Wine cocktails are having a moment. More and more people are embracing these lower alcohol libations as sophisticated alternatives to spirits-based mixed drinks. And no wonder! They’re easy to make, easy to love, and easy to add to your next gathering. Our organically farmed variety is perfect to use for a cocktail because we don’t add extra sulfites in wine. Bonterra’s wide range of wines made with organically grown grapes offers a rainbow of delicious options for wine cocktails everyone can enjoy.

In this post, we’ll share some of our signature wine cocktail recipes, pro tips for mixing, and our suggestions for the best time to serve them up. 

Wine Cocktail Basics 

As with any successful beverage, the trick to making a great wine cocktail is choosing quality ingredients and balancing those flavors to your taste. The wine you pick really sets the tone for the whole drink, so it’s important not to skimp on quality or purity. Wines that are made from organic grapes at organic wineries – like Bonterra’s entire lineup – offer a pure expression of nature that pairs well with many different flavors, and elevates any cocktail recipe. 

You don’t need a lot of specialty bar equipment or cocktail shakers for wine cocktails. Most of them just require some cool-looking glasses, a stirring spoon, something to juice citrus with, and maybe a blender. You’re good to go!

Strawberry Agua Fresca with Sauvignon Blanc 

This fun, fruity cocktail is the perfect drink for casual summer get-togethers and quality beach or pool time. Anything strawberry is fantastic with Bonterra Rosé, and this recipe is no exception – try it in place of Regenerative Organic Certified Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pink twist. Use organic strawberries and limes to make the whole cocktail organically grown! 

• 2 cups strawberries
• Juice of 2 limes
• Your favorite soda water
• Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc
• Simple syrup
• Pretty herbs or sliced strawberries for garnish

Blend the strawberries with the lime juice, pour over ice in your serving glass, and top with a generous glug of your favorite soda water and Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc. (Measure with your heart.) Add some simple syrup for some extra sweetness, or not, and stir it up. Top with the garnish and enjoy!

Blood Orange Italian Cream Soda

This citrusy classic cocktail twist on Italian cream soda makes a killer brunch cocktail but also steals the show at backyard garden parties (with or without a throwback theme). Don’t be afraid to get creative with the garnish – candied orange peel, orange slice, edible flowers, freeze-dried strawberries, frozen cranberries, or just some freshly sliced citrus will make this wine cocktail pop.

• Juice of 2 blood oranges
• Simple syrup
• Your favorite soda water
• Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc or Bonterra Estate Chardonnay
• Half and half
• Whipped cream
• Colorful garnish

Pour the blood orange juice into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Add a bit of simple syrup, a splash of your favorite soda water, and an even bigger splash of Bonterra Estate wine. (Again, follow your heart.) Carefully pour some half and half over the top, garnish with the whipped cream, and finish with the show-stopping garnish of your choice. Bravo!

Bonterra Spritz

This is the drink for truly special celebrations: iconic, versatile, and delicious. When you’ve got amazing wine made from certified organic grapes, go ahead and let it shine. Sometimes the simplest things are also the best. Feel free to use your favorite Bonterra white wine here!

• Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc
• Your favorite soda water
• Squeeze of organic lemon juice
• Organic lemon twist

Pour Bonterra Estate Sauvignon Blanc over ice in a wine glass. Top with a splash of your favorite soda water, and garnish with an organic lemon twist. 

Pro tip: For a sophisticated white wine spritzer variation, try a splash of elderflower liqueur in place of the lemon. Or, swap in fresh organic lime juice for the lemon and garnish with a slice of fresh lime slice.

Mulled Red Wine Cocktail

A cup of hot wine infused with sweet spices is the ultimate holiday season red wine cocktail and something people in Europe have been warming up with for centuries. While red wine is the traditional choice, try Bonterra Chardonnay or Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc for a unique white wine version that’s every bit as delicious and comforting. Explore different types of wine to mix up your mulled wine!

• 1 organic orange
• ¼ cup honey or sugar
• 10 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 1 bottle Bonterra Zinfandel

Cut a few good-looking orange slices to use for garnish, and juice the rest into a pot. Add the honey or sugar with the spices and a half-cup of water, and bring to a simmer while stirring. Once your sweetener is dissolved, add the red wine and simmer gently for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can infuse the wine. Ladle into mugs and serve hot, topped with the fresh orange slices.

Get Creative with Your Wine Cocktails 

These four recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wine cocktails. Feel free to change up the fruit and juices to whatever you like (pineapple juice, pomegranate, mango, etc.), and don’t forget a fun garnish – after all, we drink with our eyes first! 

If you’re looking to simplify your wine purchase for cocktails, order wine online with Bonterra or sign up for our wine club so you never run out of options for your next get together. Whether you’re re-inventing sangria or creating a totally new wine-based cocktail, Bonterra Vinyard’s award-winning wines bring a fresh, pure, True Zero Waste taste of what wine should be. We hope they find their way into your next wine cocktail. Cheers!

Four Creative Wine Cocktails: Recipes for Lower Alcohol Drinks