Plain wine and straight sake can get old fast. You want a drink that feels elevated and special. Something with a little sparkle, citrus, or color. But you also want to keep it easy, without needing bartender skills or obscure ingredients.
These recipes fix that. They’re effortlessly elegant, refreshing, and simple enough for anyone to pull off, using wine, spritzers, or sake as the star.
Whether you’re hosting, lounging, or just experimenting, these drinks give you that elevated feel without the fuss.
1. The Best Sangria Cocktail Recipe for Entertaining
Red wine blends with brandy, orange juice, triple sec, and a colorful mix of fresh fruits like oranges and apples in this full-bodied sangria.
After chilling for 2-8 hours, the flavors deepen beautifully.
Perfect for sharing at parties or relaxed get-togethers.
2. Kir: A French Classic
This ultra-simple French aperitif mixes dry white wine with a splash of blackcurrant liqueur (crème de cassis).
Sweet, fruity, and light.
An effortless way to dress up your glass of wine in seconds.
3. Kalimotxo: The Low-Key Spanish Cocktail
It sounds unusual, but this 2-ingredient drink is pure magic.
Equal parts red wine and cola create a surprisingly balanced, fizzy cocktail.
Sweet, bold, and wildly simple to mix in seconds.
4. Bishop Cocktail: Rich and Complex
Dark rum and red wine come together with a splash of lime juice in this deeply flavored, warming cocktail.
Inspired by classic Caribbean and European flavors.
Great for slow sipping or cold-weather evenings.
5. Grapefruit Frosé
This icy blend of rosé, grapefruit juice, and a hint of vodka turns into a slushy-style cocktail with bright citrus tang.
It takes about 2 hours of freezing.
Then just a quick blend to serve.
Ultra refreshing and ideal for warm days.
6. Easy Wine Spritzer
This crisp white wine spritzer combines dry white wine with bubbly club soda and a touch of citrus for a thirst-quenching finish.
Ready in just 2 minutes, it delivers light and elegant refreshment.
Perfect for summer afternoons or easy entertaining.
7. Sake Hot Toddy
Sake, honey, lemon, and warm water make this gentle twist on the classic hot toddy.
Smooth and soothing with mild alcohol content.
Perfect sipper when you’re under the weather or craving a comforting nightcap.
8. Dark ‘n Cloudy: Unique and Bold
This striking cocktail uses sake and dark beer layered together to create an earthy, bold flavor mix.
Rich and unusual.
Perfect for those who love to try something a bit unexpected.
9. Japanese Highball
Whisky and sparkling water create this clean, fizzy highball with Japanese flair.
Though not wine or sake-based, it fits beautifully in any elegant cocktail lineup.
Smooth, delicate profile.
10. Yuzu Drop: A Bright Citrus Twist
A sake-based spin on the lemon drop, this cocktail uses yuzu juice for a sharper citrus note.
Combined with vodka and a sugared rim.
It hits that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and strong.
11. Cool, Crisp, Citrusy: The Ultimate Sake Cocktail
This drink blends sake with cucumber, yuzu juice, and sparkling water for a light, refreshing, and citrusy profile.
It’s fast to prepare.
Pairs beautifully with sushi or light meals.
12. Make Mulled Wine Like a Pro
Warm, spiced, and soul-soothing, this mulled wine recipe uses red wine, brandy, citrus, and classic winter spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Simmer for about 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
Serve hot for holiday vibes in a mug.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.