34 Incredible Red Wine Cocktail Recipes to Savor with Friends [Updated]
Red wine cocktails are versatile and increasingly popular drinks.
Refreshing or warming, for summer or winter, mixed with fresh fruit or spirits, there is a cocktail recipe for every wine lover.
If you need some creative inspiration, don't miss these red wine cocktail recipes to try at your next party or even this evening in front of Netflix!
34. Strawberry Daiquiri
Thought to originate in Cuba, the Daiquiri is a staple drink in any cocktail bar around the world.
Cool, refreshing, and extremely hard to put down, this twist on the recipe involves a semi to sweet red wine like the Jam Jar Shiraz.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Add the ice to a blender and blend until reasonably smooth.
Add the strawberries (keep a few for garnish), lime juice, rum, and wine. Blend to mix thoroughly. The consistency is up to you. A 'slushy' type mixture is really refreshing in the summer.
Finally, add lemonade (you don't want to add it earlier and lose the fizz) and a handful of basil leaves.
Stir gently and give the basil leaves a bash with a wooden spoon to release their flavor.
Taste and add any sugar if required (this step changes depending on the wine used). Make sure to mix after adding sugar.
Garnish with quartered strawberries and any remaining basil leaves.
Alternative method: If you don't fancy the slush texture, then simply add whole ice cubes at the end.
33. Sangria
Sweet, refreshing, and light, sangria is one of the most famous red wine cocktails.
The key to a great sangria is a fruity, dry wine that's low in tannins and has a nice bit of acidity. You can see our recommended sangria wines in our guide.
As for the recipe, there are dozens of versions of this easily-customizable drink.
Our version uses fresh fruit and freshly squeezed citrus juice for a refreshingly light summer drink.
If you haven't tried fresh Sangria (not the pre-made stuff!) then you're really missing out. It's amazing stuff!
Ingredients:
Directions:
To prepare this delicious version of sangria, squeeze the lemon and one orange, collecting the juice in a container.
Cut half of the other orange into slices and the other half into cubes.
Dice the peaches and the apple.
Pour the wine into a large glass bowl and mix it with the cinnamon and vanilla.
Add the freshly squeezed juice, stir and add the sliced/dices fruits.
Lastly, add the cognac, seal the bowl with cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
Before serving, add the soda water and ice.
Serve fresh in wine tumblers.
32. Red Wine Negroni
Apparently named after its inventor Count Camillo Negroni, today the Negroni has many variations.
Boasting Italian origins and a typical dark orange color, Negroni is a charming cosmopolitan red wine cocktail that pairs well with appetizers and snacks.
Its dry and unmistakable flavor will certainly wow your guests.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a wine tumbler with crushed ice and pour the liquids in.
Stir and squeeze in the slice of orange.
Decorate the glass with orange peel and serve the drink immediately.
31. Port Melon Cocktail
Refreshing in summer, this surprising red wine cocktail will impress you and your guests.
The perfumed aromas of yellow melon blend perfectly with the sweet flavor of Port to create an inebriating delight of the senses.
Ingredients:
Directions:
To make this exquisite drink, reduce the melon pulp to a puree with a blender.
Pour it into a high ball glass, add the ice and stir.
Pour the Port and soda water into the glass, stir again, and decorate with melon balls.
Serve immediately and pair with blue cheese, Italian ham or some light salty snacks.
30. Peach and Red Wine Cocktail
There is a debate whether this cocktail is actually a drink or a dessert. Regardless of what you call it, peaches with red wine will become the star of the party!
Dip the soft peach cubes in red wine from Piedmont to achieve the best results.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the wine with the lemon juice and shredded mint leaves.
Let it macerate at room temperature while you dice the peach.
In an old fashion glass, add the peach cubes, pour in the wine and stir.
Decorate with fresh mint and serve.
29. Caipiriña With Blueberries And Red Wine
The Caipiriña is the drink of Brazil (in my eyes anyway!). Wine is not one of its original ingredients, but this daring recipe will give you a fresh and innovative take on the cocktail.
If you don’t like calling it Caipiriña, imagine this drink as a Brazilian Sangria.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Peel the lime and slice the flesh.
Crush it in a shaker and mix well with the sugar.
Add the cachaça, wine, and orange juice.
Stir slowly and add more sugar if needed.
Add the ice, put a lid on the shaker and give it a good shake.
Serve the cocktail in a double old-fashioned glass.
28. Fruit and Sparkling Red Wine Cocktail
This cocktail is somewhat similar to Sangria, yet the freshness of the sparkling wine makes it an even greater choice on hot summer days and evenings.
