Wine Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Wine Cooler Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol:8%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Wine Cooler cocktail has its origins in the 1980s when wine coolers became a popular alternative to beer and other alcoholic beverages. They were especially popular among those who enjoyed a lighter, more refreshing drink. Wine coolers are often associated with summer parties and outdoor gatherings, making them a favorite among those who enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere.
- Originally popular in the 1980s
- Associated with summer parties and outdoor gatherings
- Favored by those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing drink
How Wine Cooler Tastes?
The Wine Cooler cocktail has a fruity, refreshing, and slightly sweet taste. It is light and easy to drink, with a subtle hint of wine and a pleasant mix of fruit flavors.
Interesting facts about Wine Cooler
- Wine coolers were initially made by mixing wine with fruit juice and carbonated water
- They gained popularity as a lower-alcohol alternative to other beverages
- Wine coolers can be made with various types of wine, such as red, white, or rosé
Ingredients
- White wine: 4 oz(120ml)
- Lemon lime soda: 4 oz(120ml)
- Orange juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lime wheel: 1
- Orange wheel: 1
White wine
The backbone of any wine cooler is, unsurprisingly, wine! It's a wine down kind of drink, so don't go pouring your entire bottle in—4 oz keeps it classy and prevents anyone from getting too grape-faced. Leave it out, and you've got just a spritzy juice—certainly not the adult relaxation you signed up for. If you swap it out for, say, a rosé, you'll end up with a pink twist and a slightly different flavor—rosé all day, baby!
Emma Rose
Lemon-lime soda
This is the fizzy lifting drink that takes your cooler ...well, cooler. At 4 oz, it's perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too sharp. Forget it, and your wine cooler is as flat as a bad joke on a first date. Sub in ginger ale for a spice-kick—like soda, but with a little more ginga' in your swinga'.
Alex Green
Orange juice
A juicy addition at 2 oz, it brings a tang of the tropics without turning your drink into a miniature fruit basket. Less, and you might miss the point; more, and you're having breakfast. Swap for pineapple juice for a luau in your mouth—aloha, flavour!
Mary Mitkina
Lemon juice
Half an ounce brings just the right pucker—enough to say 'Hello there, zesty!' but not so much it's like biting into a lemon. Skip it, and you might as well call it a soft cooler. Use lime juice instead, and suddenly it's got a bit more 'limelight.'
Emma Rose
Lime wheel
That little wheel is not just there to look pretty—it's the garnish on top, like the cherry on your sundae or the sprinkles on your donut. It whispers, 'I'm fancy,' even when you're in your PJs. No lime wheel? Not the end of the world, but you lose some zest-appeal.
Alex Green
Orange wheel
And here's the sunny side of your garnish—bright, inviting, and a hint of what's to come. Like a garnish postcard that says 'Wish you were here,' right on the rim of your glass. Pass on it, and though your taste buds may not send an SOS, your eyes might feel a bit stood up.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Wine Cooler Drink
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add 4 oz of white wine
- Add 2 oz of orange juice
- Add 0.5 oz of lemon juice
- Top with 4 oz of lemon-lime soda
- Stir gently to combine
- Garnish with a lime wheel and an orange wheel
Pro Tips
- Chill all ingredients before mixing to ensure a refreshing drink
- Use a high-quality white wine for the best flavor
- Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice can make a big difference in taste
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The citrusy notes of the cocktail complement the fresh lime juice used in this seafood dish.
- Mild cheeses: A chilled wine cooler alongside mild cheeses like Brie or Mozzarella is a match made in heaven.
- Fruit Salad: Enjoy your drink with a fresh and juicy fruit salad to enhance the fruity flavors.
Mains
- Grilled Chicken: The soda's fizz and the acidity from the citrus juices make it a refreshing counterpoint to lightly-seasoned poultry.
- Seafood Pasta: The light and crisp nature of the cocktail works well with seafood dishes that aren't overly creamy or heavy.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: A sweet and sour dessert like lemon sorbet will be heightened by the fruity and zesty notes of the Wine Cooler.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The simplicity of vanilla can be a creamy backdrop that contrasts nicely with the bubbly cocktail.
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What you could change in Wine Cooler
- White wine can be substituted with rosé or red wine for a different flavor profile
- Lemon-lime soda can be replaced with club soda for a less sweet version
- Orange juice can be replaced with grapefruit or pineapple juice for a tropical twist
Explore all drinks starting with W here
And of course - twists🍹
Rosé Cooler Twist
Switch up the white wine for a dry rosé, go for a splash of cranberry juice instead of orange, and top with some elderflower tonic for a floral take. The result? A cooler with more panache. A sip and you'll be feeling like you're on a French Riviera holiday, darlings.
Recipe:
- Ice in the glass
- 4 oz of dry rosé wine
- 2 oz of cranberry juice
- 0.5 oz of lemon juice
- Top with elderflower tonic
Sparkling Mimosa Cooler
Say hello to brunch vibes! Use sparkling wine instead of still white, toss in the orange juice, but say ‘adieu’ to the lemon-lime soda and lemon juice. Top with a dash of grenadine for a sunrise effect. It’s brunch in a glass, with more sparkle than your favorite influencer’s IG feed.
Recipe:
- Ice in the glass
- 4 oz of sparkling wine
- 2 oz of orange juice
- A dash of grenadine
Tropical Wine Cooler
Make it a beach day with this twist featuring coconut water instead of soda, pineapple juice in place of orange, and a splash of blue curaçao for that ocean hue. It’s as if the tropical islands sent you a drink in the mail, no postcard needed.
Recipe:
- Ice in the glass
- 4 oz of white wine
- 2 oz of pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz of lemon juice
- Top with coconut water and a splash of blue curaçao
In case you forgot basics how to make Wine Cooler
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Wine Cooler
What is the best occasion to serve a Wine Cooler cocktail?
Wine Coolers are versatile and can be served at almost any social gathering, but they are particularly good for brunches, summer barbecues, pool parties, or casual get-togethers with friends.
Is it okay to mix red and white wine in a Wine Cooler cocktail?
It's not traditional to mix red and white wine in a Wine Cooler. While you could experiment with this, it may alter the flavor and not really add to the experience. Unless you're feeling particularly adventurous, it's probably best to stick to one type of wine.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Wine Cooler cocktail?
Yes, you could make a non-alcoholic version of a Wine Cooler by substituting the wine for a non-alcoholic white grape juice or apple juice, and using a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage instead of the soda.
What type of white wine should be used in a Wine Cooler cocktail?
While any type of white wine can technically be used, a dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. They provide a crisp, refreshing backbone to the cocktail without contributing excessive sweetness.
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