Check Out These 5 Publix Aprons® Wine-Based Cocktails

The drink of the season? Wine cocktails, of course. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy these cocktails at a dinner for two or any event. These drinks are visually pleasing, easy to make in large batches, have a light and refreshing taste and are great for holidays or any occasion. Whether you prefer red, white or sparkling wine, your options are endless when mixing up delicious wine cocktails. The best part of it all? Publix Aprons® has recipes at your fingertips. Check out some of our favorites below!

Sparkling Manhattan

A unique twist on a classic. A typical Manhattan features American whiskey and Italian vermouth. This Sparkling Manhattan features a dry sparkling wine and vermouth. An orange twist for a garnish sets the perfect vibe.

 Ingredients – 1 serving

• 2 ounces dry sparkling wine
• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• Orange twist, for garnish

 Steps

1. Fill cocktail shaker with ice; add all ingredients (except garnish).
2. Stir to chill; strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

Cucumber Sparkler

Fresh fruit paired with basil leaves, sparkling water and sparkling wine make this the perfect pool day cocktail. In a rush? No worries. This is easily put together in 15 minutes!

Ingredients – 12 servings

• 2 oranges, thinly sliced
• 1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 cups sparkling water
• 1 (1 ounce) bag fresh basil leaves
• 1 bottle (750 milliliter) sparkling white wine
• 8 cups ice cubes

Steps

1. Slice oranges and cucumber. Combine sparkling water, oranges, cucumber and basil in a large pitcher. Add wine and ice. Serve.

Gingered Apple

Fresh ginger pairs perfectly with mint leaves and apple in this sweet yet flavorful recipe. If you’re looking for a new favorite for a nightcap, this is it.

Ingredients – 1 serving

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
• 2 slices Red Delicious apple, for drink/garnish
• 6 to 8 mint leaves
• 3 ½ ounces light- to medium-bodied white wine
• 1 ½ ounces vodka
• Splash of soda water

Steps

1. Muddle ginger, sugar, apple slice and mint leaves in cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice, wine and vodka. Shake well; strain into a highball glass and top with a splash of soda water.
3. Garnish with an apple slice.

Strawberry Basil Mimosa

We can’t leave out the weekend staple! Brunch is always a good idea on a weekend and what goes better with your waffles, avocado toast and hash browns than a Strawberry Basil Mimosa? For lunch or dinner, pair it with our Three-Pepper Steak with Pull-Apart Cheesy Bread. Substitute orange liqueur for the orange juice for more flavor and a little more kick.

Ingredients

• 2 strawberries
• 2 basil leaves (+ additional, optional for garnish)
• 1 ounce orange juice
• 3 ounces Champagne
• Strawberry slice (optional for garnish)

Steps

1. Muddle strawberries and 2 basil leaves in cocktail shaker. Let stand 2 minutes (or more) for flavors to blend.
2. Add ice and orange juice, then shake well; strain into a champagne flute.
3. Top with Champagne. Garnish with a strawberry slice and remaining basil leaf.

Pineapple Mojito Sangria

The best of both worlds. A mojito paired with a sangria — how great is that? This taste of the tropics is sure to transport you to island time. Want to kick it up a notch? Add half a cup of white rum if you’d like.

 Ingredients

• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 1 (1-ounce) bag fresh mint, leaves only
• ⅓ cup superfine sugar
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) medium-bodied white wine blend (like Apothic White Wine Blend)
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup white rum (optional)
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda
• Garnish: pineapple wedge and mint leaves

Steps

1. Muddle lime slices, mint leaves and sugar in large pitcher.
2. Stir in pineapple, wine, pineapple juice and rum. Cover and chill two to three hours.
3. Stir in lemon-lime soda just before serving over ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint leaves.

Now that you know some of our favorites, be sure to try them and let us know which one you like best. Don’t see anything you like? Our Publix Aprons® team has many more wine-based cocktails to try. With so many options, you’ll find something you’ll love.

Drink responsibly. Be 21.