You deserve a party once in a while. After all, you work hard – week in and week out. Between all the endless responsibilities of adult life, you need to carve out some time for yourself somewhere once in a while. After all, all work and no play…well, you know the rest.
And one way to unwind that humans have been indulging ineffectively since the dawn of man is to enjoy a refreshing alcoholic beverage. Enjoyed in moderation, pouring yourself a perfectly mixed drink can be an excellent way to relax, destress and bond with your nearest and dearest. There’s nothing quite like knocking back a few cheeky drinks with friends on a weeknight or perhaps even facilitating social gatherings on the weekends.
In this helpful article, we’ll share eight white wine-based cocktails that will help really get the party started, no matter what you’re celebrating. So pull out some bottles of cabernet sauvignon and let’s get right into these methods of modern mixology.
1. Bicicletta
This is a simple yet refreshing Italian aperitivo. You can use a dry white, such as a pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc, and mix it with Campari – a bitter red liquor well known for being used in the classic Negroni. Mix the wine with the Campari, and then top it all off with a splash of soda water before garnishing it with some dehydrated orange wheels. This drink is perfect for a lazy afternoon in spring or summer, relaxing outside and perhaps even enjoying a homemade charcuterie board to really enhance the subtle, citrusy flavours of this particular drink.
2. The Alberino Mint Julep
Another excellent white wine-based cocktail, this drink puts a delicious twist on the classic Mint Julep. Simply pour in some Spanish white wine, with a touch of creme de peche over some crushed ice, and then garnish your julep with a classic mint sprig. This is a deceptively simple and refreshing beverage, perfect for the first drink of the night before you move on to something more substantial. We also highly recommend preparing this to complement your spread this Christmas season!
3. Front Porch Swing
Like its namesake, this is a perfect drink to sip on while sitting on the porch. It may look like a classic glass of Sangria and it tastes a bit like one too, but rest assured, this cocktail still packs a serious punch. Start with a white Sangria base, then top it up with cucumber-infused vodka and some delicious elderflower liqueur. To garnish, chop up some halved grapes, and add an orange wheel.
Want a bit of extra colour? Garnish further with some strawberries and herbs, and you’ve got a fruity and herb-infused drink that is perfect for enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.
4. St Germain Cocktail
Here’s another refreshing white wine-based cocktail that will kickstart the party. This is a simple yet elegant drink destined to tantalise your taste buds. To start off, add some white wine to your glass (you can also use sparkling white if you feel like it). Then add a splash of some club soda and a dash of elderflower liqueur. Give it a good stir, and you’re ready to go. Garnish however you like, although you can’t go wrong with a little lime wedge. This drink is a slightly less bitter sister to the Aperol Spritz, just to give you an idea of how it goes down.
5. Berry Wine Slushie
Delight the child in you by making yourself some boozy berry slushies this summer! This one is sure to please all your dinner guests and partygoers once the weather gets warmer. And believe it or not, it’s easier to prepare than you may think.
Simply blend some frozen berries and ice. We recommend doing a mixture of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and perhaps even some strawberries, to keep your flavour profile nice and complex. Once your fruits have all been blended, simply add as much white wine (like a prosecco) as you’d like, and bam! You’ve just made the perfect frozen cocktail, ideal for hot summer days. If you want to take it up a notch, add some fruit liqueur for an extra punch.
6. French Pear Martini
This sparkling wine-based cocktail is a delicate and soft floral drink that will be sure to inspire a tipple or two among you and your friends. To prepare, simply mix some sparkling wine with pear-infused vodka, before adding some elderflower liqueur. Garnish with a lemon twist and a pear slice. You may also choose to rub some superfine sugar around the rim for an extra sweet garnish that’ll only elevate the warmth of this fruity, floral concoction.
7. Plumdog Millionaire
Any guess where this cheeky beverage got its name from? This is a unique and delectable cocktail that all gin lovers in particular must absolutely try at one point or another. Of course, it is unusual in that plums are not often found in cocktails. The plum flavour actually comes from Japanese plum wine, which pairs excellently with gin in this drink. Add some lavender soda, and then garnish with black plum and a little sugar round the rim, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.
8. Figgy Sparkler
This is our final drink in this blog, and we’re going out with a bang – or a fizz. This beverage is a perfect celebratory drink. Think New Year’s Eve or another big celebration such as a graduation, a wedding anniversary, or simply celebrating getting yourself a fun, new job. This drink mixes fresh cranberries, figs, oranges and vodka in a refreshing and tasty blend. Use sparkling white wine, and garnish with an orange twist.
A Cocktail Conclusion
This helpful article has shared eight white wine-based cocktails that will really get the party started. Perfect for all occasions, you’re bound to enjoy at least one of these suggestions. So enjoy experimenting with these cocktails at your next party and remember to drink responsibly.
