The best white wine cocktails

We’ve chosen seven of our favourite white wine cocktails which showcases just how much you can do that goes far beyond the traditional white wine spritzer – although, naturally, we have included a recipe for a great white wine spritzer! 

Unless explicitly stated, most of the recipes make just one cocktail so just multiply to make as many as you need. 

What is the best white wine to use in a cocktail?

Most cocktails will be best with dry, crisp styles such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. We’ve given you a recommendation with each recipe but feel free to use whatever you have.

This is zero fuss refreshment on a warm day! If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter then swap the soda water for lemonade. You can also mix it up by adding different types of cut fruit such as strawberries or grapefruit or a sprig of mint to add more flavour.

Ingredients

• 150ml white wine – try the Savvie Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 
• 90ml soda water  
• Slice of lemon
• Slice of lime

Method

• Grab a large wine glass or gin glass and add plenty of ice. 
• Pour in the white wine. 
• Pour in the soda water. 
• Garnish with the lemon and lime. 

A deliciously refreshing twist on classic Spanish Sangria. A nice dry Spanish white wine is good here, as is a Spanish brandy (we like the Torres 10 Gran Reserva) to keep it authentic. This recipe makes a large jug of sangria which should serve about 6 people. 

Ingredients

• One 750ml bottle of white wine – try the Finca Manzanos Seleccion de la Familia Rioja Blanco.

• 120ml Spanish brandy 

• 50-300ml soda water or lemonade 

• 200g strawberries 

• An orange 

• A lime 

• A lemon
  
• Half a cucumber

• A few sprigs of mint

Method

• Cut up all of the fruit however you like it and pop it in the jug with the mint. 

• Add a good helping of ice. 

• Add the white wine and brandy and give it a good stir. 

• Top up with the soda water or lemonade if you like it a bit sweeter. 

• Keeping the jug in the fridge for a couple of hours will allow all the fruit to infuse so if you have time this is definitely worth doing before serving up. 

The creaminess of the Advocaat is lifted by the sharpness of the lemon in this flavourful cocktail. Its richness also makes it a nice alternative to dessert if you like. 

Ingredients 

• 50ml white wine – try the Le Zeitgeist Sauvignon Blanc Vin De France 

• 50ml Advocaat 

• 20ml lemon juice 

• Bit of lemon for garnish 

Method

• Put plenty of ice in a cocktail shaker. 

• Add all of the ingredients and give it a good shake. 

• Strain into a martini or coupe glass. 

• Add your lemon garnish. 

A twist on a classic martini. We’ve chosen a ‘grapey’ tasting white wine to go with this but as always its just a recommendation, feel free to use whatever you have!  You can make the simple syrup at home, just combine equal parts water and granulated sugar in a saucepan and heat until the sugar fully dissolves. 

Ingredients 

• 20ml white wine – try the Kuehn Alsace Muscat

• 50ml plain vodka 

• 9 grapes 

• 15ml simple syrup 

Method 

• Put 6 of the grapes into a cocktail shaker and muddle. 

• Add the rest of the ingredients along with some ice. 

• Give it a good shake. 

• Strain into a martini glass. 

• Put the remaining grapes onto the skewer for the garnish. 

The Bisicletta hails from rural Italy, where locals claim it’s the ideal way to recover after a bike ride, hence the name! 

Ingredients 

• 60ml white wine – try the Brio Soave DOC

• 30ml Campari 

• 20-50ml soda water 

• Orange slice 

Method

• Add a few ice cubes to a tumbler or large wine glass. 

• Add the wine and Campari. 

• Top up with soda water to taste. 

• Garnish with a slice of orange. 

A crowd-pleasing staple from the Ardèche region in southern France, this is best made in a big batch ahead of time. The below recipe makes a batch to serve around 10 people. 

Ingredients 

• 750ml white wine – try the L’Impression Blanc Vin De France

• 750ml sparkling wine – try the Julien Barthazac Crémant de Bordeaux

• 750ml lemonade or soda water 

• 150ml white rum 

• 100g sugar 

• 4 oranges 

• 4 lemons 

Method

• Cut the oranges and lemons into thin slices and put into the bottom of a large jug or punch bowl. 

• Add the white wine, rum and sugar and give it a stir. 

• Leave in the fridge for 24-48 hours. 

• Add the sparkling wine and lemonade with some ice cubes, stir and serve. 

Another cocktail hailing from France, the Jacqueline is super simple, refreshing and absolutely delicious. Everything you’d want from a white wine cocktail on a warm day! 

Ingredients 

• 70ml white wine – try the Le Zeitgeist Côtes de Thau Piquepoul

• 20ml lemonade 

• 5-10ml grenadine 

Method

• Put the grenadine in a tall glass or wine glass along with a few ice cubes. 

• Add the white wine. 

• Add the lemonade and give it a quick stir.