Summer drinking is all about sipping something cool while taking in the sun's warmth and the rustle of the breeze in the trees (or the lapping of the waves if you're lucky), and that's why wine cocktails are such a perfect summer drink. Most wine cocktails use a chilled libation like rosé or Prosecco as a base, making them a perfect counterpoint to the summer heat. And wine cocktails are usually less potent than traditional cocktails, so you can sit on the porch and drink with your friends all afternoon and still keep it together to go out for an amazing summer night.
1. Papaya Breeze Poptail
Fresh papaya and rosé wine make for a refreshing, totally grown-up take on the summer popsicle. Your next party just got even better.
Get the recipe from The View From Great Island.
2. Watermelon Moscato Slush
Possibly the perfect summer wine, light, complex moscato shines in this watermelon-infused slush. Or, put more simply, boozy slurpees. Do it.
Get the recipe on Will Cook for Smiles.
3. Sparkling Rosé Sangria
With sliced strawberries, fresh herbs, and a lovely pink hue, this sparkling rosé sangria is almost too pretty to drink. Almost.
Get the recipe from Brooklyn Supper.
4. Mixed Berry Wine Spritzer
Sweet Riesling teams up with sparkling water, lots of berries, and fresh mint leaves for a vacation-worthy (vacation-defining, even) cocktail.
Get the recipe from Fork and Beans.
5. Juniper-Infused French 75
Most wine cocktails are easy on the alcohol content. This isn't one of those cocktails. With champagne, gin, and a healthy hit of juniper-infused syrup, this baby is heavy duty.
Get the recipe from Brooklyn Supper.
6. Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Whether you're feeling patriotic or just hankering for a great drink, this red, white, and blue sangria has you covered.
Get the recipe from Noble Pig.
7. Peach Bellini
Bellinis are a classic brunch sip, and though you can make them easily by blending any fruit nectar with Champagne, these fresh peach bellinis take things to a new level of awesome.
Get the recipe from Laylita's Recipes.
8. Pomegranate White Wine Spritzer
Long associated with '80s moms and yachting types, the spritzer is poised for a comeback. And, with its thirst-quenching blend of sparkling water and crisp wine, this summer sip absolutely deserves another look.
Get the recipe from Nutmeg Nanny.
9. Citrusy Summer Sangria
Orange liqueur, citrus, and all kinds of summer fruit combine for a sangria so effervescent and refreshing, you may not want to drink anything else all summer long.
Get the recipe from Nutmeg Nanny.
10. Kir Royal
Whether it's for a dinner party or a date night at home, get out the champagne glasses and serve up a round of completely irresistible kir royals.
Get the recipe fromLaylita's Recipes.
11. Sparkling White Wine Sangria
Rhubarb, apples, and plenty of fizz make this sangria the ideal beverage for sunny summer parties.
Get the recipe from The Law Student's Wife.
RELATED:
18 Deliciously Refreshing Sangria Recipes
Elizabeth Stark is a food writer with a passion for seasonal food, great desserts, and inadvisable wine pairings. Read more on her blog, Brooklyn Supper.