Prepare it in advance and serve it with lots of crushed ice.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Peel all fruits and cut the melon, pineapple, and kiwi into small cubes.
Keep a small bowl of fruit cubes aside and blend the remaining flesh together with the grapefruit and oranges.
Mix the fruit puree with the spices, add the sparkling wine and stir gently.
Let it macerate in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Filter the cocktail into a carafe, add the fruit cubes and Grand Marnier and stir gently.
Serve the cocktail in old-fashioned glasses filled with shredded ice.
27. Cabernet Cobbler Cocktail
A fabulous cocktail created for those who love discovering new flavors.
The Cabernet Cobbler is really easy to make too. You don’t need to be an experienced bartender to shake it up, and your guests will certainly love it.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large red wine glass, dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice.
Add the soda water and fill the glass with crushed ice.
Pour the Cabernet Sauvignon over the ice and stir gently.
Garnish the glass with an orange or lemon slice and serve immediately.
26. Lemon Sherry Cocktail
Another refreshing red wine cocktail recipe ideal for summer parties, the Lemon Sherry combines the sourness of the lemon with the complex flavors of Sherry wine in a really interesting way. A dash of honey adds some lovely natural sweetness to the cocktail.
Ingredients:
Directions:
This cocktail is very easy to make. Just mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
The honey is easier to manage and to mix if it's warmed slightly.
Strain into a highball glass, garnish with orange and lemon peel and serve your creation.
25. Mulled Port
If you like traditional mulled wine then you'll love this! This drink is ideal for those late fall or winter days when it’s freezing outside and you need something deliciously warming. It's a great Christmas cocktail too!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Pour the wine and lemon juice into a saucepan.
Bring to a simmer and add the other ingredients.
Let it heat for 3-4 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the mulled Port into a mug and serve hot.
This classic recipe is great to serve after Christmas dinner or as a warmer after a day of playing winter sports.
24. Nelson's Nightcap
If you’re into fortified wine, then the Nelson’s Nightcap cocktail will certainly satisfy your tastebuds.
It also represents a great way of introducing these complex and flavorful wines to your family and friends.
Just beware, this one packs a punch!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a shaker with ice and pour in all liquids.
Shake well to mix the wines together, then strain into a wine goblet filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with lemon peel or with a lemon slice and serve chilled.
Best served in a wine glass.
23. Port Eggnog
Staying with fortified wines for now, another cocktail worth trying if you love the unmatched flavors and aromas of Port wine is Port Eggnog.
Sophisticated, elegant and really tasty, this cocktail is one for the connoisseurs!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Break the egg and separate the yolk from the white.
Whisk the yolk with a teaspoon of sugar until pale yellow and thick.
Stir in the milk and Port.
Add the nutmeg and pour the Port eggnog into a highball glass half filled with ice.
Then, whisk the egg white until firm.
Add the other teaspoon of sugar and whisk some more until foamy and somewhat glossy.
Pour a thin layer of egg white mixture onto the top of the Port eggnog and serve.
22. Marsala Milk Punch
Another fortified wine cocktail recipe is Marsala Milk Punch. It's a really simple one that's no hassle to put together in just a few minutes with very basic ingredients found in most kitchens (providing you've got the wine!)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a shaker with ice, pour in the wine and the milk and shake vigorously.
Strain the cocktail into a Collins glass and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Garnish with cinnamon sticks and serve chilled.
21. Red Wine Cooler
A red wine cooler is a simple and refreshing cocktail to serve on the hottest of days.
You probably don't want to use your favorite red wine for a cocktail, and this recipe is perfect for using leftover wine sitting in the cupboard.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
Pour in the wine, ginger ale and lemon-lime soda, and stir well.
Garnish the drink with a twist of lemon and a slice of lime. Serve immediately.
20. Red Wine Apéritif Cocktail
If you’re looking for the perfect ice-breaker to serve with your appetizers, this apéritif cocktail might just get the party started.
Although you can use any type of red vermouth, Dubonnet Rouge seems to be just the right choice.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Chill a traditional cocktail glass in the freezer for about half an hour.
Before serving, fill a shaker with broken ice, pour over the vermouth and orange juice and shake well.
Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass, garnish with orange peel and enjoy with finger food appetizers.
19. Autumnal Equinox Cocktail
In need of a booster for those chilly and rainy autumn days?
Cheer yourself up with an Autumnal Equinox cocktail! Rich aromas and flavors make this delicious mix the superstar of any autumnal event.
