This post includes 3 superb recipes that are made with red wine, 2 of them are super simple and the third one is absolute classic!

I hope you enjoy them...

Red Wine and Lemonade

I almost feel embarrassed to include this because it speaks for itself.

But if you've been reading the rest of this series of posts, and want to try making the switch from hating red wine (like I used to) then here is a good starting, and finishing measure you can try before attempting the jump to only red wine.

In stages I suggest trying;

1. 2oz of Red Wine mixed with 4oz of lemonade.
2. Next, go for 3oz of each.
3. Then, 4oz Red with 2oz of lemonade.
4. Finally 5oz Red to 1oz lemonade.

Then switch to cold, or warm Red Wine when your taste buds are ready.

Don’t rush into things with each step, allow your palette time to adjust to the stronger blends as you go.

If you already like red wine and haven't tried this drink, then I suggest you give it a go.

(Don't have too many though, soda isn't exactly healthy is it?)

Speaking of soda, what about kinds?

Well, I haven’t tried mixing red with any other form of soda myself, but Ginger Ale, Club Soda or other fruit based sodas may also work. If you’re an experimental type; give some different combinations a go and feel free to comment to inform me of your discoveries.

Lazy Sangria

Red Wine and Orange Juice, or Lazy Sangria as I prefer to call it, is not to everyone’s taste but worth mentioning.

For this drink, take a 3rd of your favorite Red and top up with 2/3rds of your favorite Orange juice.

Simple!

I find Red Wine and Orange Juice a refreshing and low alcohol content drink that can be enjoyed on a hot day. A strong and somewhat dry red is best for this otherwise it can be overpowered by the OJ.

You can also give this a try with a sparkling Orange flavored water to add some fizz. I won’t mention any specific brand names but I’m sure you can find a good one. ;-)

And finally...

Sangria

Sangria is a superb way to get some red wine into your system. There are Sangria recipes galore out there on the web, and as mentioned in the which wines section, even pre-made Sangria available.

The recipe I have included here is both as simple and “traditional” as I know. If you don’t find this recipe to your taste buds satisfaction, then I recommend you check out the sangria recipe book written by Lisa Shae.

Ingredients

• 1/2 of an Apple and 1/2 an Orange - leave the Apple skin and Orange rind on. Remove seeds from Orange if needed.
• 4 tbsp of Brown Sugar, or Cane Sugar
• 3/4 cup of Orange Juice
• 1/3rd of a cup of Brandy or Rum (I Prefer Rum, Brandy is more traditional)
• 1 bottle (750ml) Dry Spanish Red Wine (Change it for sweet, or another variety if you have to!)
• Ice

To make the Sangria, follow the ingredients list from top to bottom, adding each one as you go. Stir with each addition to your pitcher or bowl.

Or, if you prefer steps:

1. Add Orange and Apple segments, give a quick 30 second stir to mix.
2. Add the sugar and stir again for 30 seconds to mix.
3. Add the orange juice, stir again for 30 seconds.
4. Add Brandy (or Rum), and stir for 30 seconds.
5. Add the whole bottle of Red Wine, and stir for 30 seconds.
6. Add Ice before serving.

Feel free to add extra Orange segments to your pitcher or bowl for garnish when ready to serve. Just to make it look more fancy.

You can get away with adding all the ingredients together before stirring, but that can sometimes cause what I can only describe as a “patchy” flavor. This means some sips may be sweeter than others, or certain flavors may not combine properly.

Variations

You can add almost any fruit you wish to a Sangria (although Bananas don’t work, sadly). The book mentioned at the start of this recipe goes into them all much better than I ever could, so be sure to check it out.

What's Next?

I hope you enjoy this little post on drinks made with red wine, next up I will be posting some food dishes that are made with it.

Thanks for viewing!