5 Must-Try Summer Wine Cocktails DIY: Your Tropical Refreshment Guide

The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and that familiar summer heat is starting to settle in. What better way to beat the warmth and elevate those laid-back afternoons than with a refreshingly delicious drink? Forget heavy spirits and complicated concoctions – this summer, we’re diving into the delightful world of wine cocktails. These lighter, fruit-infused beverages are the perfect way to sip your way through the season, offering a burst of flavor without weighing you down.

And when it comes to unique and vibrant wines that lend themselves beautifully to summer mixes, look no further than Schnebly Winery. As the southernmost winery in the United States, Schnebly crafts an exceptional selection of exotic tropical fruit wines, bursting with the natural sweetness and tang of the Florida sunshine. Their innovative approach transforms fruits like mango, passion fruit, lychee, and avocado into incredibly flavorful wines, making them an ideal base for your DIY summer creations. https://schneblywinery.com/ 

Ready to shake up your summer drink routine? We’ve curated 5 must-try tropical wine recipes that are easy to make at home and guaranteed to impress your friends. Get your shakers ready, because a taste of the tropics is just a few simple steps away!

II. Why Wine Cocktails are Perfect for Summer

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why wine cocktails are the ultimate choice for your summer sipping pleasure:

• Light and Refreshing Alternative: When the temperature soars, heavy, spirit-based cocktails can feel a bit overwhelming. Wine cocktails offer a lighter and more refreshing alternative, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful drink without feeling bogged down. The natural acidity and fruit-forward notes of many wines create a crisp and invigorating base.
• Versatile and Easy to Customize: Wine’s inherent fruitiness makes it incredibly versatile for mixing with a wide array of seasonal fruits, juices, and herbs. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh berries, juicy melons, and fragrant mint to create your own signature tropical wine recipes. The possibilities are endless!
• Lower Alcohol Content for Daytime Sipping: Sometimes you want a delicious drink without a significant kick. Wine cocktails often have a lower alcohol content compared to traditional mixed drinks, making them ideal for enjoying during leisurely afternoons by the pool, at a summer barbecue, or simply unwinding on your porch.
• The Fun of DIY and Experimenting: There’s a unique satisfaction in creating your own delicious beverages. Making wine cocktails at home is not only easy but also a fun way to get creative in the kitchen. You can adjust sweetness levels, play with different flavor combinations, and discover your new favorite summer sip.

III. The 5 Must-Try Summer Wine Cocktail Recipes (DIY)

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these five easy and incredibly refreshing tropical wine recipes, all perfect for your summer enjoyment:

1. Mango Moscato Cooler

Imagine the sweet, juicy taste of ripe mango perfectly blended with the light, bubbly notes of Moscato wine. This mango moscato cooler is the epitome of summer refreshment, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of tropical tang.

• Ingredients:
  
  1. 4 oz Schnebly Winery Mango Wine https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/ 
  2. 2 oz Mango puree (fresh or store-bought)
  3. 1 oz Fresh lime juice
  4. 0.5 oz Simple syrup (optional, adjust to sweetness preference)
  5. Sparkling water or club soda
  6. Ice
  7. Mango slices and fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• Instructions:
  
  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the mango puree, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using).
  2. Shake well until thoroughly chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
  4. Top with Schnebly Winery Mango Wine or Moscato.
  5. Finish with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for extra fizz.
  6. Garnish with a fresh mango slice and a sprig of mint.
• Optional Variations: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a few drops of your favorite tropical bitters or a thin slice of jalapeño for a subtle spicy kick.

2. Passion Fruit Moscato Spritzer

This passion fruit moscato spritzer is a vibrant and zesty concoction that will awaken your senses. The tartness of passion fruit beautifully complements the sweetness of Moscato, creating a perfectly balanced and incredibly refreshing summer sipper.

• Ingredients:
  
  1. 4 oz Schnebly Winery Passion Fruit Wine https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/ 
  2. 1 oz Sparkling water or club soda
  3. 0.5 oz Agave nectar or simple syrup (optional, adjust to tartness preference)
  4. Ice
  5. Passion fruit seeds and a lime wedge, for garnish
• Instructions:
  
  1. In a glass filled with ice, combine the Schnebly Winery Passion Fruit Wine or Moscato and passion fruit juice.
  2. Add agave nectar or simple syrup if desired, and stir gently.
  3. Top with sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly finish.
  4. Garnish with a spoonful of fresh passion fruit seeds and a lime wedge.
• Optional Variations: For an extra aromatic touch, muddle a few mint leaves at the bottom of your glass before adding the other ingredients.

3. Tropical White Wine Sangria

Sangria is a summer classic, and this tropical wine recipe takes it to a whole new level by incorporating the vibrant flavors of tropical fruits and Schnebly’s unique white wines like Lychee or AvoVino. It’s perfect for sharing with friends on a warm summer evening.