This cocktail works wonders on the chilliest days, thanks to the warming effect of the liqueurs.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill an old-fashioned cocktail glass with ice cubes.
Pour the ingredients over the ice and stir.
Garnish with cracked Amaretto biscuits and serve.
18. Bitter Sweet Cocktail
Among bartenders, there has long been debate regarding the bitter sweet cocktail. Some claim it’s an apéritif.
Others say you can only serve it as a digestif at the end of a meal.
In the middle of this debate, wine lovers claim you can prepare and serve this delicacy whenever you like!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes, pour the wine and spirits over the ice and stir well.
Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass, add a twist of orange and garnish with a slice of orange and serve.
The Unicum liqueur gives this cocktail an intense herb flavor and a perfect bitterness.
17. Cinzano Vermouth Cocktail
Cinzano is one of the most famous vermouths in the world.
The intense aromas and complex flavors of this exceptional Italian wine are complemented by the bitterness of Angostura or Campari bitters, in an explosion of flavors that promises to delight all palates.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a shaker with ice, pour in the ingredients and shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with orange peel and one orange slice.
Serve the drink with the appetizers or more typically (for Cinzano) as a digestif after dinner.
16. Bloody Pepper
The name might make you think of a traditional Bloody Mary, but no vodka or tomato juice is involved in this recipe.
'Bloody' refers to a full-bodied red wine, such as a robust Merlot, Malbec or Shiraz.
While the Pepper in the name doesn’t refer to black pepper but to the famous soda drink.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Choose your favorite red wine glass, chill it in the freezer and fill it with crushed ice.
Pour the wine and soda over the ice, give it a stir and decorate with a cocktail straw.
Serve immediately.
If you don’t like Dr. Pepper, substitute the soda with Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Kalimotxo is a variant of this cocktail originating in Spain.
15. Devil’s Cocktail
Despite the name, there is nothing “devilish” about this drink.
On the contrary!
The unique flavors of the Tawny Port match perfectly with those of the dry Vermouth.
The result? A heavenly aroma that will delight all your senses.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes and pour the wines and lemon juice over the ice.
Stir vigorously, then strain into a cocktail glass.
Add a twist of lemon peel to the cocktail and serve.
The lemon juice gives a refreshing touch to the fortified wines, and the cocktail is perfect for dessert.
14. Dawn Chorus Cocktail
This invigorating drink is perfect for summer pool parties.
The peach liqueur gives a pleasant sweetness to the cocktail, while the dash of lemon juice brings a fresh touch to the mix.
Everything is crowned by the perfect match between Late-Bottled Vintage Port and high-quality Vermouth.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Shake all ingredients except the cola soda into a cocktail shaker.
Fill three-quarters of an old-fashioned glass with cracked ice and strain the cocktail over.
Add the cola, stir gently, and serve.
The cocktail is a perfect party starter and also delicious after dessert.
13. French Monkey
Despite the funky name, this cocktail is very, very easy to make.
It is ideal for those who don’t trust their bartending skills and look for a simple but grandiose recipe able to wow all the guests.
It's a great cocktail base to add a few of your own experimental twists to too.
Ingredients:
Directions:
To make this cocktail stand out, it is essential to serve it in a chilled wine glass.
Once the glass is ice-cold, mix the two liquids together directly in the glass and serve your French Monkey to your guests.
Without a doubt, this is the easiest to make cocktail in the world.
12. Duchess Cocktail
While we have no idea which duchess loved this cocktail, the truth is that the blend of vermouths and anise liqueur is simply exquisite.
Try it in the winter or on a cold rainy day to enjoy its explosion of flavors and the warming effect of the spirits to the fullest.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a shaker with ice cubes, pour the liquids over the ice and shake well.
Strain everything into a cocktail glass and serve.
11. Queen Elizabeth Martini
She's said to enjoy a tipple and was apparently recently advised to give up her nightly drink.
We also know that she favors fine wine and Martini. These are probably the facts that inspired the name of this delicious cocktail.
Perhaps, she drinks this very cocktail!
Ingredients:
Directions:
It might have a fancy name, but this “royal” cocktail is easy to make.
Just shake everything in a cocktail shaker, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve.
If you want to give this cocktail the image it deserves, garnish the glass with a few twists of orange peel.
10. Rainbow Sour Cocktail
The Rainbow Sour is probably the most colorful red wine cocktail.
Attractive, fun, and delicious, this cocktail is ideal to serve at a bachelorette party or at the next girls night in.
An instant classic and very difficult to put down!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a shaker with crushed ice, pour all the ingredients in, and shake well.
Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass, add a few cubes of ice and garnish your drink with orange slices and a cherry.
