Frosé, shmosé. I’m not ashamed to say that frosé is a little overrated — there are SO many more interesting ways you can turn wine into a juicy, refreshing cocktail that doesn’t involve a trip to an overpriced bar. Beyond rosé, there are cocktail concoctions for sparkling, red, or white wine lovers. No matter which type of vino you prefer, there’s a mixed drink for you on this list.
Sangria
Hello, old friend. This old standby is incredibly versatile — you can make it with whatever you have on hand. At its core, sangria is a combination of wine and fruitiness. Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Vinho Verde? It all works. Orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice? Stir it up.
Bellini
Often overshadowed by its Mimosa counterpart, the Bellini is an extremely underrated brunch-time cocktail. The next time you’re looking for a buzzy drink to sip with your eggs benedict, opt for this Prosecco and peach cocktail.
Kalimotxo
I first heard of this mixture (red wine and coca cola) from Spanish exchange students when I was in high school. I thought it sounded disgusting, but it’s actually a great way to make a bottle of cheap red more party-friendly. It’s an iconic Basque drink, so you can sip on this concoction knowing you’re honoring Spanish tradition.
Aperol Spritz
Bitter Aperol gets tempered with sweet Prosecco and fizzy soda water in this classic aperitif. The Spritz is super easy to mix up, and its beautiful sunset color makes it a perfect summer sipper. Add citrus wedges for garnish if you’re feeling extra fancy!
Sbagliato
Reportedly, this cocktail was born when an Italian bartender grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin. Since “sbagliato” means “mistake,” the drink is appropriately named. As for the rest of the ingredients? Vermouth, Campari, and club soda finish off this cocktail.
The Bishop
Some variations of this cocktail use fruit juice, but in my book, that’s a little too similar to sangria. I love this version, which is from the 1935 edition of The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book (at least according to The Spruce). It simply combines red wine, rum, simple syrup, and a little lime juice.
