There’s something undeniably chic about the art of mixing cocktails. And when wine is added to the mix, it can bring the experience to another level of creative possibilities. Wine is no stranger to mixed drinks. In fact, wine has been a key ingredient in some of our favorite sips for centuries, contributing complexity and balance to a wide array of punches, flips and sours. If you haven’t incorporated wine into your cocktails yet, consider this an invitation! Here are three irresistible wine-infused cocktails to add to your collection.
Bad Sunday
Picture this: A lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun gently warming your skin, and your only plan is to indulge in a little day drinking. Enter the Bad Sunday cocktail, a sparkling libation that combines the mystique of Tofino Distillery’s Psychedelic Jellyfish Absinthe from Vancouver Island with the spicy heat of New Deal Ginger Liqueur from Portland, Oregon. This cocktail’s pièce de résistance is the effervescence of Tirriddis House Gris from Prosser, Washington, and a touch of pear liqueur, which ties everything together with the most satisfying finish.
Makes | 1 cocktail
Ingredients
4 sprays of Tofino Distillery Psychedelic Jellyfish Absinthe
½ ounce New Deal Ginger Liqueur
½ ounce Belle de Brillet Pear and Cognac Liqueur
4 ounces Tirriddis House Gris
Garnish
Borage flowers (optional)
Directions
Using an aerosol mister, spray a chilled coupe glass with absinthe. Add the liqueurs to the glass. Top with Tirriddis House Gris Brut. Garnish with borage flowers, if desired.
New York Sage
The classic New York sour gets a delightful update with an infusion of herbaceous sage. Nightside Rye Whiskey from Edgewood, Washington, brings smoky and spicy notes that are beautifully complemented by the rich, velvety Torii Mor Port from Dundee, Oregon. Adding sage-infused simple syrup creates a harmonious blend that enhances both the whiskey and the luxurious port. The result is a sophisticated beverage that is perfect for sipping on a crisp evening while cozied up by the fire.
Makes | 1 cocktail
Ingredients
2 ounces Nightside Rye Whiskey
1 ounce lemon juice
¾ ounce Sage Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
1 egg white
½ ounce Torii Mor Port
Garnish
Fresh sage leaf
Directions
Add all ingredients except for the port to a shaker tin and dry shake for 15-20 seconds. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice, cap, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Double strain into a chilled rocks glass with ice. Pour the port over the cocktail and garnish with a fresh sage leaf.
Sage Simple Syrup
Makes | about one cup
Tip: Adding a touch of salt brings out the herbal sage flavors of this simple syrup, making it perfect for cocktails that use egg whites. It will lift the whole cocktail.
Ingredients
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup water
Pinch of salt
15 sage leaves
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Strain out solids and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Alba Sangaree
So you want something a little dry? Combining a gin and tonic with sangria represents a natural evolution in this dry but satisfying cocktail for a crowd. Crafted with Scratch Distillery’s Gin & Tonic Style Gin from Edmonds, Washington, known for its crisp botanical notes, and the addition of Moxie Mule Vermouth Bianco from 40 Acres Blending Company of Snohomish, Washington, which introduces bright, complex undertones and delicate spice. To add a touch of sweetness and zest, I couldn’t resist Portland Syrups’ Yuzu Syrup, delivering a burst of yuzu flavor and aroma. For a fruity finish, Goose Ridge Estate Winery’s 2023 Revelation Sauvignon Blanc from Benton City, Washington, adds vibrant acidity and bright fruit flavors, harmonizing beautifully to create a lively medley of floral and citrus. This cocktail is perfect for a backyard get-together or a cozy night in with friends.
Makes | 4-6 Cocktails
Ingredients
¼ cup golden raspberries
¼ cup ground cherries
¼ cup Itachi cucumber, sliced
1 orange, sliced
6 small sprigs of thyme
8 ounces Scratch Distillery Gin & Tonic Style Gin
4 ounces 40 Acres Blending Co. Moxie Mule Vermouth Bianco
4 ounces Goose Ridge Estate Winery 2023 Revelation Sauvignon Blanc
3 ounces Portland Syrups Yuzu Syrup
2 ounces lemon juice
8 ounces seltzer water
Directions
Combine all ingredients except for the seltzer water in a carafe or pitcher. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. When ready to serve, add seltzer water and stir gently to combine. Pour over ice in small punch glasses, ensuring each glass contains some fruit.
Find more Behind the Bar Recipes here.
Barware provided by Holcomb