• Ingredients:
  
  1. 1 bottle (750ml) Schnebly Winery Lychee Wine or AvoVino https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/ 
  2. 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
  3. 1 cup diced fresh kiwi
  4. 1 cup diced fresh starfruit (carambola)
  5. 0.5 cup orange juice
  6. 0.25 cup brandy or light rum (optional)
  7. 2-3 tablespoons simple syrup (adjust to sweetness preference)
  8. Sparkling water or club soda
  9. Fruit skewers, for garnish
• Instructions:
  
  1. In a large pitcher, combine the diced pineapple, kiwi, and starfruit.
  2. Pour in the Schnebly Winery white wine, orange juice, and brandy or rum (if using).
  3. Stir in the simple syrup to your desired sweetness.
  4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in the sangria, making sure to include some of the fruit.
  6. Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for extra fizz.
  7. Garnish with colorful fruit skewers.

4. Rosé Raspberry Refresher

This vibrant and fruity refresher combines the crispness of rosé with the sweet-tartness of raspberries, creating a beautifully pink and utterly delightful summer cocktail. Schnebly’s Beach Rose, with its unique blend of guava and avocado wines, adds an extra layer of intriguing flavor to this tropical wine recipe. https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/ 

• Ingredients:
  
  1. 4 oz Schnebly Winery Beach Rose
  2. 2 oz Fresh raspberries
  3. 2 oz Lemonade or sparkling pink lemonade
  4. 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
  5. Ice
  6. Fresh raspberries and a lemon slice, for garnish
  7. Optional: A sprig of fresh rosemary
• Instructions:
  
  1. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the fresh raspberries.
  2. Add the Schnebly Winery Beach Rose, lemonade or sparkling pink lemonade, and lime juice.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
  4. Double strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice to remove the raspberry seeds.
  5. Garnish with a few fresh raspberries and a slice of lemon.
  6. For an aromatic touch, add a sprig of fresh rosemary.

5. Sparkling Pineapple Wine Cocktail

For those who love a bit of bubbly and a taste of the tropics, this sparkling pineapple wine cocktail is a must-try. Schnebly’s Sparkling Lychee or Sparkling Passion https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/  adds an elegant fizz and complements the tangy sweetness of pineapple perfectly.

• Ingredients:
  
  1. 4 oz Schnebly Winery Sparkling Lychee or Sparkling Passion
  2. 2 oz Pineapple juice
  3. 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
  4. Ice
  5. Pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry, for garnish
  6. Optional: A dash of grenadine for color
• Instructions:
  
  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the pineapple juice and lime juice.
  3. Top with Schnebly Winery Sparkling Lychee or Sparkling Passion.
  4. Stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
  6. For a beautiful layered effect, slowly drizzle a dash of grenadine down the side of the glass.

IV. Tips for Making the Best Wine Cocktails

To ensure your DIY wine cocktails are a smashing success, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Use Quality Wine: The foundation of a great wine cocktail is, of course, the wine itself. Opt for flavorful and well-balanced wines like those offered by Schnebly Winery https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/  to truly elevate your creations. Their unique tropical profiles add an exciting twist to classic cocktail ideas.
• Don’t Over-Sweeten: The natural sweetness of the wine and fruits should be the star of the show. Start with less sweetener and adjust to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Chill Your Ingredients: Nobody wants a lukewarm cocktail on a hot summer day. Make sure your wine, juices, and any other mixers are well-chilled before you start mixing. You can even chill your glassware for an extra frosty treat.
• Experiment with Different Fruits and Herbs: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try muddling different berries, adding slices of citrus fruits, or infusing your cocktails with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary for unique flavor combinations. 
• Presentation Matters: A beautiful cocktail is a joy to behold and to drink! Use attractive glassware and take the time to garnish your creations with fresh fruit slices, wedges, or sprigs of herbs. It adds an extra touch of elegance. https://miamibrewing.com/merchandise/ 

V. Conclusion

So there you have it – five fantastic and easy tropical wine recipes to keep you cool and refreshed all summer long. With the unique and flavorful wines from Schnebly Winery as your base, you’re well on your way to becoming a DIY wine cocktail master.

We encourage you to try these recipes, experiment with your own favorite fruits and flavors, and share your delicious creations with friends and family. Summer is all about enjoying the simple pleasures, and a homemade wine cocktail in hand definitely counts as one of them!

Ready to stock up on the perfect wines for your summer cocktail adventures? Visit Schnebly Winery in sunny South Florida https://schneblywinery.com/  or explore their online selection https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/  to discover a world of unique tropical fruit wines that will take your summer sipping to the next level. Cheers to a delicious and refreshing summer!

Whether you’re looking for exciting mango moscato recipes or exploring other tropical wine recipes, Schnebly Winery offers the perfect wines to craft your own unforgettable wine cocktails this summer.  https://schneblywinery.com/collection/fruit-wines/