When one thinks about red wine, often it is thought of as purely an evening drink which is rich, full-bodied and sophisticated. Its heavy and full nature means it is the perfect alcoholic accompaniment to fine cheese, Mediterranean olives and hearty Winter dishes. However, over the last few decades red wine has increasingly become the main ingredient for some fruity flirty cocktails and some sophisticated long drinks as it adds a depth of flavour that many spirits fail to do. Below is a comprehensive list and recipe guide to the nicest red wine cocktails, with different ideas for various events.
Perhaps the most famous red wine cocktail is the Spanish speciality, Sangria. Although recipes differ greatly depending on which area of Spain you visit, essentially Sangria is a mix of red wine, lemonade, mixed fruit and ice. However, perhaps the most tasty and full-bodied flavour comes from Sangria made from red wine, lemonade, brandy or Bacardi, Cointreau or Grand Marnier, slices of orange and lemon, a few teaspoons of sugar and ice cubes. The sugar is not a necessary ingredient but some argue that it helps bring out the different flavours.
Another fruity Summer cocktail is the Claret Cobbler. This is normally served in a highball glass with fruit placed in the bottom of the glass. One then adds 100ml of Claret, 10ml triple sec, 75ml soda water and then a splash of sugar syrup or a few teaspoons of sugar to taste. Stir around and then add a garnish of Summer berries and a twist of lime and you have a stunning fruit drink, perfect for a garden party! Another garden party or Summer barbecue favourite is the Red Wine Cooler which is a fantastic Summer drink with a tangy combination of red wine, lemon-lime soda and ginger ale. Half of the drink should be the red wine with the other two making up a quarter of the drink each. Ideally it should be served in a tall glass with ice cubes and a twist of orange and lemon.
A Queen Charlotte is an interesting red wine cocktail with a hybrid of flavours. It is 200ml of red wine and then 50ml of grenadine syrup. Stir them together and then add lemon/lime soda to create a sparkling fizz with a real Summery tang. A twist of lemon and lime is a great way to bring out the soda flavour and citrus acidity of the flavours are a great contrast to the rich full-bodied red wine. Called a Seaside-Summer Bliss cocktail, 2 parts red wine mixed with 2 parts apple cider and 1 part lemonade or lemon soda is a deeper fruity mix perfect for relaxing by the sea, or even just sitting in your garden enjoying a British sunset.
A Bourdeaux Cup is a way of putting your bottle of Bordeaux to fantastic use. Simply add sugar syrup, a splash of water, mixed spices and slices of lemon for a slightly heavier but incredibly satisfying Summer evening red wine cocktail. A rather similar recipe – one a bit more recognisable and incredibly Wintery – is the traditionally simple yet delicious mulled wine. This is best made in a huge pan, as it allows for the flavours to really simmer and infuse. Firstly you should heat up two bottles of a Cabernet Sauvignon wine and then add 2 sliced oranges, one full orange stuck with cloves, 2 sliced lemons, 6 level tablespoons of granulated sugar or honey (or ideally a mix), 2 sticks of cinnamon, and a splash of fruit liqueur if you are feeling cheeky. Leave the mixture to simmer for an hour, but do not let it boil as you will lose some of the flavour. If required, add more honey or liqueur to taste, and if you need to make more at a party or gathering, you can dilute the mixture with water and fruit to make it go further.
More low-end – but still delicious! – red wine cocktails include a Kalimotoxo, which is a mix of red wine with coca cola, added to a tall glass with ice cubes and a twist of lemon. The other is a mix of cheap red wine, cheap white wine and orange juice. The latter is a fantastic and Summery way to get rid of cheap alcohol that is too vinegary or tannin-full to be worth drinking by itself.
Whichever recipe you decide to try, obviously cocktails are a matter of taste with some preferring high-alcohol drinks and others preferring a refreshing splash of spirits. It is important to experiment with the cocktails to ensure you get some that are right for you and your event.
