When people think of the best ways to drink white wine they tend to picture a warm afternoon and chilled bottle of their favorite varietal on hand, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the great taste of white wine. White wine makes a great base and mixer for cocktails. So if you’re looking to freshen-up your afternoon or evening, here are five great white wine cocktails..

1. Berries and Whites Wine Sangria
This delicious cocktail puts a new twist on a classic, and makes for a very refreshing drink on a hot day. It’s easy to prepare, and can be made in large batches for all your guests to enjoy. To make this delicious sangria, take one bottle of dry white wine, add a cup of lemon-lime soda, ½ a cup of raspberry vodka, ¼ cup of brandy, and a selection of chopped berries (consider chopped strawberries and raspberries).

2. Star Gazer
This delicious drink has a Caribbean flair, making it a perfect afternoon beverage to sip and enjoy at the beach. It’s made with 2oz. of Chardonnay, 1 oz. of dark rum, ½ oz. of vanilla bean syrup and a dash of pineapple juice. Be sure to give it a proper shake before serving over ice with a wedge of lime for garnish.

3. Summer Cup
For those that like a little fizz in their drinks and are after something of the sparkling white wine variety, then consider the Summer Cup, a fruit laden surprise. To make it just add 2 oz. of your favorite sparkling white wine, 1 oz. of the King’s Ginger Liqueur, 2 oz. of cranberry juice and 2 oz. of lemonade. Pour into a glass mixed with ice, lemon slices, and strawberries.

4. The Classic Wine Spritzer, or the Spritzer with a Twist
There are few cocktails more simple and classic than the White Wine Spritzer. Simply mix half a cup of club soda with half a cup of your preferred white wine and your drink is served. If you’re feeling adventurous or want to up the flavor ante, consider a Strawberry Spritzer, which is a mix of 5 ounces of white wine with 2 ounces of soda water, along with a few strawberries, a teaspoon of sugar, and ice.

5. Champagne Bowler
This cocktail is all about the Cognac. For the perfect Champagne Bowler mix 4 oz. of sparkling wine, 1 oz. of white wine, ½ oz. of Cognac, ½ oz. of simple syrup, and 3 muddled strawberries in a cocktail shaker. Shake, strain, and garnish with strawberries—voila!

Whatever your preference, there is a delicious white wine cocktail just waiting to dazzle your taste buds.

Image by Didriks used under Creative Commons License.