Valentine’s Day is coming up on February 14th, and what could go down better with your loved one than a delicious wine cocktail?
Wine isn’t just a stand alone drink option…it’s fabulous as the foundation in cocktails as well— many perfectly suited for Valentine’s Day! VinoVoss Master Mixologist Nikki “in the Mix” Bonkowski say that far beyond the popular Sangria, wine is a versatile base for a variety of other specialty cocktails delivering unique and complex flavour profiles. Below are some quick and easy wine based cocktails sure to satisfy.
1. French 75
Ingredients: Champagne, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup
Description: A classic cocktail that combines bubbly Champagne with the botanicals of gin, brightened with a touch of lemon.
2. Mulled Wine
Ingredients: Red wine, spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise), citrus, honey
Description: A warm, spiced wine drink, perfect for colder weather, often served during the holidays.
3. Red Wine Negroni
Ingredients: Red wine, Campari, sweet vermouth
Description: A twist on the classic Negroni, using red wine in place of gin for a more complex, wine-forward flavour.
4. Gloria
Ingredients: White wine, gin, citrus, sugar
Description: A Spanish cocktail mixing gin and white wine with a citrusy sweetness.
5. Port & Tonic
Ingredients: White port wine, tonic water, lime
Description: A crisp and refreshing cocktail where white port wine is mixed with tonic and a hint of citrus.
6. New York Sour
Ingredients: Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, red wine (usually a dry variety)
Description: A twist on the traditional whiskey sour, topped with a float of red wine for depth and colour.
7. Wine Mojito
Ingredients: White wine, mint, lime, simple syrup, soda water
Description: A refreshing take on the classic mojito, using white wine in place of rum for a lighter, fruity version
8. Kir Royale
Ingredients: Champagne, crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
Description: A simple but elegant cocktail, where crème de cassis adds sweetness and color to sparkling wine.
9. Aperol Spritz
Ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol, soda water
Description: A refreshing, slightly bitter cocktail with a bright orange hue.
10. Bellini
Ingredients: Prosecco, peach puree
Description: A fruity and elegant cocktail made with bubbly Prosecco and sweet peach puree.
11. Mimosa
Ingredients: Champagne, orange juice
Description: A brunch favourite that mixes Champagne with freshly squeezed orange juice for a light, citrusy cocktail.
12. White Wine Spritzer
Ingredients: White wine, club soda, fruit garnish
Description: A light, fizzy drink made by diluting white wine with club soda, perfect for a casual afternoon.
See also: Max La Manna’s Tofu Butter “Chicken”
