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
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
- Madame F red wine
- Creme de cassis liqueur
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
- Madame F red wine
- Whisky or bourbon
- Simple syrup
- Fresh lemon juice
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
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
- Madame F white wine
- Campari/bitters
- Lemon slices
- Ice
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
- Madame F white wine
- Lemonade
- Fresh mint
- Lime juice
- Ice
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).
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
- Madame F rosé wine
- Strawberries
- Elderflower syrup
- Lemon juice
- Aperol/bitters
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
- Madame F rosé
- Vodka
- Lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Blackberries
- Basil leaves
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
- Madame F Rosé
- Orange juice
- Raspberries
- Mint leaves
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.
