  • Ice
  • Mixed fruit (think berries, peaches, pears and apples)
  • Oranges

Mix the oranges, wine and brandy in a large jug and leave in the fridge for at least one hour to infuse the flavours. Then add whatever fruit you’re using, chuck in some ice, top with lemonade and hey presto, you have a jug of Sangria!

You’ll end up with a jug that packs a punch. Fruity and boozy, you can almost consider this to be part of your five a day. The low burning heat from the brandy is balanced by the fresh and zesty kick of the oranges, perfect for a beachy picnic (or the park will do).

White wine cocktails

White wine cocktails

These white wine cocktails are classy and refreshing.

Classic Kir

Simple and elegant, a classic Kir cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated do.

Ingredients

In a large wine glass, add creme de cassis to the white wine and stir. It only takes a slither of time to make, but the result is pure class.

A glass of this ruby concoction, garnished with a blackberry or lemon peel, makes for the perfect welcoming drink to any party. For extra flair, swap the white wine for a sparkling version.

Bicyclette

An Italian staple. Very spritzy and oh-so-pretty to look at.

Ingredients

Fill the glass with Campari and top with white wine. Finish with ice and lemon slices, and you’re good to go.

Pale orange and eye-openingly fresh, this cocktail is perfect for bringing in the spring season. An easy drink that’s tangy and slightly bitter (though aren’t we all). Serve with good company while booking your next holiday to Italy.

White Wine Mojito

Controversially delicious. Swap rum for white wine in this version.

Ingredients

Mix the wine and lemonade in a large pitcher and add the lime juice. Grind fresh mint leaves before adding to the pitcher and serve with lots of ice. Garnish with slices of lime and mint leaves for an authentic Cuban experience.

A fresh and zesty drink that you can sip in the garden during spring. Top tip: bring an umbrella in case it rains (clue: it definitely will).

Rose wine cocktails

Rosé wine cocktails

These subtle and blushing rosé wine cocktails showcase the best qualities of the underdog.

Spring Fever

Floral and sweet, as spring should be.

Ingredients

Shake together the strawberries, elderflower, lemon juice and bitters. Strain into a glass with ice and top with rosé. Garnish with lemon and strawberry slices.

The result? A spring meadow in a glass. Pink, fruity and romantic. Perfect for an Easter celebration or a picnic with your pals.

Provence Cooler

Herby, sweet and tart; the ideal threesome.

Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup, along with a blackberry and basil leaves. Add ice and shake vigorously before adding rosé. Strain into a tall glass and garnish with more basil and blackberries.

A light cooler with an invigorating oomph from the vodka. Enjoy the stunning deep pink colour al fresco style, watching the sunset.

Rosé Mimosa

A pink twist on the classic.

Ingredients

If you want to be extra fancy, wet the rim of the glass and place into sugar for a sweet frosting. Fill each glass with rosé and top with orange juice. Garnish with raspberries and mint leaves.

This zesty deep pink drink is quintessential of spring brunches and gathering your besties over for a catch-up. Make your brunch cocktails bottomless for added fun!

The Triple Threat

If you’re hosting a range of tastes and personalities, or you’re just as indecisive as we are, a spritz is the best choice. Mix whichever wine you prefer – red, white or rosé – with soda water and garnish with anything you have on hand. A wine spritzer is the epitome of spring and livens up the basic glass of wine.

Eat, sleep, cocktail, repeat.