Looking for some wine cocktail recipes to get you through the Summer holidays? Look no further! Wine cocktails are lighter, more refreshing and heaps more thirst-quenching than your average gin, vodka, rum or whisky-based cocktail. When it’s this hot outside, classic spirits-based cocktails are a one-way ticket to falling asleep in your chair, missing out on all the banter and fun the night-time has to offer, and waking up with a banging headache. And there’s no fun in that. So we have complied a list of our top 5 wine cocktails for you to try out this Summer!

1. The Classic – Frosé

Also known as a ‘grown up slushie’, this cocktail was inspired by a pair of bars in New York and London. With its characteristic blush colour, delicate set of flavours and sense of fun, there’s little wonder why it’s been such a massive hit across the world.

The frosé is a blend of crushed ice, rosé wine and a splash or two (or three, or four…) of Vermouth – the aromatic fortified wine which is featuring in the V&T, another big hit this summer.

Mixed together, and served with a straw and a strawberry stuck in the top, it’s a great way of making any bottle of rosé wine (even the less-than-inspiring ones) become the ultimate refreshing cocktail for when you’re in need of something to seriously cool you down.

INGREDIENTS: 

• Crushed Ice
• Rosé Wine
• Vermouth
• Strawberries

2. White Port & Tonic

With it’s strong flavors, gorgeous headiness and powerful aroma, Port is the perfect wine to mix with a good quality tonic water. Astonishingly refreshing, and perfect for those sweltering summer days, White Port & Tonic is proving to be a big hit this season. Try it for yourself, and see what all the fuss is about!

INGREDIENTS: 

• White Port
• Tonic Water
• A Twist of Orange Peel

3. Fino Collins

The floral hit of the elderflower cordial balances perfectly with the strong aromatics of the Fino Sherry. When combined with some fresh and fizzy soda water, a bit of lemon and a shard of cucumber, you’ve got yourself a summer cocktail that’s got all the character and charm of a summer garden. This one is sure to get you feeling relaxed and ready for a lazy day lying out in the sun!

INGREDIENTS: 

• Fino Sherry
• Elderflower cordial
• Soda water
• Lemon slices and cucumber spears

4. White Melba Sangria

We all love a carafe of Sangria on a hot day – it’s one of Spain’s great gifts to the world (especially in South Africa!). However, the classic combination of red wine, fruit juice, fizzy pop and sliced oranges isn’t the long and short of this drink. Using the old school recipe for inspiration, plenty of bars and restaurants have been making lighter, whiter, more summery versions of this cocktail.

The tropical flavors of Italy’s favourite white wine gets a boozy kick from the addition of rum and peach schnapps, before being cooled off with some soda and loads of citrus fruit. Delicious, and perfect for an afternoon on the beach!

INGREDIENTS: 

• Pinot Grigio
• Rum
• Peach Schnapps
• Lemon-Lime Soda
• Lemon, Lime and Orange wedges

5. Champagne Cocktail

This sparkling wine cocktail traces its roots all the way back to 1862! The classic version allows the sparkling wine to shine, which is why choosing a high quality one is important, and features a nice balance of bitter and sweet.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 Sugar Cube
• Angostura Bitters
• Chilled Sparkling Wine
• Lemon Twist

Reference Articles: Vine Pair, Good Pair Days