Wine Cocktails for Warm Seasons
As the weather warms up and patios fill with glasses of refreshing seasonal cocktails, wine lovers often find themselves reaching for a glass of white wine, sparkling wine or rosé. There are other ways for wine lovers to enjoy a glass of their favorite sipper in the warm weather seasons, while also enjoying something a little different from the usual pour. Wine cocktails combine wine with spirits (along with citrus, herbs, and liqueurs), bringing together the best qualities of both worlds—with layered flavors, bright acidity and refreshing bubbles.
In some cases, incorporating wine into cocktails adds alcohol content and complexity, especially when paired with full-proof spirits. However, many wine cocktails actually feel lighter and more sessionable because the wine stretches the cocktail while balancing stronger spirits with bubbles, acidity, and freshness. Lighter wines and aperitifs help create lower-proof cocktails that feel refreshing and approachable during warmer months.
Wine has long played a role in classic cocktails. Sparkling wines add an effervescent lift to celebratory drinks such as a spritz or a French 75. For those who prefer flavor complexity over something light and crisp, red wine can contribute richness to spirit-forward cocktails like the NY Sour. We love using wine in cocktails because it opens the door to bright seasonal flavors but also works great in celebratory drinks.
From sparkling wine cocktails to spirit-forward creations with layered depth, these recipes offer a fresh take for cocktail enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.
VERMONT VIOLETTE
Floral, bright, and beautifully balanced, the Vermont Violette combines sparkling wine with Rum 44 and vibrant botanical flavors for a cocktail that feels elegant yet approachable.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1 oz. of Rum 44
-1/2 oz. of Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette
-1/2 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-1 oz. of Lambrusco
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lemon swath.
SPARKLING SILVER
Perfect for brunches, celebrations, or warm afternoons on the patio, the Sparkling Silver showcases how sparkling wine can transform a cocktail by adding refreshing texture and effervescence.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1/4 oz. of simple syrup
-3/4 oz. of fresh lime juice
-1/2 oz. of Orange Curaçao
-1.5 oz. of Rum 44
-2 dashes of Angostura bitters
-2 oz. of dry sparkling wine
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the Rum 44 with simple syrup, lime juice, orange curaçao and Angostura bitters. Add ice to the shaker, then shake for 15 seconds. Strain into a flute glass, then top with the dry sparkling wine. Add an orange peel for garnish.
BOURBON SPRITZ
This simple riff on the traditional spritz combines bourbon with sparkling wine and a bitter aperitif for a cocktail that feels both sophisticated and easy to drink. The wine helps lighten the whiskey, while adding crisp bubbles and balance.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz Straight Bourbon
-1 oz Aperol
-3/4 oz Lemon Juice
-Prosecco or Sparkling Wine
-Orange Slice
Instructions:
In a large wine glass, add all ingredients over ice. Top off with bubbles. Add an orange slice for garnish.
VERMONT SPRITZ
A riff on a French 75, this cocktail blends botanical and citrus flavors with sparkling wine for an aromatic, refreshing serve that is perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1 oz. of Rum 44
- 3/4 oz. of St. Elder
- 3/4 oz. of Lemon Juice
-Sparkling wine
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents into a flute. Top with sparkling wine. Add a lemon peel for garnish.
AIR MAIL
The Air Mail combines our silver Rum 44 with sparkling wine for a celebratory cocktail with a hit of lime and honey. It is a light, toast-worthy cocktail with a crisp finish.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1 oz. of Rum 44
- 3/4 oz. of Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz. of Honey Syrup
- 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Sparkling wine
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, then strain contents into a flute. Top with sparkling wine, and add a lemon peel for garnish.
NY SOUR
A modern classic, the NY Sour isn’t an obvious choice for the warmer seasons, but it offers great complexity for those who prefer a beautiful cocktail with rich flavor. The wine float adds fruit depth, tannin, and complexity that elevate the whiskey base.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of simple syrup
-1 oz. of lemon juice
-1/3 dropper of Ms. Better’s Bitters Miraculous Foamer
-1/2 oz. of red wine
Instructions:
Add the Bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice and foamer to a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a large rocks glass over a large ice cube. A foam will form on the top. Insert a bar spoon upside down in the glass, bringing it into the foam a little bit. Slowly pour the red wine over the spoon, then enjoy!
Sparkling wines add texture and effervescence, creating lighter and more refreshing drinks, while red wines can add body, tannin, and dark fruit character. Fortified wines and aperitifs bring bitterness, sweetness, and herbal complexity. When paired thoughtfully with Mad River Distillers spirits, wine can soften stronger flavors, create balance, and add nuance that evolves with every sip.
For wine lovers, these cocktails offer a familiar starting point with an unexpected twist. And for cocktail enthusiasts, they’re a reminder that some of the most refreshing and sophisticated warm-weather drinks begin with a bottle of wine alongside a favorite spirit. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for something refreshing and a little unexpected, these wine cocktails offer plenty of reasons to raise a glass this season.
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on May 18, 2026.