To make the cocktail even more colorful, replace the simple syrup with blue curacao.
9. The Rose Cocktail
Another exquisite cocktail promoting fortified wine as a main ingredient.
But the twist to this drink is given by the Kirsch, a flavorful liqueur with a delicate cherry aftertaste.
A color resembling red roses, the rose cocktail is perfect for the summer.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill a shaker with crushed ice and mix with the vermouth, kirsch and raspberry syrup.
Shake it well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Pour the cocktail back in the shaker, shake again, and strain it into the glass.
Repeat two times, constantly increasing the distance between the glass and the shaker.
Finally, pour into a clean and chilled cocktail glass. Add two ice cubes and garnish with a cherry and lemon peel.
8. Crimson Martini
The Crimson Martini is not actually a Martini. The drink is not even one of the ingredients.
The name is probably a result of the choice of glass.
Sweet-and-sour, flavorful and refreshing, this tasty cocktail can easily become a party favorite.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Simple ingredients go hand in hand with a simple procedure.
Therefore… simply shake the ingredients together with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain into a chilled Martini glass, garnish with a lime twist and serve!
7. Lemon-Lime Red Wine
Easy to make and refreshing, this is another great red wine cocktail recipe to serve at a pool party.
Parties aside, this cocktail is perfect to serve as an appetizer on a hot summer evening or to enjoy with your friends whenever you want something different.
Ingredients:
Directions:
This cocktail is very easy to make.
Combine the ingredients in a highball glass filled with crushed ice.
Stir. Serve. Enjoy!
6. Pink Port Mint
Pink Port isn’t one of the most refreshing wines in the world but the hint of mint gives this cocktail a pleasant freshness and makes it ideal for spring and summer.
It's a great way to try bold Port flavors for the first time.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Muddle the mint leaves in a jar, add them to a cocktail shaker and add the wine, apple juice, and shredded ice.
Shake.
Strain the cocktail into a highball glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
5. Bishop Cocktail
There are different versions of the Bishop cocktail out there, but this is one of the original recipes.
Dating back to the 30s, this cocktail is perfect for those times when you open a bottle of red that doesn’t quite taste as you'd hoped
Ingredients:
Directions:
To make the cocktail, pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake well and strain the cocktail into a red wine glass.
The rum dominates the cocktail, but if you want to make a lighter version just switch the measures of the wine and rum.
4. Scotch Sour With A Twist
Okay, we know, the Scotch Sour recipe doesn’t have any wine in it.
But why not take red wine cocktails to the next level with this intriguing reimagining of a classic?
We promise that you’ll love it. And your friends will love it too!
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a mixing glass, mix together the scotch, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup.
Give it a good stir and pour it into a classic scotch glass.
Drop in a few ice cubes and pour over the wine and apricot liqueur.
Stir. Serve.
Again, if you’re aiming for a lighter version, just invert the doses of wine and scotch.
3. Clove And Pear Sour
A tempting cocktail, the Clove and Pear Sour combines the aromas of Bourbon with those of high-quality red wine.
Use a Cabernet Sauvignon or an aged Merlot to fully enjoy the burst of flavors of this delicious fall cocktail.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a cocktail shaker, mix the bourbon with the pear and clove syrup, ice and egg white until foamy.
Strain into a champagne coupe.
Helping yourself with the back of a spoon, pour the red wine gently, to form a red layer on top of the foamy bourbon.
Garnish the drink with a slice of dried pear.
2. Glögg
I’d call Glögg an improved version of our traditional mulled wine.
It's the Scandinavian recipe that's big on bold flavors.
Ideal to serve on the coldest days, this spicy cocktail promises to amaze both you and your guests.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Into a large saucepan, pour the wine and vodka, add the other ingredients except for the sugar.
Bring it to a simmer, turn off the flame and set the mixture on fire.
Pour the sugar in and stir rapidly to dissolve it, then cover the saucepan with a lid to extinguish the flame.
Pour the cocktail into mugs and serve hot.
Caution: Just remember to have your wits about you and an extinguisher nearby. You can never be too careful!
1. Cosmopolitan Delight
The Cosmopolitan is one of the most popular cocktails of all times.
Featured in dozens of movies and TV series, this fashionable cocktail has become a true classic.
But the Cosmopolitan Delight brings a fresh flavor to the traditional recipe… and it’s delicious!
Without a doubt, this is one of those red wine cocktails able to boost your mood and get the party started!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice.
Shake all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and strain over the ice in the glass.
Garnish with a slice of lime and serve.
