Can Red Wine Be Used in Cocktails?

Red wine isn’t only for sipping at dinner—it can transform mixed drinks with its layers of fruit, tannin, and acidity. Whether you’re working with a full-bodied cabernet or a light pinot noir, red wine delivers vibrant color, robust aromas, and serious depth to cocktails. Many classic and modern recipes rely on wine to balance sweetness, add a touch of earthiness, or give a rich visual appeal.

Why Use Red Wine in Cocktails?

Red wine isn’t a one-note ingredient. It offers:

Complex fruit flavor, from blackberry and cherry to plum and currant.
Velvety tannins that contribute structure and balance against sweetness.
Refreshing acidity, making drinks livelier and less heavy.
Striking color, turning a simple drink into a visual standout.

Each style of red wine—from bold zinfandel to juicy grenache—brings its own fingerprint to the glass. The trick is matching the wine’s body and flavors to the cocktail’s core spirits and modifiers.

Popular Cocktail Styles Using Wine

The most famous red wine mixed drink worldwide is sangria, but its use goes far beyond. Here are some common families of cocktails where red wine truly shines:

Sangrias: Classic Spanish punch blending red wine with fruit, citrus, and a hint of brandy.
Red wine spritzers: Light and refreshing, combining chilled wine and sparkling water for an easy summer drink.
New York Sour: Whiskey sour topped gently with a float of dry red wine, creating a dramatic two-tone effect.
Tinto de Verano: Spanish “summer red”—just equal parts red wine and lemon soda over ice.

new york sour cocktail with red wine float

Balancing Flavors When Using Wine

Red wine can dominate a cocktail if not paired thoughtfully. The best drinks find harmony between wine, spirits, acidity, and sweetness. Choosing a lighter, fruitier style (like pinot noir or grenache) gives brightness, while robust varietals work well when matched against bold spirits or spices.

Avoid oaky, heavy reds for delicate drinks; save malbec or cabernet for rich cocktails or punches.
Use sparkling red wines for spritzers—think Lambrusco or Brachetto—for extra lift.
Always taste and adjust—wine acidity and sweetness can vary by bottle.

Simple Red Wine Spritzer Recipe

90 ml chilled red wine (choose a juicy, fruit-forward style)
60 ml chilled soda water (plain or citrus-flavored)
Orange slice, for garnish

Fill a wine glass halfway with ice.
Pour in 90 ml chilled red wine.
Top with 60 ml soda water and stir gently to combine.
Garnish with an orange slice.

red wine spritzer in a wine glass with orange slice

Wine-based cocktails break the mold of classic mixed drinks, inviting new flavors and possibilities. Whether used as the star ingredient or a supporting accent, red wine brings sophistication and complexity to your glass. Try experimenting with different varietals and seasonal fruits for your next homemade creation.