Raise a glass to Riesling Birthday with a delicious Riesling wine cocktail
And just like that, Riesling has turned 589 years!
To celebrate this year’s Riesling birthday, I wanted to do something a bit more adventurous than simply opening a bottle of Riesling. Though there would not have been anything wrong with that either.
With a trip to German Riesling country, including some of the most exciting wine regions like the beautiful Mosel Valley, Rheingau, Pfalz, or Rheinhessen unfortunately not possible due to other commitments, it was going to be Riesling cocktails.
Which might sound fairly shocking to many true Riesling lovers.
But is it really?
I mean no one seems to have any issues with sparkling wine cocktails. So way do many still think mixing anything into still wines is a sin?
Personally, I do not have any problem mixing up a wine cocktail. In fact, I am totally team wine cocktail.
Once you start dipping into the world of wine cocktails, you will realize there is a whole world of delicious combinations.
Of course, I wouldn’t use quality wines in the higher price category as this would be a waste of excellent wines indeed. That does not mean I am telling you use cheap wines for mixing. A good quality wine in the lower medium price category (somewhere between €15 to €25) would likely be a perfect choice if you want to get started with wine cocktails.
What exactly is a wine cocktail?
As the name suggests, a wine cocktail is a cocktail that is mixed with wine.
More precisely, it is a cocktail that is based on wine as the main component. The wine will be mixed with other ingredients like different types of spirits, bitters, fruit juices, and carbonated water.
As mentioned before, champagne cocktails (and those using other types of sparkling wine) by definition are wine cocktails too. However, these days references to wine cocktails in most cases allude to cocktails mixed with still wines.
All types of wine, white, rosé, and red across all grape varieties can be the base for a wine cocktail. Which means, there is a nearly unlimited choice of different flavour profiles waiting to be discovered.
What to consider when mixing cocktails with Riesling
Riesling is known for its fruity and aromatic characteristics. It is high in acidity and usually has a natural sweetness. It is hugely versatile and the perfect base for a wide range of delicious, refreshing cocktails. However, not all Riesling wines are alike.
If you want to learn more about Riesling, read my post Riesling: A short introduction to German Riesling & Best Food Pairings.
When mixing wine cocktails with Riesling, it is important to use a Riesling that will complement the flavours of the cocktail. As a rule of thumb, consider the below guidelines:
- Dry or off-dry Riesling: best for refreshing and lighter cocktails. Think of a simple wine spritzer.
- Slightly sweeter Riesling: best for richer cocktails with more depth and complexity. Sweeter Riesling are perfect for cocktails using bitters and citrus flavours as the latter will soften the sweetness of the wine.
5 delicious Riesling wine cocktails for any occasion
With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start mixing up a batch of refreshing cocktails.
Below are five easy-to-make refreshing Riesling cocktails that will quickly become favourites at your next garden party, after-work get-together, family evening, or to be enjoyed all by yourself.
Riesling Wine Spritzer
The most classic wine cocktail, the wine spritzer is a combination of still white or red wine with carbonated water, which usually means club soda. The result is a delicious low alcohol sparkling wine cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
Serves 1
60 ml Riesling
60 ml club soda
2-3 drops lemon bitters
Add Riesling and club soda to a cocktail class over ice. Add 2-3 drops lemon bitters or a squeeze of lemon juice for a slightly citrusy twist.
Riesling Campari Punch
This one is a real crowd pleaser and perfect for your first garden party of the year or to quickly mix up on the first warm spring days for an impromptu aperitivo.
The Riesling Campari Punch is basically a lighter, less bitter version of the classic Campari orange.
Serves 1
100 ml Riesling, well chilled
45 ml Campari
80 ml Orange juice, will chilled
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail glass over ice.
If you want to prepare the punch for a larger crowd, simply multiply the ingredients to the appropriate amount. Pour into a large pitcher and refrigerate for a few hours until needed.
Riesling Margarita
Adding Riesling is a fantastic way to drink your margarita! The fruity, floral notes of the Riesling perfectly complement with the lime and orange juice.
Serves 1
90 ml Riesling
30 ml tequila
15 ml lime juice
15 ml orange juice
15 ml simple syrup
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a margarita glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a (dried) lime wheel.
Riesling Bellini
The Riesling Bellini is another delicious twist to one of the most beloved sparkling wine cocktails: the famous Bellini cocktail from Harry’s Bar.
This version tastes equally delightful but is much simpler to prepare as you do not need to make the peach puree.
Serves 1
60 ml Riesling
25 ml Peach liqueur
50 ml Prosecco (or other sparkling wine)
Add all ingredients to a champagne flute and stir lightly to combine.
Riesling Mule
A lovely twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this refreshing cocktail is the perfect drink for the warmer days ahead.
Serves 1
60 ml Riesling
20 ml lime juice
30 ml vodka
60 ml Ginger beer
lime wheel
6-8 mint leaves
Add Riesling, lime juice and vodka to a mixing glass and stir to combine. Pour into a mule glass filled to the rim with ice. Top up with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel and some mint leaves.
Do you have a favourite wine cocktail? Let me know which one in the comments below.
Carrots and Tigers 