Best Wine Cocktails for Your Next Summer Party

Get ready to raise the bar (and your glass 🍷) this summer with this list of the best wine cocktails that are sure to impress your guests at your next party. 

Summer’s almost here, and we’re feeling the excitement! We’re already gearing up for those legendary friend get-togethers—you know, the ones where the sun shines, and the drinks are flowing like liquid sunshine. 

For us wine lovers, it’s all about infusing a little wine magic into every party. Because let’s face it—nothing says summer quite like sipping on a refreshing wine cocktail and soaking up the sun. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or just dipping your toes into the world of wine cocktails, we’ve got you covered with a complete guide to the best summer drinks. From classic favorites to bold mixes, these cocktails are sure to elevate your summer gatherings. 

And, if you’re feeling a little intimidated, don’t worry — we’ve thrown in some beginner tips to help you start making cocktails like a pro. 

 

Summer Wine Cocktails to Make with Red Wine

 

Sangria

1 chopped apple of your choice

1 orange

1 lime

⅓ cup of berries (we recommend raspberries or sliced strawberries)

1 bottle of red wine

4 ounces of orange juice

4 ounces cup brandy (we recommend Grand Marnier)

Wine Tip: Pinot Noir is our favorite wine to use for this recipe.

Okay, we know this one is a popular one and you’ve likely already had it with your friends on a patio a hundred times. But, hear us out—Sangria is the quintessential summer sip that never fails to impress. It’s not just a drink; it’s a delicious shared experience! All you need is a pitcher and some fresh fruits to get started. Throw in your favorite apples, oranges, limes and berries, and then pour in the wine, orange juice, and a splash of Grand Marnier. Give it a good stir, and then chill the Sangria for a few hours (or even overnight) to let the flavors meld together. Shorten with AI

When it’s time to serve, pour the chilled Sangria into wine glasses, or get creative with mason jars for a rustic vibe. 

 

Kalimotxo

4 ounces red wine 

4 ounces of Coca Cola

1 lemon slice for garnish

Wine Tip: This cocktail originated from Spain, so reach for a Spanish red wine like Tempranillo. Can’t find it? No worries, a Cabernet Sauvignon works as a great substitute. 

Short on time? No problem—we’ve got the perfect drink for you: a kalimotxo. Grab a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes. Pour in your red wine and cola, then garnish with a lemon slice. Voila! You’ve got yourself the perfect drink for those laid-back summer parties.

 

Devil’s Margarita

1 ½ ounces tequila blanco

1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

¾ ounce simple syrup

½ ounce red wine

1 lime wheel for garnish 

Wine Tip: This cocktail goes well with both Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot—pick your poison. 

You’ll need a few tools for this one, but trust us—it’s worth it. Start by adding tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until you feel the chill permeate through. Next, strain the drink into a coup glass. 

Now here’s where the magic happens: gently float the red wine on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a bar spoon. It will gracefully pool on the surface of the drink, making it such a pretty drink to look at! Finish it off with a lime wheel garnish, and you’ve just crafted a Devil’s Margarita! 

 

Summer Wine Cocktails to Make with White Wine

 

White Wine Mojito

2 lime wedges

6 fresh mint leaves

1 teaspoon agave

4 ounces chilled white wine

4 ounces of club soda

Wine Tip: We recommend using your favorite Sauvignon Blanc for this (chill it first).

For a wine twist on a classic, combine lime, mint, and agave in a glass and gently muddle with a spoon to release all the flavors. Next, add in the wine, club soda, and ice, and give it all a good stir. Serve this delicious drink in a highball or Collins glass for the perfect tropical sip! 

 

White Wine Paloma

3 ounces white wine

½ grapefruit – juiced 

1 tbsp sugar or honey

½ ounces lime juice

Sparkling water

Salt for rimming

Wine Tip: Sauvignon Blanc is the way to go with this one too! 

Did you know white wine makes a great addition to a classic Paloma? Mix white wine with grapefruit juice, a splash of lime, and a bit of sweetness like sugar or honey (agave works too). Serve over ice in a highball or Collins glass, then top with sparkling water for that extra kick of refreshment. It’s the perfect summer drink for any occasion! 

 

White Wine Spritzer 

6 ounces cup white wine

3 ounces of club soda

1 lemon rind for garnish

Wine Tip: Go for a Chardonnay, trust us. 

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make cocktail to have with white wine, this is it. This has been our go-to summer drink for years now, and it never disappoints. Simply pour your favorite Chardonnay over ice into a tall wine glass and top it off with club soda. It’s that easy! For an extra bit of flavor, twist a lemon rind over the glass and add it in. It really is so effortless that we are sure this wine spritzer is going to become your new summer favorite too!

 

Summer Wine Cocktails to Make with Sparkling Wine

 

Aperol Spritz

3 ounces of sparkling wine

2 ounces of Aperol

1 ounce of soda

1 slice of orange

The drink that took over the summer of 2023, the Aperol spritz, is truly one of the best drinks you can make with your friends for a summer party. Combine Aperol, sparkling wine, and a splash of soda water over ice in a glass. Then, garnish with an orange slice for a sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. With it being so easy to make, you can be sure that there will be enough refills for you and all your friends. 

 

Bellini

2 ounces of peach puree (4 peeled, pitted and sliced peaches)

4 ounces of chilled prosecco

Peach slides, for garnish 

Fresh mint, for garnish

A timeless brunch classic with a Venetian twist, this delightful drink is a must-have for any summer party. To prepare, simply prepare some peach puree by blending frozen peaches with sugar until it’s to your liking. Pour the peach puree into a champagne flute, then top it off with chilled sparkling wine. Originating from Venice, Italy, a bellini is definitely going to be a hit with your guests. 

 

French 75

1 ounce of gin

½ ounce of lemon juice, freshly squeezed

½ ounce of simple syrup

3 ounces of sparkling wine (or Champagne 🍾)

1 lemon twist for garnish

If you’re having a more sophisticated party, then bring out the bubbly and get ready to celebrate with a French 75. Mix gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top it off with your favorite sparkling wine. Garnish with the lemon twist for the aesthetics. 

 

4 Tips To Get You Started With Wine Cocktails

Now that you know exactly what to make, here are a few must-haves and tips before you get started: 

1. Equip Yourself: Invest in a shaker, mixing glass, jigger, muddler, bar spoon, and a Hawthorne strainer. Splurge on a quality jigger and shaker; the rest can be dollar store finds. Trust us, the right tools make all the difference!
2. Prep Garnishes Ahead of Time: Don’t stress over garnishes mid-party. Prep them beforehand, so when your friends are ready for another round, it’s as easy as 1, 2, garnish!
3. Find the Right Glassware: Stock up on a few nice glasses that you’ll use for many cocktails over time. Get rocks glasses, wine glasses, highballs, and coupes. Aesthetics count, and you’ll be ready to serve any wine cocktail in style.
4. Make Your Own Syrups: Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own syrups. It’s easier (and cheaper) than you think! For a simple syrup, just mix equal parts sugar and water on the stove. Your wallet—and your cocktails—will thank you 🍸.

 

In a nutshell, diving headfirst into the world of wine cocktails is a blast! Armed with the right tools, prepped garnishes, funky glassware, and homemade syrups, you’re all set to wow your friends and make every summer get-together a hit. So, roll up those sleeves, get creative, and start exploring the world of wine!