Let’s face it — for some wine lovers, the idea of putting wine in a cocktail feels a little… sacrilegious. “Why would you ruin a perfectly good wine by mixing it with bitters, fruit juice, or — heaven forbid — lemonade?”
Well, here at EWGA Wines, we’re no strangers to a spirited debate. And while we wouldn’t dare suggest stirring a vintage Bordeaux into a spritz (calm down, claret fans), there’s a whole world of delicious, creative, and very valid reasons why wine can have a place in your cocktail shaker.
So, is it a goo or a noo? Let’s dive in.
Wine Cocktails Aren't New
Wine in cocktails isn’t a modern invention. In fact, it’s been around for ages. Take the Aperol Spritz — practically a national pastime in Italy, and now a beloved summer staple on UK patios everywhere. It’s light, bubbly, bitter-sweet, and built on a base of Prosecco.
But it doesn’t stop there. Think Sangria, Mimosas, Kir Royale, or even Mulled Wine in winter. All fantastic examples of wine playing nicely with other ingredients.
So, if you’re thinking wine cocktails are just a passing TikTok trend, think again. They’re rooted in tradition and ripe for reinvention.
But “You’re Wasting Good Wine”
Let’s get this clear: we’re not talking about shaking up a 2005 Pauillac with pineapple juice.
There’s a misconception that using wine in cocktails is somehow disrespectful to the wine or the winemaker. But the truth is, not all wine is destined for a decanter. Entry-level wines, blends, and sparkling wines often shine when paired with the right mixers.
Used properly, wine can add:
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Body and texture
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Lively acidity or freshness
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Subtle fruit or floral tones
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Bubbles (hello, Prosecco)
The secret? Balance. Respect the wine’s profile, and you’ll create something that elevates both the cocktail and the wine.
Wine Meets Mixology: Visit to Derwent Walker
To put theory into practice, we recently teamed up with the brilliant team at Derwent Walker. They are a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant right in the heart of Keswick.
We’ve supplied them with wines for a number of years, and when it comes to cocktails, they definitely know their way around a shaker. Ben Paxon, who manages their account, popped in for a visit in June. Together, they shot some cool photos and videos for their wine-based cocktails. (Check out their instagram for a behind-the-scenes look!)
Here are just a few of the drinks they’ve been mixing up with wine:
Negroni Sbagliato
A twist on the classic Negroni, this one adds Prosecco, making it lighter and fresher. It’s dangerously drinkable.
Ingredients:
20ml Campari
20ml gin
20ml sweet vermouth
Top with Prosecco
Garnish with an orange peel
Why we love it: For this cocktail, we used Cantina del Garda Prosecco, whose rich aromas of apple, lemon, and grapefruit cut through other ingredients. Also, the bitterness of Campari and Gin is softened by the bubbles.
Orchard Spritz
A refreshing, fruit-forward cocktail that blends white wine with sour apple syrup. This one is really zingy!
Ingredients:
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125ml Pinot Grigio
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25ml sour (green) apple syrup
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2 dashes orange bitters
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Top with lemonade
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Garnish with a lemon peel
Why it works: It’s crisp and perfectly thirst-quenching. Our Alpino Pinot Grigio adds lovely aromas, elegant zestiness and a bit of length.
New York Sour
A whisky sour with a red wine float? Yes, really — and it’s a stunner.
Ingredients:
50ml bourbon
20ml lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
15ml aquafaba or egg white
15ml Malbec float
Garnish with bitters
Why it’s clever: The La Bonita Malbec adds colour, complex aromas, and a rich, velvety finish, giving new life to a classic cocktail.
So... Goo or Noo? Our Verdict
We say: go for it — just do it right!
Wine and cocktails are not enemies. In fact, used thoughtfully, they can create drinks that are balanced, flavourful, and exciting. The key is to avoid using wines that are complex, aged, or expensive. These wines are meant to be appreciated on their own.
But for fresh whites, approachable reds, and sparkling wines with a touch of zing? Cocktail away.
At the end of the day, wine is meant to be enjoyed. Whether that’s in a Riedel glass with a perfectly aged Bordeaux or in a chilled tumbler topped with soda. If it makes you (and your guests) smile, then it’s doing its job.
Final Sip: Mix It Your Way
Here at EWGA, we love seeing wine embraced in creative ways. We’ll always champion tradition, but we’ll never shy away from innovation, especially when it helps bring more people into the world of wine.
So go ahead: experiment, mix, sip, enjoy. Wine cocktails aren’t taboo — they’re just a new way to fall in love with wine.
