Red wine is delicious on its own, but sometimes you may just want to change things up a little. There are plenty of red wine cocktails out there, but some recipes call for so many ingredients that you have to fill up your shopping cart just to mix a drink. These recipes are different. Each of these red wine cocktail recipes calls for 4 ingredients or less.
Tinto de Verano
This cocktail is inspired by the Spanish tradition of mixing together red wine and lemonade. The name means "summer red wine." Indeed, it is a fresher, lighter cocktail than most red wine cocktails, making it a good way to enjoy red wine in the summer. You'll need:
- 3 ounces red wine
- 3 ounces lemon-lime soda
- a splash of lemon juice
Combine the red wine and lemon juice, and stir well. Add the lemon-lime soda, fill the glass with ice, and enjoy.
Red and Blue
If you like sangria, you'll like this simple twist on the classic. The blueberries also add some character to the cocktail, making it a fun one to serve at parties. This recipe makes a whole pitcher — enough for about 4 people. You'll need:
- 2 cups red wine
- 2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Combine the blueberries and simple syrup in a large pitcher, and muddle gently, aiming to smash the blueberries partway. Pour in the red wine and the cranberry-raspberry juice, and stir well. Add some ice, and let sit for about 5 minutes in order to allow the ice to dissolve just a little. Pour into cocktail glasses, and enjoy.
Bitter Twist
This is a less-sweet cocktail that really lets the true flavor of the red wine remain prevalent. You barely taste the bitters, although they do add a more pronounced citrus note. You'll need:
- 4 ounces red wine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Pour the red wine into a glass. Stir in the orange juice and bitters. (If you enjoy the flavor of bitters, you can add an extra dash to bring the flavor out more). Rim the glass with a slice of orange if desired, and sip away.
Play around with these red wine cocktails, and see which one you like best. You can use whatever red wine you prefer in these recipes. They're all great with something milder, like a Malbec or Pinot Noir.