A Few Simple Ways To Make Wine Even Better
If you enjoy wine and like experimenting, these practical tips will help you get more flavor, chill your glass without dilution, and turn everyday bottles into fun drinks. Whether you want to elevate a bargain box or keep your favorite white cold until the last sip, these ideas are easy, affordable, and enjoyable.
I make wine disappear. What’s your superpower?
1. Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit does double duty: it chills your wine without watering it down and can subtly enhance the flavor. This is especially helpful for boxed or inexpensive wines that benefit from an extra touch. Use a few pieces in your glass, and they’ll keep the drink cool while releasing complementary fruit notes.
Frozen fruits that pair well with white wine
- Grapes – Neutral flavor, great for cooling without changing the taste.
- Pineapple – Works well with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or Moscato.
- Peaches – A versatile match for many white wines.
- Berries – Light flavor and attractive in sparkling wines.
- Cranberries & Pomegranate – Mild, compatible with many wines.
- Lemon or lime – A squeeze brightens citrus-forward wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
2. Wine Cubes
If you like your wine very cold but hate dilution, freeze wine into ice cube trays. Pop a cube or two into your glass to keep it chilled while preserving flavor. This works with most table wines; avoid freezing sparkling bottles, as carbonation and expansion can cause problems.
Note: Don’t freeze sparkling wine.
Wine cubes are perfect for pool days. Add berries or tiny fruit pieces to the cube molds before freezing for an attractive, flavorful touch.
Budget tip
If you love a particular Sauvignon Blanc but want to save, look for well-reviewed, value options from reliable stores. Many retailers offer good alternatives at a lower price point that deliver similar flavor at a fraction of the cost.
3. Wine Slushie
Turn wine cubes into a slushie by pulsing them in a blender or food processor. This creates a refreshing, semi-frozen drink perfect for hot afternoons. You can make it thick enough to spoon or keep it sip-friendly. Most wines work for slushies; opt for inexpensive bottles rather than premium vintages.
I like to make mine thick, spoon the first half, then sip the rest.
4. Wine Spritzer
A spritzer is a quick way to lighten and refresh wine. Add sparkling water—plain or flavored—to your glass. Try a splash for subtle fizz or more if you prefer a lighter drink. Ice and fruit make attractive additions. Sparkling waters now come in many flavors, making experimentation easy and fun.
Sparkling water pairings by wine type
- Sauvignon Blanc – Citrus flavors like lime, lemon, or grapefruit complement it well.
- Pinot Grigio & Riesling – Versatile; try a variety of sparkling flavors to find favorites.
- Chardonnay – Avoid strong citrus; opt for subtle fruit flavors if you want to experiment.
- Moscato – Often sweet and slightly effervescent; frozen sweet fruits pair nicely more than additional sparkling mixers.
- Red Wine – Berry-flavored sparkling water or a splash of fresh orange juice can make a simple, low-sugar sangria-style drink.
Try small amounts to find what you like. A little sparkling water adds bubbles and stretches the bottle without making the drink overly sweet. If you want sweetness, soda like 7-Up or Sprite works, but it will add extra sugar.
5. Add Vodka
Boost a glass of white wine into a light cocktail with vodka and lemonade. A simple mix: 1 oz vodka, 2 oz lemonade, and 4 oz white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, or sparkling). Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge or frozen berries. You can omit the vodka for a non-alcoholic twist using sparkling wine and lemonade.
Mixing sparkling wine with lemonade over ice makes a refreshing, lower-proof option.
6. Champagne & Schnapps
For a fruit-forward sparkling cocktail without reducing alcohol, add a splash of schnapps to champagne or prosecco. Peach schnapps creates a belini-like drink with a stronger kick. A small amount of fruit puree or juice can be added if desired.
7. Red Wine & Cola
Try a splash of cola in red wine for a surprisingly pleasant drink. Use a dark cola like Coke or Dr Pepper and serve over ice. Many people enjoy a 50/50 mix, but adjust proportions to taste. This is a simple way to transform a cheap red into something festive.
8. Wine & Ice Cream or Sorbet
Sparkling wine over scoops of sorbet or fruit-forward ice cream makes a playful, refreshing dessert cocktail. Use raspberry, cherry, vanilla, or strawberry for bright results. This approach also works well for punch: combine scooped sorbet in a bowl and top with sparkling wine for an easy party treat.
