There’s something about summer that invites experimentation. Drinks that seem out of place at any other time of year – beach cocktails or any form of diluted wine such as spritzers, for example – often embody just the right mood for a balmy Sunday afternoon on a garden lounger. If anything, cocktails that use wine as their base generally have the advantage of having a much lower ABV than their spirit-based peers, which is great if you want to keep things a bit lighter. Here are some of our wine-based suggestions for a fun summer party.
Sangria
Sangria is a long-standing summer classic, but you can create an even fresher version by swapping the red wine for white and adding peaches and elderflower cordial to a medley of citrus slices before topping up with soda water. Replace the usual tot of brandy with a splash of zingy ginger wine. Serve over ice with a sprig of lemon balm and edible flowers.
Fizz
Fizz is among the simplest and best choices for aperitivo. But you can lean into the social summer vibe even more by partnering your fizz with orange juice (Mimosa), peach juice (Bellini) or a splash of crème de cassis (Kir Royale). For an even more sophisticated take on the Kir Royale, try splitting a bottle of Edmunds’ Chambord Bramble between glasses and topping with fizz. Yum.
Wine julep
Thanks to the bourbon content, Mint Juleps can pack a powerful punch. If you want a similar sipping-a-drink-on-the-porch feel, you could give this lower-ABV alternative a whirl. Simply pour around 100mls of a fragrant white wine (like albariño) into a glass with a splash of peach liqueur before filling to the top with ice and garnishing with a generous bunch of fresh mint.
Frosé
A good option for a summer party, this is simplicity itself. Pour a bottle of rosé wine into a baking tin and freeze overnight. The following day, slice a punnet of strawberries and sprinkle with caster sugar to allow the juices to release. Then whizz up the strawberries and frozen wine in. blender to create the ultimate summery drink.
Adonis
If you like a more traditional aperitivo, the Adonis is a good option. created in the 1880s at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, this cocktail is the perfect accompaniment for sophisticated nibbles. Simply stir equal quantities of sweet vermouth and fino sherry with ice before straining into a coupe and garnishing with a twist of orange peel.
