What To Mix In Red Wine

Okay, let’s be real for a sec. You’ve got a bottle of red wine that’s just fine. Not terrible, not amazing—just... fine. What do you do? You don’t chuck it. You mix it. Because let’s face it, life’s too short for boring sips, and red wine is basically the Rust Belt of beverages: sturdy, a little rough, but incredible with the right partner.

First up: spices. Toss a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and a slice of orange into a saucepan with your red. Heat gently—don’t boil it, we’re not making soup—and you’ve got mulled wine that’ll make you feel like a Victorian ghost who also knows how to party. Add a splash of brandy if you’re feeling rebellious. (You are. I can tell.)

Feeling fruity? Muddle berries—blackberries, raspberries, whatever’s lurking in the fridge—right into the glass. The tannins in the wine love a good fruit punch. For a twist, try a splash of pomegranate juice. It’s like the wine went to a spa and came back radiant.

Don’t sleep on dairy. I know, I know—mixing wine and milk sounds like a dare. But try red wine with a dollop of mascarpone or over vanilla ice cream. Yes, that’s a float. It’s decadent. Your inner child will high-five your inner sommelier.

Herbs? Oh, honey. Thyme and rosemary are red wine’s BFFs. Strip a sprig, drop it in a glass of cheap sangiovese, and boom—you’ve got a rustic Italian that Hemingway would’ve drunk. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel for a zesty “I meant to do that” vibe.

What To Mix With Red Wine? What You Need To Know - 2023

And finally, the classic: soda water. A spritzer. Don’t roll your eyes—when wine is too heavy, a splash of bubbles lightens it up like a exhale of relief. Add ice; you’re basically rewriting the rules of summer.

The moral of the story? Red wine isn’t precious. It’s playful. So go ahead—mix, muddle, and mull your way to a glass that’s yours. Cheers to the happy accidents that taste like joy.