Many people may not know that red wine is easily one of the best and most underused ingredients in cocktails. It can add depth and multiple layers of flavor, and here are a few of the best red wine cocktails that exemplify that concept.
Diamond Claret Cup
While many wine lovers would gasp at the idea of mixing two wines together, there is one cocktail that proves it is a brilliant idea. A Diamond Claret Cup contains both red wine and champagne, plus a few other delicious flavors.
Mix together some red wine from Italy, grenadine, raspberry brandy, gum syrup, and lemon juice, and then top it off with some champagne to create this delicious and complex cocktail.
1870s Sour
This amazing take on the classic Whiskey Sour will not only tantalize your tastebuds, but may also become your go-to sour. Add sweet and fruity blueberry jam with map syrup into a typical sou base, and then top it off with a good helping of Zinfandel.
The whiskey, jam, syrup, and wine pair together far better than you may think, and you end up with a multi-layered delight that is hard to match.
Nouveau Sangaree
The Sangaree is a forefather of the beloved Sangria, and this cocktail contains a mix of flavors you have most certainly not tasted before. To start, the Sangaree was designed with interchangeability in mind, as you can use port, gin, brandy, or ale as your base.
For this cocktail, you combine apple brandy and sloe gin, add a touch of maple syrup, and then a glug of Beaujolais nouveau, and then a light spritz of bitters.
Kalimotxo
While the humble Kalimotxo may look like a simple and unappealing drink, there is a reason why countless people in the Basque region of Spain drink it every day; it is easy to make, and absolutely delicious.
You can decide on the ratio, but the recipe only involves mixing Coca-Cola with a red wine, preferably a Rioja. Squeeze in some lemon juice to brighten it up, and you have a drink that is ideal for hot Summer days.
Devil's Margarita
The Devil's Margarita is arguably one of the best variations on this classic cocktail. After you have made a regular Margarita, all you need to do is pour in half an ounce of vino to create a red wine float.
Not only does this create a beautiful color contrast, but it also has a new flavor dimension that you wouldn't have come across before in other variations. Don't forget, there is no need to salt the rim, a slice of lime is more than enough.
Sangria
Finally, Sangria is probably the most popular and well-known red wine cocktail, and for good reason. It is refreshing, light, perfect for a Summer's day next to the pool, and can be adjusted to suit your tastes.
For a classic Sangria, you combine red wine brandy and orange juice in a bowl, and then slice up some apples, oranges, and lemon and add them. A light touch of sugar will give you the extra bit of sweetness the drink needs, pour it over ice, and enjoy.
Tips for Making Red Wine Cocktails
Red wine can sometimes become a bit too overpowering, or underwhelming, if you get your mixture or rations wrong. Here are a few tips for making the best red wine cocktails you have ever tasted.
Choose the Right Wine
Firstly, choose a red wine that complements the flavors of the ingredients you are using. For example, a lighter red wine pairs magically with fruity and zesty flavors, while a rich, dark red is ideal for drinks packed with spices.
Pair with Complementary Flavors
Red wine pairs very nicely with dark fruits, spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and citrus liqueurs. Because of this, it is always a good idea to mix and match and experiment to see which ingredients and types of cocktails red wine would pair well with.
Sweetness & Acidity
There are plenty of cocktails out there that aren't sweet, while there are many that are. Red wine is inherently more bitter and acidic than sweet, and therefore you need to balance out those flavors to ensure one doesn't overpower the rest, similar to how you would pair it with food.
Add Carbonation
A great way to bring some zing into a red wine cocktail is to simply add some carbonation. Whether it be soda water or champagne, the bubbles will lighten the fairly heavy wine and make it far more refreshing; ideal for a Summer cocktail.
Spices & Herbs
Red wine is also the perfect base for an infusion, in particular, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and rosemary. This allows you to add more layers to your cocktails, or give them a festive twist when Christmas comes around.
Red Wine Syrup
Finally, a red wine syrup is a brilliant way to add red wine notes to a cocktail that needs the layer of flavor, without the volume. A reduced syrup made with a touch of sugar will also give you a hint of sweetness, which is perfect for cocktails that are more on the acidic or bitter side.
*This is a collaborative post. All views and texts are my own.
