The wine cocktail comeback: 5 classic drinks to rediscover
Low-alcohol trends, nostalgia, and TikTok flair are bringing wine cocktails back to the bar
The comeback of classic wine cocktails is in full swing as more consumers are reaching for lower alcohol pours. Simple, no fuss recipes are also gaining traction pointing to convenience and affordability as key factors in drinking trends today. This has led to sherry, port and vermouth taking lead roles on the bar again alongside simple bubbly and still red and white wine mixes as people re-discover grape-based cocktail classics.
Rob Nellis, of Buyers + Cellars tasting room in Ottawa points out that when it comes to ordering wine cocktails, “The majority are older millennials and Gen X’ers.” Even though these demographics are driving wine drinking trends along with boomers, all generations are attributing to its revival.
So, what gives some of these past beloved drinks a second life? While affordability, lower alcohol and convenience play a big role, TikTok and Instagram trends are highly influential to a younger crowd. Remember the Aperol Spritz social media craze? Pictures of this drink plus a backdrop of *insert dreamy destination here* were everywhere. But, when it comes to wine, even a trending audio that includes a mention of “Negroni Sbagliato…with Prosecco in it,” can have Gen Zs and younger millennials swooning for this sparkling classic.
Social media is a direct motivator for people to enjoy wine again, from the more recent risqué move of placing a frozen jalapeño in your sauvignon blanc, to stirring up revived wine concoctions. Classics like mimosas and sangria have remained on drink menus for decades, but some old-fashioned wine-inspired drinks are coming back with a bang.
Will more classic, wine-based recipes find themselves slung down the bar tops any time soon? Most signs (and algorithms) point to yes. When asked about comeback cameos in the wine scene, Nellis admits, “A classic old school wine cocktail I would love to see come back is Mulled Wine. We are under a blanket of snow for six months a year, and a cup of hot, spiced Mulled Wine on a cold night just hits right!”
In the meantime, here are five classic wine-based cocktails worth a second sip:
Sherry Cobbler
Dry Sherry 3 oz.
Simple Syrup ¼ oz.
Orange/lemon slices
Shake & pour over crushed ice.
The Sherry Cobbler dates as far as two centuries back! Pro tip: For those seeking a toned down cocktail, this simple and refreshing mix weighs in with only half of the abv as a typical spirit-based drink.
French 75
Gin 1oz.
Lemon Juice ½ oz.
Simple syrup ½ oz.
Shake & Strain
Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
Gaining its fame during the prohibition era, the French 75 blew up after its publication in a New York magazine. Pro tip: “I prefer the old school classic with the sugar cube in the glass instead of Simple Syrup,” says Nellis.
Porto Tonico
5oz White Port
3 oz tonic
Pour over ice, garnish with orange wedge.
Simple, refreshing and low alcohol. Pro tip: Add your own twist with flavoured soda water. As Nellis puts it, “It’s easy and delicious; a good white port mixed with good Tonic Water, and a wedge of orange in a glass… maybe add mint.”
Kir Royale
Crème de Cassis ½ oz.
Champagne 5 oz.
Pour over frozen berries and stir.
Originating in the mid-19th century in Burgundy, the Kir was originally made with Aligote, a still white wine. Once people started substituting still wine for Champagne it became the Kir Royale. Pro tip: Change up the flavour by switching out Crème de Cassis with Chambord for a raspberry flavour, or Kirsch for cherry
Tinto de Verano
1 part red wine
1 part lemon flavoured soda
Pour over ice and garnish with lemon wedge
Tinto de Verano is a Spanish red wine cocktail that translates to red wine of summer. It drinks like a lighter, zippy sangria. Pro tip: Use unoaked reds for a more refreshing flavour profile. And throw in a cinnamon stick, true to the drink’s Spanish form.
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