With Wine Cocktail Trends seeing a surge on TikTok, it’s got us curious about which ones we love, and those we don’t. On a special segment of CTV’s The Social, I share recipes of Wine Cocktails that I truly love, plus we will be tasting some of those viral recipes as well. Of course, you can find all the Wine Cocktail Recipes shared on this segment here on Liquid Culture! So let’s get to it.
If you’d like to watch the live segment shared on CTV’s The Social, make sure to click HERE!
Icewine Bourbon Julep
There’s so many reasons I gravitated towards building an Icewine Julep, but I think the biggest draw was the fact that I could incorporate this iconic Icewine. Icewine is definitely not something that is used in a ton of cocktails, but I realized it’s more due to access vs creativity. In Ontario, yes, you can find a lot of local Icewine, but not many other countries either don’t produce themselves due to their climate or have little access to it. Plus, Icewine is expensive to produce, so cost plays a factor.
That’s why I wanted to celebrate something that does feel truly unique and Canadian with this special Icewine from Henry of Pelham, which if you know, produces some of the top wines in the region *cough*Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine is a dreamboat*cough*.
What’s also great about Icewine in cocktails? It lends in some sweetness when you need it! Instead of Simple Syrup, this can be a great substitute. Mind you, if there’s a ton of acid in your Icewine, you may need to add a dash of Simple Syrup or Honey and that goes a long way. So be mindful of this!
Choosing your Whisky
When choosing your whisky, I would lean towards more of those stone and dried fruit notes, caramel and vanilla for a truly magical Julep. That’s why Bourbon works so beautifully here. If you’ve been catching my stories as of late, Jefferson’s Bourbon has quickly become a favourite of mine and I HIGHLY recommend picking up this blended Bourbon. Especially since this Bourbon also comes at a great value.
Kentucky Ice Age
Ice Wine and Bourbon come together in an unlikely, yet delicious Julep.
– Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Jefferson Bourbon
- 1.5 of Henry of Pelham Ice Wine
- 10 Sprigs of Mint + Bouquet for Garnish
- 2 Lemon Peels
- Icing Sugar for Garnish Optional
Instructions
- In a Julep Tin, Add in your lemon peels and mint and muddle gently.
- Add in your bourbon, ice wine and top ¾ of the way with crushed ice. Stir until combined.
- Top with more Crushed ice and garnish with a bounty of Mint. Dust with Icing Sugar for a “winter snow” effect.
White Wine Martini
This is one of those Martinis where…I wish I knew about this sooner. My GOD. My GOD, White Wine Martini’s need to be a thing in your life, and this recipe in particular needs to the first one you run too.
I decided to take an approach of a Vesper of sorts with this recipe, because that is my ultimate Martini. When I’m looking for something luscious, I love how the Gin and Vodka marry with the Lillet Blanc, but this is easily going to replace that. One key ingredient to tie all the flavours is the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. But note, if you don’t have that, Dry Curacao can go a long way too.
Choosing your Wine for this White Wine Martini
You actually have some flexibility when it comes to choosing your White Wine for a Martini. Now if you love an extra, extra dirty martini, a buttery California Chardonnay would be a perfect compliment to the cocktail. Or say you like a Gibson, and looking for something a touch sweeter (which I do recommend if you don’t love a ton of acid in your martinis), a Riesling or Gewurtztraminer would go a long way. But this time around, I’m using a special wine from South Africa called Arniston Bay which produces some outstanding Sauvignon Blancs at a value. Plus every purchase of this wine here in Ontario supports the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, and in particular the critically endangered African Penguins. This is a wine on all fronts. This Martini saves Penguins. You’re welcome.
Martin Vines
White Wine is the new star of the classic Martini, mixed with Vodka, Gin, Luxardo Maraschino and a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 oz Stoli Elit Vodka
- 1 oz Loop Gin
- 1 oz Sauvignon Blanc White Wine
- 1 barspoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
Instructions
- In a mixing glass, combine all your ingredients, fill with ice and give this a good stir.
- Double Strain into a Martini Glass and Garnish with your preference.
Sparkling Fizz – Wine Cocktails made Simple
Friends, I’m so excited for this win cocktail for a number of reasons, let’s start with the first. This Sparkling Wine Cocktail answers all the prayers for those who want something that isn’t sweet at ALL, lower in alcohol, looks gorgeous in a glass and super refreshing. I typically always push that adding a liqueur or sweetener to a cocktail goes a long way to balancing the cocktail. But here I am, approving this very light, bright Sparkling Cocktail that takes no effort whatsoever.
Then, I have the pleasure of sharing to my Ontario audience here that one of my FAVOURITE sparkling wines is finally in the market and that’s Cocchi Brut. My love for Cocchi product runs deep, but what many Canadians don’t know is that they have a thriving Wine business as well. We finally have access to it in the vintage section and it needs to be a must on your list. I also love this Sparkling for this cocktail, because it does have the right amount of balance when it comes to sweet, acid and effervescent. But choose the Sparkling Wine YOU love to go with it.
The other reason I love this cocktail creation is that you can adapt this recipe with what you have and by the season. Say it’s Spring time for example. Throw in some Snap Peas, Cucumber, Basil, Mint, Lemon and Thyme. It will be gorgeous. Or say you want something that leans towards the summer flavour, throw in Mango, Grapefruit, even Strawberries slices and pair your herbs with the fruit of choice.
Sparkling Reformer
An easy, refreshing Sparkling Fizz that can be enjoyed in any season!
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 6 oz Sparkling Wine Cocchi Brut
- 2 oz Soda
- 2 Blood Orange Wheels
- 1 Lemon Wheel
- 4 Apple Slices
- 1 tsp Pomegranate Seeds
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
Instructions
- Fill your glass with ice and all the fruit / herb /dried Ingredients. Top with Sparkling Wine and Soda. Stir to combine.
Recipe Notes
You can build these Sparkling Cocktails to almost any season and with ingredients you already have at home. For Spring, think Cucumber, Lemon, Mint and melon. For Christmas, fill it up with fresh cranberry, mint and ginger.
If you’d like to catch any of my other segments on CTV’s The Social, make sure to CLICK HERE.
